Math and Your Major
And College. And Pre-Professional Path.
Start Math Today!
If your major, College, and/or pre-professional path requires mathematics courses, particularly calculus and beyond, it is crucial that you prioritize math from your first quarter and progress each quarter. If you place into MATH 2, 3B, 3C, or 4C, your graduation could be delayed if you do not start math.
UCSD Majors Requiring Math (Calculus)
Many other majors require statistics. For specific information about the math coursework required for these majors, please consult the information on the major department’s website or within the General Catalog.
- Anthropology (Biological, Environmental)
- Astronomy & Astrophysics (all majors)
- Biology (all majors)
- Chemistry/Biochemistry (all majors)
- Cognitive Science (all majors)
- Data Science
- Economics (all majors)
- Jacobs School of Engineering (all majors)
- Environmental Systems (all majors)
- Global Health (Global Health BS)
- International Studies (Economics and International Business)
- Human Developmental Sciences (HDS BA-Optional; HDS BS-At least 10A required)
- Mathematics (all majors)
- Physics (all majors)
- Psychology (BS majors only)
- Public Health (Concentrations in Biostatistics; Climate and Environmental Sciences; Medicine Sciences)
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography (all majors)
- Urban Studies and Planning (Real Estate and Development)
Colleges Requiring Math
- Revelle – Calculus (MATH 10A/20A) is required for all students. Depending on your placement, you may need to take MATH 2, MATH 3B, and/or MATH 3C before MATH 10A. Especially if you are a transfer student, it is crucial you do not delay taking math. Consult Revelle Advising with questions about your options.
Colleges with Math Options
- Muir – options for Math or Natural Sciences GE
- Marshall – options for Mathematics, Statistics & Logic GE
- Warren – options for Formal Skills GE
- Eleanor Roosevelt – options for Quantitative & Formal Skills GE
- Sixth – options for Structured Reasoning GE
- Seventh – options for Quantitative Reasoning GE
- Eighth – options for Quantitative Methods and Engineering GE
Pre-Professional Paths
Generally, the below paths require calculus for admission into a professional program. Verify the admission requirements for specific schools of interest with their Admissions staff.
- Dentistry: Varies. See ADEA guidance.
- Medicine: Required. See guidance.
- Nursing: Varies. See guidance.
- Optometry: Required. See guidance.
- Pharmacy: Required. See guidance.
- Physical Therapy: Varies. See PTCAS guidance.
- Physician Assistant: Varies. See guidance.
- Veterinary: Varies. See guidance.
Need Help Choosing a Major?
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