Selective and Screened Majors
Selective Majors
What does selective major mean?
Selective majors are those that receive more interest than there are available spaces. These majors are very popular, meaning that departments cannot always welcome all qualified students. Reasons for selective status include limited space, teaching, and/or laboratory resources.
What programs have selective majors on our campus?
- Data Science
- Public Health
- Jacobs School of Engineering – all majors in these departments:
Continuing Students Only
The selective major application is open only to continuing UC San Diego students. Prospective and newly admitted students should start here to read more.
The Selective Major Application is now Open. Start here.
The application is due September 1, 2026. Be sure you meet all eligibility criteria to apply.
Future Cycles:
- Transfer students only - Public Health - the application will open in October with a deadline of Friday of Week 10 of Fall (December 4, 2026). Decisions will be made after Fall grades are final.
- Transfer students only - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - the application will open in January with a deadline of Friday of Week 10 of Winter (March 12, 2027). Decisions will be made after Winter grades are final.
Screened Majors
What does screened major mean?
A screened major is a major that has significant enrollment pressure and is growing quickly. Any student who meets the screening criteria will be allowed to declare the major.
What majors are screened majors?
- Structural Engineering (effective Summer 2025)
- NanoEngineering (effective Winter 2026)
For more information about screened majors, see the screened majors page.
Questions?
Review our FAQ page.Alternative Major Options for Selective Majors
If you are not accepted into a selective major, please consider one of these alternative options.