Selective and Screened Majors 

Selective Majors

What does selective major mean?

Selective majors are those that receive more applications than there are available spaces. These majors are very popular, meaning that departments cannot always offer admission to all qualified students. Reasons for selective status include limited space, teaching, and/or laboratory resources. When applying for a selective major, we encourage students to provide an alternative non-selective major. 

What programs have selective majors on our campus?

• Data Science
• Public Health
• Jacobs School of Engineering – all majors in these departments:
  
  • Bioengineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Note: As of spring 2025, Biological Sciences majors are no longer selective.

For more information about selective majors, see the selective majors page and the FAQ page.

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?

• Jacobs School of Engineering - Structural Engineering (effective Summer 2025)

For more information about screened majors, see the screened majors page and the FAQ page.