Joining the Major

I've read the information on the main undergraduate page, and I'm interested in changing my major to Global Studies! Where do I start?

Five main steps (and see the resources section, below, for the links you'll need to complete these steps):

  1. Run your Major and GE Progress Check on GOLD (under the Progress tab) for the "Pre-Global Studies" major and check the major requirements sheet (keep reading - it's further down) to see what courses and requirements you have and have not completed towards the pre-major and prep for the major requirements:
     


     

  2. We recommend checking out the "changing your major (there's a longer version with more detail and a shorter version with less)," "foreign language requirement FAQ," and "Pre-Global Studies/Application to the full major" videos on our YouTube channel. (you are also welcome to explore other videos on the channel at this time; these are the three we'd recommend you familiarize yourself with first!).

    If you don't have the time just yet to watch all of our YouTube videos, we at least recommend watching this one (the short version about the major change process) and visiting the Foreign Language Requirement page on our website for some information on this trickiest part of our major requirements, along with our pre-major info sheet.
     

  3. Decide if you want to book an appointment (for longer questions/more complex situations) or attend drop-in advising (quick questions and clarifications) to discuss your change of major.
     
  4. Submit the paperwork to initiate the change of major:
    • Simple major changes (one major to Pre-Global Studies)? Fill out the corresponding Google Form linked below.
    • Adding Pre-Global Studies as a second major? Fill out a pdf of the change of major petition and memo of understanding form (linked below) and fill out the special double major Google Form (also linked below). This form will ask you to upload both the change of major and memo of understanding forms.
       
  5. Watch GOLD periodically over the following several weeks (it can take 2-6 weeks for all the offices involved to approve your change of major). Make schedule plans for the following quarter accordingly if you are changing your major shortly before your registration passes - plan to work on other degree requirements or parts of the Global Studies major sheet that do not require being an already-declared major!
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Tools you will find helpful with the above steps:  

  • Visit our YouTube channel for refreshers on:
    • Reading your Major and GE Progress Check on GOLD
    • The foreign language requirement
    • The Pre-Global Studies major to the full major application process
    • You can also view each of these videos as Google Slides, if you prefer - you can download them in the description boxes under each video)
  • Major requirements sheet + suggested plan of study + a Global Studies major course planning tool for you to fill out if desired
  • For simple major changes (not double major adds, and not Pre-Global Studies students applying to the full major!):
    • Use this Google Form. We check it once weekly, typically on Fridays, and process the change of major from there (and keep in mind - the Registrar takes 2-6 weeks to process this form after we send it off, so if you are getting close to a pass time, make other schedule plans while you wait for your major to change.)
    • Watch your UCSB email after filling out the Google Form - you're looking for an email from a service called Docusign with your change of major form to fill out online. Check all your different tabs and spam filters if you haven't seen it come through by the Friday after you fill out the form!

  • For double majors:
    • Complete two pdf forms and have them handy for them for electronic upload:
      • Fill out the Change of Major petition (you're changing your major FROM your current major TO your current major PLUS Pre-Global Studies, current academic year for your catalog year)
      • Fill out the Memo of Understanding for the Double Major (watch our YouTube video on changing your major if you need help with this, or book an appointment - you'll use your Major and GE Progress Check on GOLD to help you figure out your remaining degree requirements with the addition of a second major)
      • Reminders about the double-majors process:
        • If you are already a Global Studies/pre-Global Studies major, you do NOT need our signature to add a major in a different department! Send your paperwork ONLY to the department for the major you are adding for their signature.
        • If you're adding BOTH majors as new majors at the same time, you will need both departments to sign. We like it when you've gotten the other department to sign off before you send your paperwork to us! (But we can make it happen either way.)
    • Finally, use this Google Form to send us your double major request and to upload your paperwork (change of major + memo of understanding forms).
      • We check it once weekly, typically toward the end of the week.
      • Watch your UCSB email after filling out the Google Form - we'll plan to send your form, signed by both us and your other major department on to the College of Letters & Science.
      • Keep in mind - once the College of Letters & Science signs off, the form will go to the Office of the Registrar, and the Registrar takes 2-6 weeks to process this form. If you are getting close to a pass time, make other schedule plans while you wait for your major to change. 

  • Still have questions about the major change process? Book an appointment (great for longer questions, especially with the foreign language requirement or double majoring questions) with us or visit us in drop-ins (best for shorter questions and clarifications after you've done your initial research) by returning to our main Undergraduate Advising page. 

I'm in the Pre-Global Studies major - what do I need to know next?