Declaring IB as a Major

The College of Letters & Science expects that all students declare by the time they earn or have in progress 90 units. Students who remain undeclared will have a registration block against enrollment in the next semester.

To declare IB as a major, students:

  • Must have earned at least 70 grade points in the lower division requirements for IB, posted to the transcript, at the time of declaration.  Click here for an explanation of grade points and/or come visit us in 2033 VLSB for details. (Note: For easy reference, most students will have earned 70 grade points by the time they've completed 6 of the 8 lower division requirements. This is a general guideline, and NOT a rule.)
  • See steps for declaring below.

If you are still working on the requirements and have questions, your eligibility will be evaluated by the IB Undergraduate Services Office.

Note to Transfer Students:
It is strongly recommended that lower division courses be completed before arriving at Berkeley. This is recommended for three main reasons:

  • The College of Letters & Science sets a limit to the number of semesters or units you may accrue after transferring.
  • You MUST declare a major by the time you have completed 90 units (including those in progress). This means that transfers, by definition, must declare during their second semester. If the lower division is not sufficient, you will not be eligible to declare and meet this deadline.
  • Perhaps most importantly, coming to Cal ill-prepared for the major will severely detract from your experience here! Having to complete numerous lower division courses while at Cal severely detracts from the reason you’re coming to here: the amazing upper division classes, as well as opportunities for research and other extracurricular activities. You only get two years at Cal—make them count!

Transfers should also:

  • Attend a CALSO orientation during the summer before enrolling at Cal.
  • Communicate with the Undergraduate Student Services Office before the start of their first semester or soon after for advising and planning.
  • REQUIRED: Complete a successful semester at Berkeley prior to declaration.

Steps for Declaring:

  1. Come by the Undergraduate Student Services Office during weeks 1-8 of any semester with copies of all transcripts (unofficial ok) and a list of current enrollments.
  2. Complete the IB Major Checksheet. This form is also available in the Undergraduate Student Services Office. [You will need to use the "IB Courses List" to complete the IB Major Checksheet.] Download detailed instructions on how to complete the IB Checksheet.
  3. Discuss your past coursework and future academic plan with Nancy or Flannery at the Undergraduate Student Services Office. Get assigned to a Faculty Advisor and note his/her office and office hours.
  4. Meet your Faculty Advisor, review the completed IB Major Checksheet, obtain advice, and signature.
  5. Return the signed form to Nancy or Flannery or one of the Peer Advisors; obtain and complete the College of Letters & Sciences' "Petition to Declare Major."
  6. Hand-deliver petition to 113 Campbell Hall. You will appear officially declared 3-5 days subsequent to that submission.
[Note: you can expect the 6 steps above to require at least 7-10 days to complete for a single major—the process takes longer for double majors and simultaneous degrees.]

 

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