With over 30 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs, UC Merced offers a wide range of academic options for students seeking a transformative educational experience. From cutting-edge STEM fields to humanities and social sciences, our majors empower students to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the 21st century.
Engineering
UC Merced’s School of Engineering is recognized for its excellence in research and innovation. Students can choose from a variety of engineering majors, including:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
These programs prepare students for careers in fields such as robotics, renewable energy, and software development. Graduates are highly sought after by industry leaders such as Google, Tesla, and Amazon.
Science
The School of Natural Sciences offers rigorous and interdisciplinary science majors, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
Our science programs emphasize hands-on research and experiential learning, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in academia, industry, and healthcare. Graduates have gone on to careers in biotechnology, environmental science, and medical research.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts offers majors that explore human behavior, society, and culture, including:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Political Science
These programs provide students with a deep understanding of the human condition and prepare them for careers in fields such as education, social work, and public policy. Graduates have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
How to Choose the Right Major
Choosing a major is a crucial decision, and it’s important to take your time and explore your interests. Here are some tips for finding the right fit:
- Reflect on your interests and passions. What subjects do you enjoy learning about? What kind of work do you see yourself doing?
- Research different majors. Explore the websites and course offerings for each major that interests you. Talk to professors, advisors, and students to learn more about their experiences.
- Consider your career goals. What kind of career do you want to pursue? How can the major you choose help you achieve those goals?
- Don’t be afraid to change your mind. It’s common to change your major or career path at some point. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect fit right away.
Get Involved
Once you’ve declared a major, take advantage of the many opportunities available to you at UC Merced. Join student clubs and organizations, participate in research projects, and seek internships and experiential learning experiences. These experiences will enhance your education and make you a more competitive candidate for employment.
Career Services
UC Merced’s Career Services Center provides a wide range of resources to help students find jobs and internships. They offer resume writing workshops, career fairs, and one-on-one career counseling. Graduates from UC Merced have a high success rate in finding employment in their fields.
Rankings and Recognition
UC Merced has consistently ranked among the top universities in the country for its commitment to social mobility and diversity. Our graduates are making a difference in communities around the world.
- U.S. News & World Report: UC Merced is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the United States for social mobility.
- Forbes: UC Merced is ranked among the top 25 colleges in the United States for its diversity.
- QS World University Rankings: UC Merced is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for its impact on society.
Conclusion
UC Merced offers a wide range of majors that prepare students for success in the modern world. Our commitment to excellence, diversity, and social mobility empowers our graduates to make a lasting difference in their communities and beyond. As you consider your future, explore the many opportunities available at UC Merced and find the major that ignites your passion.
