The 10 Best Classes at UCLA

Some of the best classes at UCLA are the ones that fulfill your general education (GE) requirements and open your eyes to new perspectives and skills. Whether it’s a class that teaches you how to think with data, introduces you to global history, or lets you explore music and culture, these courses are highly recommended by Bruins across majors.

Known for its strong academics and unique general education curriculum, UCLA offers classes that are both rigorous and accessible. This guide highlights 10 of the best classes at UCLA, why students love them, and what you need to know before enrolling.

• 10 of the Best Classes at UCLA for Everyone
• The General Education Curriculum at UCLA
• How Do You Choose a Class at UCLA?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

10 of the Best Classes at UCLA for Everyone

Starting college at UCLA means balancing major requirements with GEs, and the right mix can make all the difference. To help, here’s a guide to the best classes at UCLA. These courses are engaging, manageable, and packed with opportunities.

This list comes from The Daily Bruin’s data and tech blog, which used Bruinwalk ratings and reviews to highlight the courses students recommend most.

1. STATS 10 – Introduction to Statistical Reasoning

If you’re looking for a GE that’s practical, approachable, and actually useful later in life, this one’s for you. Stats 10 teaches you how to make sense of data, which comes up in almost every career today. It’s beginner-friendly, but still sets you up well if you want to go deeper into stats, data science, or research.

• Format: Lecture + discussion + computer lab (4 units).
• Covers experimental design, data summaries, regression, and inference.
• Hands-on with statistical software and real-world data.
• Popular pick for being both an “easy A” and a career starter.

2. GEOG 5 – People and the Earth’s Ecosystems

This is one of those GEs that students actually enjoy. Geog 5 explores how humans affect the environment, from Los Angeles to the entire planet. It’s approachable science with labs and case studies that tie directly into climate change, biodiversity, and global issues you hear about every day.

• Format: Lecture + lab (5 units).
• Learn to read maps, satellite images, and environmental data.
• Covers topics like global warming, GMOs, and environmental justice.
• Great balance of real-world relevance and manageable workload.

3. EPS SCI 9 – Solar System and Planets

If you’ve ever stared up at the night sky and wondered how it all began, this is the class for you. Known as UCLA’s “space GE,” EPS Sci 9 is designed for non-science majors but still feels exciting and substantial.

• Format: Lecture + discussion (4 units).
• Topics include the sun, planets, comets, meteors, and solar system origins.
• Explains both past (and flawed) theories and current space exploration.
• Accessible science that makes you think big.

4. ITALIAN 46 – Italian Cinema and Culture (in English)

Yes, this is a film class. But it’s so much more than just watching movies. Italian 46 uses cinema to discuss themes like politics, gender, family, and culture in Italy, showing how film can shape the way people think and live.

• Format: Lecture/screenings + discussion (5 units).
• Rotating themes like neorealism, sex and politics, or comedy.
• Mix of film, history, and critical theory—all taught in English.
• Popular for being fun, thought-provoking, and fulfilling GE requirements.

5. HIST 8A – Colonial Latin America

This course covers 300+ years of Latin American history, but don’t let that scare you. Hist 8A is actually very engaging and ties directly into life in Los Angeles today. With music, visual sources, and lively lectures, it feels less like memorizing dates and more like uncovering the roots of modern culture.

• Format: Lecture + discussion (5 units).
• Covers contact, colonization, and independence (1490s–1820s).
• Uses accessible primary sources (all translated into English).
• Connects Latin America’s history directly to LA’s diverse communities.

6. COMM ST M172 – Free Speech in the Workplace

This one’s a gem if you’re interested in law, politics, or just knowing your rights. Comm St M172 discusses free speech issues at work, showing how laws, discrimination policies, and academic freedom intersect with daily life.

• Format: Lecture (4 units).
• Focus on the First Amendment, workplace cases, and free speech disputes.
• Sparks lively class debates on real-world issues.
• Teaches practical knowledge you’ll actually use in life.

7. Music Appreciation & Ethnomusicology (Music 15, Ethnomu 50A/B, Ethnomu M111/Ellingtonia)

These music classes are perfect if you want a fun, stress-free GE that still teaches you something valuable:

• Music 15. Learn to listen critically to music across cultures.
• Ethnomu 50A/B. Survey of jazz, from its roots to the present.
• Ethnomu M111/Ellingtonia. Deep dive into Duke Ellington and his influence.

You’ll explore music as art, history, and culture, from jazz and global traditions to Duke Ellington’s legacy. No prior music background needed! Light, engaging, and highly recommended by non-majors.

8. HIST 1B – Introduction to Western Civilization (843–1715)

History buffs (or even casual learners) will find Hist 1B course surprisingly engaging. It takes you through nearly a thousand years of European history, from Charlemagne to Versailles, focusing on big turning points like the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution.

• Format: Lecture + discussion (5 units).
• Covers the Church, nation-states, and encounters with non-European cultures.
• Emphasizes key developments rather than overwhelming details.
• Builds historical thinking skills and connects past to present.

9. MATH 32A – Calculus of Several Variables

Yes, it’s tough, but Math 32A is also one of the most respected classes at UCLA. If you’re in STEM, you’ll almost certainly need it, and it’s the class where many students feel they finally “get” higher-level math.

• Format: Lecture + discussion (4 units).
• Topics include vector geometry, multivariable functions, and optimization.
• Prerequisite: Math 31A with a C– or better.
• Foundational for physics, engineering, econ, and computer science.

10. Romanian Language & Culture (101A, 187A)

Want a smaller, more personal class? Romanian might be your hidden gem. It’s the only Romance language that developed in Eastern Europe, and UCLA’s program is super community-oriented with cultural events and close-knit classes. Check out these courses:

• Romanian 101A. Elementary course (5 units) for beginners.
• Romanian 187A. Advanced tutorial (2 units) with grammar and culture focus.

They Include film screenings, poetry nights, and cultural events. Great way to fulfill a language requirement in a unique setting!

Final tip for freshmen: These classes make the list because Bruins consistently say they’re worth it, whether for being fun, manageable, or just eye-opening. Balancing tough major courses with rewarding GEs is key to surviving (and enjoying) UCLA, and these ten are a great place to start.

The General Education Curriculum at UCLA

At UCLA, General Education (GE) classes are requirements to check off and designed to give you a well-rounded college experience. These courses help you think critically, communicate effectively, and explore subjects you might never encounter in your major.

In fact, many of the best classes at UCLA are GEs, because they’re fun, engaging, and often spark new interests you didn’t expect.

GEs are divided into three main foundations, and every Bruin has to take courses across all of them:

Foundations of the Arts and Humanities

Here’s where you’ll dive into literature, philosophy, languages, and the arts. You’ll see how humans express and interpret their world through writing, performance, and creative work. For example:

• Literary and Cultural Analysis is about reading and analyzing texts, stories, and cultural works.
• Philosophical and Linguistic Analysis is all about exploring logic, language, and reasoning.
• Visual and Performance Arts is studying (and sometimes trying) music, theater, art, and more.

Foundations of Society and Culture

These classes focus on how people organize, govern, and understand their communities and cultures:

• Historical Analysis is looking at how events and movements have shaped today’s world.
• Social Analysis is studying human behavior, politics, economics, and cultural systems.

Foundations of Scientific Inquiry

Even if you’re not a STEM major, these courses make sure you get a solid foundation in science and how it connects to everyday life:

• Life Sciences is all about exploring biology, evolution, health, and ecosystems.
• Physical Sciences is about learning about physics, chemistry, astronomy, and Earth science (with at least one lab).

Why GE Curriculum matters for choosing classes

When it comes to what classes you should take to get into UCLA, the focus is usually on rigorous courses that show you can handle academic challenges. Once you’re admitted, though, General Education is all about balance. These classes give you room to explore subjects outside your major, build new skills, and even uncover unexpected passions.

That’s why some of the best classes at UCLA, like Stats 10, Geog 5, or Italian 46, are GEs. They’re manageable, fascinating, and can double-count for diversity or writing requirements, making them smart picks for any Bruin’s schedule.

How Do You Choose a Class at UCLA?

When it comes to what classes you should take to get into UCLA, admissions usually care most about rigor. Meaning, showing you can handle challenging courses in high school. But once you’re here, balance is everything.

A smart schedule mixes in some of the easiest classes at UCLA (to keep your stress manageable) with a few of the hardest classes at UCLA (to keep you challenged and growing). Here’s how you can make good choices:

1. Knock out GE requirements early with classes you’ll actually like.

Think of general education classes not as boxes to check but as a chance to explore. The earlier you get them done, the more room you’ll have later for major courses or electives. Look for GEs that students consistently recommend, like Stats 10 or Geog 5. That way, you’re meeting requirements while also enjoying what you’re learning.

2. Balance tough classes with lighter ones.

Don’t overload yourself with all hard classes in the same quarter. Mix something heavy, like Math 32A or a core science class, with electives that are known to be lighter or more fun. This kind of balance helps you avoid burnout and keeps your GPA steady.

3. Ask other Bruins (and check Bruinwalk).

One of the best ways to pick classes is to ask older students what worked for them. You can also use Bruinwalk, where students share ratings and reviews of courses and professors. It’s a great way to see which classes are engaging, manageable, or even hidden gems before you enroll.

Andrew Rice, a second-year aerospace engineering student, shared that when enrolling in GEs he often looked for ones that seemed easier to boost his GPA, but later admitted he wished he had chosen courses that better matched his interests.

4. Mix up lecture classes with discussions or labs.

UCLA is famous for its big lecture halls, but too many of them in one quarter can feel draining. Try to pair lecture-heavy classes with smaller, discussion-based seminars or interactive labs. This variety keeps things interesting and gives you a chance to practice different skills, whether it’s writing, speaking, or problem-solving.

5. Save space for at least one “fun” class.

College is about exploration. Try to leave room each quarter for a course that just sounds exciting. Whether it’s Italian 46 (film and culture), a music appreciation class, or even learning Romanian. You’ll enjoy your schedule more, and sometimes these classes spark unexpected new interests or minors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What classes should you take to get into UCLA?

UCLA applicants must complete 15 A–G courses (11 before senior year), covering history/social science, English, math, lab science, a language other than English, visual/performing arts, and a college-prep elective. While these are the UC minimums, competitive students exceed them by taking the most rigorous courses available and earning top grades.

2. What are the easiest classes at UCLA?

According to Bruinwalk data, some of the easiest classes at UCLA include Stats 10, Geog 5, and music appreciation courses like Ethnomu 50A/B. They’re popular because they’re manageable, enjoyable, and often double-count for GE, writing, or diversity requirements.

3. What are the hardest classes at UCLA?

Courses like Math 32A – Calculus of Several Variables and upper-division science classes are often ranked among the hardest classes at UCLA. Even though they’re tough, they’re essential for STEM majors and are respected for the skills they build.

4. Why are GE classes considered some of the best classes at UCLA?

GE courses are designed to broaden your perspective and build foundational skills in writing, analysis, and problem-solving. Many of the best classes at UCLA, like Italian 46 or Hist 8A, are GEs because they’re engaging, relevant, and allow you to explore interests outside your major.

5. How do I choose classes wisely at UCLA?

A good strategy is to mix easier GEs with tougher major classes, ask older students for recommendations, and check Bruinwalk ratings. Leave space for at least one “fun” class each quarter. It helps keep you motivated and can even spark a new academic passion.

Takeaways

• The best classes at UCLA are the ones that balance challenge with exploration, often through the GE curriculum.
• Courses like Stats 10, Geog 5, and EPS Sci 9 are easiest classes at UCLA but still highly rewarding.
• Challenging options like Math 32A prove that the hardest classes at UCLA can also be the most valuable.
• Freshmen should mix tough major courses with lighter, enriching GEs to get the most out of their UCLA experience.
• If you’re starting your journey at UCLA and aren’t sure which classes to take, consider working with a college admissions consultant to help you identify the best classes at UCLA that align with your academic interests and career goals.