Whether you’re gearing up for your senior year or still figuring out the steps ahead, understanding the UCLA graduation requirements is important to make sure you cross that stage with your diploma in hand.
Getting everything right, from the number of credits to the required courses, can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential UCLA graduation requirements, so you can stay on track and focus on what really matters: celebrating your success.
- University-Wide Graduation Requirements at UCLA
- College-Wide Graduation Requirements at UCLA
- How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate from UCLA?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
University-Wide Graduation Requirements at UCLA
Before you can graduate from UCLA, there are a few important university-wide requirements you need to meet. These requirements make sure that all students, regardless of their major, have a strong foundation in writing, American history, and understanding the public institutions of the United States.
Entry-Level Writing Requirement (formerly Subject A/ESL Subject A)
The Entry-Level Writing Requirement is one of the first milestones in your academic path at UCLA. Since proficiency in English composition is essential for academic performance, you must fulfill this requirement before enrolling in courses that require written work, particularly writing-intensive courses.
You can meet the Entry-Level Writing Requirement in several ways, including:
1. ACT or SAT scores
- ACT English Language Arts. A score of 30 or better.
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. A score of 680 or better.
- Alternatively, ACT English Plus Reading with a score of 63 or better or SAT Subject Tests in English Composition.
2. Advanced Placement (AP)
- A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP English Composition exam can also fulfill this requirement.
- Similarly, scoring 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level English A exams or English Literature and Composition will meet the requirement.
3. Transfer credits
If you’ve completed a college-level English Composition course with a grade of C or better (or “Passed”), you may be exempt from taking this requirement.
If you don’t meet the requirement in any of these ways, you will be required to take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE) offered during your first year at UCLA. Failing to meet the requirement in any of the listed methods means you must take the exam before you can move forward with other writing-intensive courses.
Students must pass this exam with a grade of C or higher, and any grade lower than that would mean needing to repeat the exam or course.
American History and Institutions
The American History and Institutions requirement makes sure that every UCLA student has a foundational understanding of U.S. history and the governmental institutions that shape the nation. This is a core element of a liberal arts education, as it helps you understand both the history and civic responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen.
You can fulfill this requirement in several ways:
1. High school requirements
If you completed a year-long U.S. History or American Government course in high school and earned an average grade of B or better, you may already meet this requirement. Make sure to check with UCLA to confirm.
2. College coursework
You can meet this requirement by completing one of the following UCLA courses with a grade of C or better, or a grade of “Pass”:
- African American Studies (M150D, M158A, M158B, M158C, M158E)
- Asian American Studies (M171D)
- Chicana/o and Central American Studies (M159A, M159B, CM182, M183)
- Economics (183)
- History (12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13A, 13B, 13C, 139A, 139B, 140A, 140B, 140C, 141A, 141B, 142A through 142D)
- Political Science (40, 114A, 114B, 140A, 140B, 140C, 142A, 143A, 145B, 145C)
3. Transfer credit
If you completed an equivalent history or government course at another college or university, and it is accepted by UCLA, this may fulfill the requirement.
4. Exams
You can also fulfill this requirement by scoring 500 or better on the SAT U.S. History Subject Test. Alternatively, a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board AP U.S. History exam will meet this requirement.
5. Instructional credentials
For those pursuing instructional credentials, you can meet this requirement by taking specific UCLA courses like History 143A, 143B or courses in Political Science or Study of Religion.
If you’re unsure whether a course fulfills this requirement, contact an academic advisor for clarification.
College-Wide Graduation Requirements at UCLA
In addition to the university-wide requirements, there are several College Requirements you need to meet in order to graduate.
Writing I and Writing II
UCLA requires all students to complete two writing courses, Writing I and Writing II, as part of the College Requirements. These courses are designed to make sure that you develop the writing skills necessary for academic success at UCLA and beyond.
Writing I
Writing I must be completed within your first three terms at UCLA. This foundational course helps you build basic writing skills, focusing on English composition. You will practice writing clear, well-organized essays and learn how to develop arguments and communicate your ideas effectively.
To meet this requirement, you can:
- Enroll in English Composition 3, or similar courses like 3D, 3DX, or 3E.
- Satisfy the requirement with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP English Composition exam.
- Meet the requirement with a score of 5, 6, or 7 on an International Baccalaureate exam in English.
- Transfer college-level English composition courses with a grade of C or better.
You must earn at least a C grade in Writing I. A C- or lower does not fulfill the requirement.
Writing II
After completing Writing I, you’ll need to finish Writing II within seven terms. Writing II builds on the skills you learned in Writing I, focusing on advanced writing techniques. This course challenges you to engage in more complex writing projects, such as research papers and analytical essays that require deeper critical thinking and synthesis of information.
To fulfill the Writing II requirement, you must:
- Complete one of the Writing II courses from UCLA’s approved list.
- Earn at least a C grade in Writing II—anything lower will not satisfy the requirement.
- Some Writing II courses may also fulfill general education or diversity requirements.
For UCLA transfer students, if you have already completed equivalent courses at another institution with a C or better, you may have met the requirement. Check with UCLA admissions to verify your transfer credits.
Quantitative Reasoning
At UCLA, you’ll need to meet the Quantitative Reasoning requirement as part of your degree requirements. This requirement makes sure that you have the mathematical and analytical skills necessary to think critically and solve complex problems—skills that are important not only in academic settings but in professional life as well.
The Quantitative Reasoning requirement can be fulfilled in several ways, including by completing a UCLA course or by achieving certain scores on standardized tests. Here’s how you can meet the requirement:
1. Course option
You can complete one approved UCLA math course within your first seven terms at UCLA. This course should be taken for a letter grade, and you must earn at least a C or better.
Some UCLA-approved courses that meet the Quantitative Reasoning requirement include:
- Biostatistics 100
- Life Sciences 20, 30A, 30B, 40
- Mathematics 3A, 31A, 31AL
- Philosophy 31
- Political Science 6, 6R
- Program in Computing 10A, 10B, 10C
- Public Affairs 60
- Statistics 10, 12, 13
These courses focus on analytical reasoning, statistical data interpretation, and problem-solving, all of which are essential in various fields of study.
2. Test scores
Alternatively, you can satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning requirement through standardized test scores. Here are the acceptable options:
- SAT Mathematics. Achieve a score of 550 or better on the SAT Mathematics section.
- ACT Mathematics. A score of 26 or better on the ACT Mathematics section.
- SAT Subject Test. A score of 620 or better on an SAT Subject Test in Mathematics.
- Advanced Placement. A qualifying AP Math score may also meet the requirement. You must consult with an advisor to determine which AP exam(s) apply to this requirement.
3. Transfer students
If you’re a transfer student with 90 or more units completed, you may have already fulfilled the Quantitative Reasoning requirement through courses you took at your previous institution. If you’ve completed courses that align with UCLA’s approved math courses, check with the admissions office or your academic advisor to see if your previous courses meet the requirement.
Foreign Language
At UCLA, the Foreign Language requirement is all about helping you build language skills that expand your understanding of the world. You can fulfill this degree requirement at UCLA in a few different ways, either through courses or exams. Here’s how:
- Take a language course at UCLA. You can complete a college-level language course that’s at least level three or above here at UCLA. Just make sure to earn a C or better in the class.
- AP exam scores. If you’ve taken an AP exam in a foreign language, you can use those scores to meet the requirement. A score of 3, 4, or 5 in languages like French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, or Japanese will do the trick. And if you’ve taken Latin, a score of 4 or 5 works too.
- UCLA language proficiency exam. If you think you already have the skills, you can take a UCLA language exam to show your proficiency. This exam will test your knowledge and determine if you’re at least level three or higher.
For transfer students, if you’re transferring to UCLA with 90 or more units and have already completed a language requirement at your previous school through the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), you’re all set. Make sure to check with admissions to confirm that your credits transfer.
Diversity Requirement
The Diversity Requirement helps you gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives on topics like race, gender, and nationality. You’ll complete one approved course that covers these areas to help you think critically about social differences and global cultures.
How to fulfill the requirement:
- Complete one course. Choose from an approved list of diversity courses covering topics such as race, ethnicity, gender, and nationality.
- Grade requirement. The course must be taken for a letter grade, and you need at least a C to pass.
- Flexible credit. The course may count toward General Education (GE), your major/minor, or as an elective.
General Education (also known as Foundations of Knowledge)
The General Education requirements at UCLA are designed to give you a well-rounded education that spans across three main areas. These courses will help develop your analytical and critical thinking skills, and many can also count toward your major or minor.
There are 10 courses (47 units minimum) that you must complete. Here’s a breakdown of the areas:
- Foundations of the Arts and Humanities. These are courses that encourage critical thinking and creative expression, helping you understand human culture, literature, and the arts.
- Foundations of Society and Culture. These courses delve into how humans interact, structure societies, and address societal problems. You’ll explore history, politics, and social issues.
- Foundations of Scientific Inquiry. Courses in this area focus on understanding scientific methods and the natural world, equipping you with the tools to analyze scientific data.
By the end of your GE courses, you’ll have a solid base in various fields that go beyond your major, helping you become a more informed and versatile thinker.
College Residence Requirements (senior and major residency)
To make sure you’re truly part of the UCLA community, there are residency requirements you need to meet before you can graduate. These degree requirements make sure that you spend a significant amount of time at UCLA, earning credits that will shape your education and experience.
Senior residence:
- 35 of your final 45 units must be completed while you’re in residence at UCLA.
- This requirement ensures that you’re engaged with the UCLA campus and its resources during your senior year when you’re finishing up those final courses to graduate.
Major residence:
- You must complete at least 24 upper-division units within your major while at UCLA.
- These courses will help you gain deep expertise in your field and ensure you’re prepared for your career after graduation.
By fulfilling these requirements, you’ll be making sure that your degree reflects the full UCLA experience and that you’ve spent ample time building connections with faculty, peers, and the wider community.
How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate from UCLA?
To graduate from UCLA, you’ll need to complete 180 units in total. Here are a few important details to keep in mind:
- At least 60 of those units must be from upper-division courses (courses numbered 100-199).
- If you’re transferring, make sure to check which of your previous credits will count toward your graduation.
- The maximum number of units you can complete is 216 units.
- Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exam credits do not count toward the unit maximum.
Now that you’ve got a clear picture of the credits you need, it’s time to stay focused and make the most of your time at UCLA. Whether you’re ticking off your course requirements or planning your final semesters, just keep these details in mind and you’ll be well on your way to graduating from UCLA. Best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the UCLA degree requirements for graduation?
The UCLA degree requirements for graduation include completing 180 units, meeting specific course requirements like writing and diversity courses, and fulfilling residency requirements. You’ll also need to complete certain general education courses and satisfy your major’s requirements.
2. To graduate from UCLA, how many credits do I need to complete?
To graduate from UCLA, you must complete 180 credits. This includes 60 units of upper-division courses (100-199 level). Make sure to check transfer credits if applicable, as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credits don’t count toward the unit maximum.
3. What are the UCLA degree requirements for General Education?
UCLA degree requirements for General Education include completing courses in three foundational areas: Arts and Humanities, Society and Culture, and Scientific Inquiry. These courses help develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a well-rounded education.
4. Are there any specific course requirements for UCLA graduation?
Yes, you need to complete specific courses, such as Writing I and II, the Foreign Language Requirement, and the Diversity Requirement. These courses are part of the UCLA graduation requirements to ensure a diverse and comprehensive education.
Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the essential things you need to keep in mind when working toward your UCLA graduation:
- To officially earn your degree, you must complete 180 units. Of those, 60 must be upper-division courses (100-199 level).
- General Education courses are a must. These are designed to give you a well-rounded education and cover areas like Arts and Humanities, Society and Culture, and Scientific Inquiry.
- Don’t forget Writing and Diversity courses. You’ll need to complete the Writing I and II courses and also meet the diversity requirement with a specific course.
- Residency requirements are also important. You have to complete a certain number of your final units in residence at UCLA, making sure you get the full Bruin experience.
- Need help with the process? If you’re unsure about how to plan your path, a college admissions consultant can provide expert guidance to help you breeze through your UCLA graduation requirements and stay on track.
Eric Eng
About the author
Eric Eng, the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, graduated with a BA from Princeton University and has one of the highest track records in the industry of placing students into Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. He has been featured on the US News & World Report for his insights on college admissions.