Frequently Asked Questions

Change of Major & Frequently Asked Questions

Key Information for Prospective ECE Students

To assist you in your preparation for either applying for or joining us at UC Davis, we have gathered helpful information on what you will need as a new student with our department. Whether you are looking to join as an incoming freshman or a transfer student, you are sure to have a lot of questions about UC Davis Electrical and Computer Engineering, and college in general.  Below we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions -- please review them for more information.

  • Where do I check my GE requirements?
  • GE advising is conducted by the Engineering Undergraduate Office (EUO), you can make an appointment, or attend Express Advising
  • What can I do if I am having academic difficulty, academic probation or other?
  • Please take a look at the “Academic Difficulty” section under FAQ’s for more information and processes.
  • How do I get to campus?
  • Please see our visitor information.
  • When do I apply for admission?
  • Apply in November 2019 for fall 2020  admission. Get more information on admission here: http://admissions.ucdavis.edu.
  • Do I have to declare a major when I apply?
  • Yes. You will be admitted to an engineering major when you are admitted to the college.
  • What does it cost to attend UC Davis?
  • The average yearly cost for first-year students living on-campus during the 2016-17 academic year was estimated to be about $35,003. Get the details on annual costs here: http://admissions.ucdavis.edu/.
  • How do I apply for financial aid? 
  • To be considered for any form of financial aid, including grants and loans, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 2 of the year for which you'll need aid. Get more information on the financial aid application process here: http:// financialaid.ucdavis.edu.
  • What kind of computer should I get for my ECE classes?
  • Student Computer Recommendations
  • Will courses I've taken at a community college transfer to UC Davis?
  • Yes. UC Davis has articulation agreements with community colleges throughout California. To ensure a course you want to take transfers, refer to assist.org.
  • How do my AP credits transfer to UC Davis?
  • You will receive degree credits for AP classes in which you pass subject level AP tests. In some cases you can skip a class based on received scores, such as skipping MAT 21A and moving straight into MAT 21B if you receive certain scores on the Calculus AB / BC test. AP tests do not give you any GE credits.
  • What classes should I take during my first quarter?
  • Take a look at our recommended schedules for electrical engineering and computer engineering students.  In general, aim for a balance between major classes and a balance of GEs. Pick classes you are interested in and not just classes you hear are easy. What’s easy for one person may not be easy for another; what interests your friend may bore you.
  • Can I finish in four years?
  • Yes, as long as you enroll in courses in the sequences recommended for EE or CE students. You should also keep in touch with your departmental staff advisor who can help you plan your courses most efficiently. Our average time-to-degree is just over 4 years, which means most students are completing in 4 years.
  • Can I participate in internships?
  • Yes. Engineering students have opportunities to gain industry and/or research experience through summer internships, or six month "co-ops." You can apply what you've learned inside the classroom to the real world. The UC Davis Internship and Career Center helps students establish their graduate study and career networks. More more information can be found on our site. As applicable, students can also receive elective credits.

Change of Major Electrical and Computer Engineering Information

All non-major students must attend a change of major workshop before submitting a change of major form on OASIS (no exceptions). ECE Advising does not offer 1:1 appointments with non-major students.

NOTE: All change of major requirements must be met before submitting a change of major form. Major change forms are reviewed once per month.

The ECE department will not review any petitions from non-major students outside of our majors until all other changes of major criteria have been met. 

  • How do I transfer to ECE?

  • Thank you for your interest in our Electrical Engineering major. We have included some resources below, to help you through the transition to the College of Engineering and our ECE program.

    Academic Advising | College of Engineering (ucdavis.edu)

    UC Davis | Electrical Engineering Major

    Degree Requirements (ucdavis.edu)

    Electrical Engineering Major/B.S. (ucdavis.edu)

    Computer Engineering Major/B.S. (ucdavis.edu)

    Transferring into Electrical and Computer Engineering requirements (Current UCD Students):

    1. Be a registered student and have completed at least one quarter (minimum of 12 units) at UC Davis.
    2. Have completed not more than 135 cumulative units (excluding AP units); students who have - completed more than 135 units will be considered on an appeal basis only.
    3. Be in good academic standing and meet minimum progress requirements.
    4. Have received a letter grade for all courses that satisfy Engineering degree requirements.
    5. Have met the following:
    1. completed at least the following five courses: MAT 21A, B, C; PHY 9A; and CHE 2A (Exclude CHE 2A if you are transferring to Computer Eng.) and a GPA of 2.0 or higher in all completed MAT, PHY, BIS, and CHE courses required for your intended major, and have received a C- or better in each of these courses. 
    6. Have no grade lower than a C- in any completed engineering course required for your intended major(s) taken at UC Davis
    7. Have a 2.0 or higher UC GPA in completed engineering courses.

    Once you have completed the above requirements, or taking the last course, you may submit a “Change of Major” Petition.

    - This is located in OASIS, under the tab “Forms & Petitions”/ “Submit A New Form”/ “Change of Major”.
    - Select “Change of Major or Degree Type”.
    - Select Major: Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.
    - List the courses you have completed to satisfy the requirements above.
    - Submit your petition.
    - Wait for a major advisor to review your major change petition.

  • How Do I transfer to ECE from a Community College or other institution?

  • Thank you for your interest in our Electrical and Computer Engineering program at UC Davis. Please take a look at the resources below for Admissions and Selective Major requirements.

    UC Davis | Electrical Engineering Major

    Transfer Admission (ucdavis.edu)

    Selective Major Transfer Requirements:
    Major Requirements: College of Engineering | UC Davis

    Electrical Engineering
    Requirements in addition to general admission requirements and TAG criteria:
    Complete the following coursework and maintain a 3.20 GPA in the entire group of courses:
    - Chemistry 2A
    - Engineering 17
    - Electrical Computer Engineering (EEC) 7 OR Engineering Computer Science (ECS) 36A
    - Mathematics 21A/B/C/D
    - Mathematics 22A/B
    - Physics 9A/B/C/D

    Additional Recommendations:
    - Communication 1 Engineering 3
    - Engineering 6
    - English 3 OR University Writing Program 1

    Computer Engineering
    Complete the following coursework and maintain a 3.20 GPA in the entire group of courses
    - Communication 1 or Engineering 3
    - Engineering 17
    - Engineering Computer Science (ENG CS) 20, 36A/B/C
    - Mathematics 21A/B/C/D
    - Mathematics 22A/B
    - Physics 9A/B/C
    - English 3 OR University Writing Program 1

Remember: We are here to help you! If you have additional questions, please contact ECE undergrad advisors.