Major Requirements
What classes do I need for the IDS major?
You can find information about requirements for the IDS major on the Major Worksheet
How do I get into the IDS major?
-
Complete all non-language preparation courses, and one modern foreign language equivalent to UCLA level 3. Remaining language courses may be completed while you have major standing.
-
All preparation courses for the major must be taken for a letter grade.
-
The UC GPA for all preps must be a minimum of 2.00. (transfer students typically don't have a UC GPA)
-
Submit the online declaration form by no later spring of your Junior year. Students will be notified if they are admitted into the major within 3 weeks of submission.
What are the GPA requirements to enter the major?
The IDS major requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for the preparation courses. There is no minimum grade requirement for individual courses as long as you get above an 'F'. So, even if you get a 'C-' (or all the way down to a 'D-') in one course, it will still count towards the preparation requirements as long as you've met the GPA minimum with the other courses for the preps.
What are the ways in which I can fulfill the language requirement?
You can fulfill the language requirement by:
-
Taking a UCLA equivalent course of 2 years of any modern language OR
-
Taking a language placement test at UCLA's appropriate language departments (requirement can be fulfilled in part on in total by the test) OR
-
Being a native speaker who is born and raised in a non-English speaking country (subject to approval)
Can I minor in IDS?
No, the IDS program doesn't offer a minor.
Can I get a Minor in addition to my IDS major?
Sure, we encourage students to pursue a minor. The International Institute offers a variety of minors in International & Area Studies as well as Global Studies. (For a list of other minors the university offers, please visit the UCLA General Catalog and follow the link to Undergraduate Minors and Specializations.
Which regions does the IDS Region Area of Studies major cover?
a. East Asia and East Central Asia
b. Eastern Europe and West Central Asia
c. Latin America and Caribbean Basin
d. Middle East and North Africa
e. South and Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands
f. Sub-Saharan Africa
g. Global North
Can I use courses for both the major and the minor?
Yes, students can use up to 20 units towards both the IDS major and another major/minor. Keep in mind that there is no limit in the number of lower division courses students can overlap with other major/minor/GEs. Also, make sure to check with the department offering your other major/minor since they may have their own overlap restrictions.
Can I double major in IDS and another major?
In order to double major, you first need to have taken all the preparation courses for both majors plus two upper division courses in each major. However, you may submit the IDS online form before having completed the requirements for your other major and once admitted to IDS, you have the option of completing all requirements listed above for both majors and may submit a double major petition. For additional information please visit the College of Letters and Science website
The College's rule is that no more than 5 (20 units) upper division courses may be common to both majors. Courses used for preparation requirements are not counted in this overlap.
For additional information please visit the College of Letters and Science website
What are the GPA requirements once I'm a declared major?
Note that the IDS major requires a minimum GPA of 2.00 for all upper division courses combined for the major, not a particular grade in any one course.
Students need to obtain at least a "C" on the following courses: Intl Dv 110, M120, 130, 140.
