Undergraduate FAQs

What should I do if a class that I want to take is full?

Register for the waitlist for that class through GOLD. We recommend that students register for a backup class in case they do not get off the waitlist. The Department cannot manually enroll students in any class.

If you do not see a link on GOLD for the Economics course you want, the waitlist for that class has not yet been opened or does not exist. Waitlists are only open until the fifth day of the quarter. For more information about waitlists, visit here.

Please be aware that while anyone can add to a waitlist, the waitlist will never add a student to a class unless they have met the prerequisites for that class. Economics course prerequisites are enforced and no exceptions will be granted.

Where can I find tutoring resources for Economics/Accounting courses?

Campus Learning Assistance Center (CLAS)CLAS offers free tutoring classes and drop in hours for major prerequisite courses. Refer to the CLAS website for specific tutorial times and locations.

What is the Department’s course repeat policy?

Per UCSB policy, students may repeat a pre-major course one time. However, if students change their grading option to P/NP for a pre-major course and Pass, they will not be able to repeat the course for a letter grade. If a student has repeated any pre-major course, they will not be able to repeat any other pre-major course at UCSB or any other institution. There are no exceptions to this policy.

How do I know if I’m in the right major?

The best way to determine whether or not a major is right for you is to be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and general performance in relation to your major classes.

You may be in the right major if:

  • You cannot wait to attend classes in your major
  • The material you study is fun and interesting
  • You have trouble picking which major classes to take because you want to take everything that is being offered
  • You frequently find yourself thinking about ideas brought up in lecture
  • You talk about topics in your major in regular conversation with friends
  • You pursue opportunities outside of class (research, field trips, additional assignments) in your major field of study
  • You do well in your major classes

You may be in the wrong major if:

  • You dislike your major, but you think it’s too late to change
  • Your major makes your family happy, but your true interests lie elsewhere
  • You have lost sight of why you chose your major in the first place
  • You think your current major is the only path to the job you want
  • The books required for your major do not appeal to you
  • You dread attending your major classes
  • Your major GPA is lower than it should be