Entry to the MIMG Major

Declaring the MIMG Major

If you were admitted to UCLA as an MIMG major, you do not need to declare MIMG. There is no "Pre-MIMG" designation. 

MIMG students will automatically be placed in the major's Path 1. Students must be eligible (i.e. connected to MIMG undergraduate research) and apply for Path 2 their junior or senior year. To learn more about the MIMG major and these options, MIMG students should please connect with MIMG advising.

Switching into the MIMG Major

The MIMG Department recognizes that students may choose to switch their major during their academic journey. Switching to the MIMG major represents a mutual commitment between student and department. We provide comprehensive support and resources to help our students graduate successfully. To maintain these high standards, we approve major changes only for students who:

• Are in good academic standing
• Meet our department's requirements (see details below)
• Can complete all degree requirements within normative graduation timelines

This policy ensures we can provide each student with the support they need to succeed in our rigorous coursework.

UCLA students who want to learn more about the MIMG major should please email MIMG advisors (undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu) or connect with MIMG advising in drop-ins or appointments. 

Requirements for Freshman Admits

First-year students who meet these requirements can email the MIMG Advising Office at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu to request to switch to MIMG. Please include your UID.

• Minimum UCLA GPA of 2.0
• Complete all required Life Science Core preparation classes by Fall quarter of the third year
• Submit a brief statement (2-4 sentences) explaining your motivation to change majors

Requirements for Transfer Students

Transfer students (who were admitted to UCLA as a Life Science major) who meet these requirements can email the MIMG Advising Office at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu to request to switching to MIMG. Please include your UID.

• Must complete first quarter at UCLA before switching
• First quarter grades must be posted
• Minimum 2.0 UCLA GPA required

Important Note for Transfer Students: 
Transfer students must be admitted to UCLA as a Life Science major to be eligible to switch into the MIMG major. View the complete list of Life Science majors here. 

This policy has no exceptions and is documented in the Transfer Admission Guide. For more information: Transfer Admission | UCLA Undergraduate Admission

Important Restrictions 

Requests to switch into the MIMG major will not be accepted if:

• Your UCLA GPA is below 2.0
• You have not completed all required preparation courses
• You cannot complete major requirements within your expected graduation timeline 

Graduation Timeline Considerations

• The Typical Timeline to Complete the MIMG Major:
  • Four-year minimum for Freshman Admits
  • Two-year minimum for Transfer Students
• Contact the MIMG department about switching at least two quarters before your intended graduation term. Prepare a draft plan showing how you'll complete all major requirements.
• If you plan to graduate early or have completed 150+ units, consult with the MIMG Advising Office as early as possible to review your academic plan.
• Note: While MIMG advisors will help review major-specific requirements, students should also connect with their College Advising (Counseling) Unit (separate from departmental advisors) to ensure completion of all UCLA graduation requirements. More information about College Counseling Units can be found here: Academic Advising in the College – UCLA | Center for Academic Advising in the College

Double-Majoring in MIMG

Students who are interested in double-majoring in MIMG must complete the College's Double Major Petition Process. 

Students should please email the MIMG Advising Office at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu with their UID for support completing the MIMG portion of the Departmental Approval Form required for the petition process. Students can meet with an MIMG Advisor with additional MIMG major questions.