Entry to the MIMG Major

Declaring the MIMG Major

Students who were admitted to UCLA as MIMG majors do not need to do anything to officially declare MIMG. There is no "Pre-MIMG" designation. Students admitted as MIMG majors (or who switch into MIMG during Orientation before their first Fall quarter) will automatically be deemed MIMG Majors in Path 1.

Note: All MIMG majors complete their requirements via Path 1 by default. The key difference between Path 1 and Path 2 is how students fulfill the laboratory research requirements. Path 2 is an application-only opportunity for eligible MIMG students to conduct independent research with a UCLA faculty mentor on a focused project. It is highly selective, and students must meet specific eligibility criteria and apply to be considered for this path. To learn more about Path 2 eligibility and the application process, students should view the Path 2 requirements and application details and connect with MIMG Advising.

Switching into the MIMG Major

The MIMG Department recognizes that UCLA 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 Entry to the Major 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.

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

  • Minimum UCLA GPA of 2.0
  • Successfully completed (with grades of C- or higher) the following Life Sciences Core preparation classes by no later than Fall quarter of your third year. Important: Do not submit your request to switch until all courses below (except Physics) are completed with posted grades:
    • Life Sciences: LIFESCI 7A, 7B, 7C, 7L
    • Chemistry series (choose one series):
      • CHEM 14 series: CHEM 14A or 14AE, 14B, 14BL, 14C, 14D
      • CHEM 20/30 series: CHEM 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B
    • Math series (choose one series):
      • MATH 3A, 3B, and 3C
      • MATH 31A, 31B, 32A
      • LIFE SCIENCES 30A, 30B
    • Statistics: (choose one): STATISTICS 13 or LIFE SCI 40
    • Physics series (choose one series)—flexible timing; not required to switch, but must be completed by graduation:
      • PHYSICS 5A, 5B, 5C
      • PHYSICS 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, 4BL
  • 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 Sciences major) who meet these requirements can email MIMG Advising at undergrad@microbio.ucla.edu to request to switch to MIMG. Please include your UID.

  • Must complete first quarter at UCLA before switching
  • First quarter UCLA 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 have two grades below a C- in any MIMG preparation courses or major requirements
  • You cannot complete major requirements within your expected graduation timeline
  • You are a UCLA transfer student who was not originally admitted to a Life Science major at UCLA

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 Advising about switching at least three 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 MIMG Advising 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.

Students are not permitted to double-major in MIMG and the Biochemistry major nor MIMG and the Molecular, Cell, and Development Biology (MCDB) major.

Questions About the MIMG Major?

UCLA students interested in learning more about the MIMG major are welcome to reach out: