University Of California, Berkeley
Office of Undergraduate AdvisingCollege of Letters & Science
Office of Undergraduate Advising

 Planning Your Years

Start Index
 Introduction

 Freshman Year

 Sophomore Year

 Non-IGETC Transfer
  Course Priorities
 Declare Major
  Capped Major
  R&C
  QR
  FL
  7-Course Breadth
  AC
  Minor
  AH&I
  Other Issues
  Normal Progress
  Degree Audit
-->Unit Requirements
  Research
  Scholarships
  Study Abroad
  Medical School
  Law School
  Career
  Student Responsibility
  Transfer Checklist

 Junior Year

 Senior Year


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 End Index

 College of Letters & Science
College of Letters & Science

Unit Requirements

How many units do I need to take to graduate?

  • Taking a full-time 13-16 unit course load each term, or averaging 30 units per academic year, will keep you on track to graduate with 120 units in roughly two years.

  • As a transfer student, you will need to plan more carefully to fulfill the unit requirements.

  • As an undergraduate student, you may continue enrolling until you exceed 130 units. This means that the semester in which you exceed 130 total units must be your final semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Can I take fewer than 13 units in a given semester?

A - No, although the College of Letters and Science does allow exceptions for certain, documented reasons. You will need to contact the College and discuss your situation with an adviser. If you receive financial aid, you should also contact the Financial Aid Office and discuss the effect of a reduced schedule on your aid.

Q - Is there a limit on the total units that I may take?

A - Yes. For a semester, the maximum is 20.5 units. If undeclared, see a College Adviser if you want to request permission to take more; if declared, see your major adviser. Overall, if you stay in college more than four semesters, the semester in which you exceed 130 units must be your last.

Q - Will I be allowed more units or semesters if I declare a double major?

A - Yes. Students double majoring can continue to enroll until they exceed 136 total units. Alternatively, you can complete as many units as necessary so long as you complete your double major program within five semesters.

Q - How many elective units do I need?

A - There is no set answer. It will depend on how many units you use to satisfy the College, major and University requirements, and will vary depending on individual need and choice.

Previous Section:Degree Audit Report System


This page was last updated on Monday, May 10, 2004
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