FAQs - General Education

What is a Program of Concentration (PofC)/Area Study (A/S) declaration form?

The declaration form is for students pursuing a Program of Concentration or Area Study, listing the courses to be reviewed by a counselor. This form is especially important for EAP or non-standard PofC/AS which requires completion of specific courses or approval of courses. Counselor approval is required.

When should I complete a Program of Concentration/Area Study declaration form?

During your junior year, at least three quarters before you graduate. Early filing is recommended.

How do I know which classes I can use towards my Program of Concentration/Area Study?

Your PofC or A/S must be in areas unrelated to your major. Each program is made up of related courses in one specific area (e.g., History PofC consists of six History courses (at least three of which must be upper-division). Within each category, you may choose from the areas listed in the Warren College Academic Advising Handbook.

Note: If a program is followed by an asterisk (*) on the PofC form, specific information regarding that program or the required courses are listed in more detail in the Academic Advising Handbook.

May I take courses toward my Program of Concentration/Area Study on a Pass/Not Pass basis?

You may take any PofC or A/S course on the graded or pass/not pass basis. Remember, you must comply with the overall limitation that allows you to take up to 1/4 of the total units completed at UCSD on the P/NP basis.

May I use a minor in place of a Program of Concentration or Area Study?

Yes, provided that the minor is in an area that is non-contiguous (not related) to your major. Note that Engineering majors may not use minors in economics for an area study. Students who wish to complete a minor within their major may do so (optional minor), but it will not count as part of their required non-contiguous PofC or A/S. In addition, the minor(s) must be approved by the department and college and must meet college rules on non-overlap and non-continuity.

Can I change my PofC or Area Study?

You may change your choice of PofC or Area Study whenever you like. However, each time you change your PofC, you will be responsible for completing the 6 courses required for the PofC or 3 courses for the A/S you have chosen. If you have already taken appropriate courses, they may apply toward the PofC or A/S. Also note that at least 3 upper-division courses must be from the same department or program (not column). This allows you to take more upper-division and less lower-division classes, if you wish.

How many units do I need to graduate?

A minimum of 180 units are required for graduation.

What are the general education requirements for Warren College?

They can be found in the Academic Advising Handbook.

Is it true that I can do a departmental minor in lieu of a Program of Concentration?

Yes, but you need to have the minor approved by the department and follow their guidelines for completing a minor. The minor must follow the same rules as a PofC. It must be unrelated to the major and no duplicate courses will apply.