University Requirements

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The University of California has established two requirements that all undergraduate students must satisfy in order to graduate: Entry-Level Writing or English as a Second Language (ESL), and American History and Institutions. It is each student’s responsibility to see that these requirements are fulfilled.

Entry-Level Writing

Because proficiency in English composition is so important to successful performance in many courses, Entry-Level Writing is the only requirement for graduation that students must satisfy before entering UCLA or during their first year in residence. They may meet this requirement by one of the following methods:

  • Score 30 or better on the ACT, English Language Arts, or 63 or better on the ACT, English Plus Reading
  • Score 680 or better on the SAT, Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing
  • Score 3, 4, or 5 on either the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in English Composition or in English Literature and Composition
  • Score 5, 6, or 7 on one of the International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A Examinations, or score 6 or 7 on one of the International Baccalaureate Standard Level English A Examinations
  • Before enrolling at UCLA, present transfer credit for an acceptable college-level course in English composition (passed with a grade of C or better) at another institution

If students do not meet the requirement in one of the ways described above, Academic Senate regulations require them to enroll in a course determined by performance on the Analytical Writing Placement Examination as early as possible during their first year in residence. Each course must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of C or better. Students receiving a final grade of C− or worse must repeat the course during their next term in residence.

The Entry-Level Writing requirement must be satisfied before enrolling in any course that satisfies the Writing I requirement (English Composition 3, 3D, 3DX, 3E). For more information, see Entry-Level Writing.

English as a Second Language

First-year undergraduate students whose first language is not English and who have not otherwise satisfied the Entry-Level Writing requirement must take the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE) either by the time they enter UCLA or during their first term. Results of the AWPE are reviewed to determine whether the student must take designated English composition courses in order to satisfy the Entry-Level Writing requirement. Neither the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) nor any other English proficiency test is accepted in lieu of the AWPE. Students may take the AWPE once only; unauthorized retakes result in an invalid score. Students must begin taking courses during their first term in residence at UCLA, and must complete each course in sequence with a grade of C or better. All units are applied toward graduation, but cannot be applied toward general education requirements.

Transfer students whose native language is not English and who have completed the Writing I and Writing II equivalent courses at their transfer institution may still be held for the UCLA English as a Second Language (ESL) requirement at the discretion of UCLA Undergraduate Admission. This includes, but is not limited to, all students who received a grade below B in either Writing I or Writing II equivalent courses at their community college. Transfer students held for the ESL requirement must take the English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE) either before or during their first term at UCLA to determine whether they must complete one or more English composition courses. Neither the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) nor any other English proficiency test is accepted in lieu of the ESLPE. Students may take the ESLPE once only; unauthorized retakes result in an invalid score. Students must begin taking courses during their first term in residence at UCLA, and must complete each course in sequence with a grade of C or better. All units are applied toward graduation, but cannot be applied toward general education requirements.

American History and Institutions

The American History and Institutions requirement is based on the principle that a U.S. citizen attending an American university should understand the history and public institutions of the U.S. under the federal and state constitutions. Candidates for a bachelor’s degree must satisfy the American History and Institutions requirement by one of the following methods:

  • Complete a year-long course in American history or American government, or a one-year combination of both, in high school with an average grade of B or better
  • Complete any one of the following UCLA courses with a grade of C or better, or a grade of Passed:
    • African American Studies M150D, M158A, M158B, M158C, M158E
    • Asian American Studies M171D
    • Chicana/o and Central American Studies M159A, M159B, CM182, M183
    • Economics 183
    • Gender Studies M147B, M147D
    • History 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 13C, 138A, 138B, 138C, 139A, 139B, 140A, 140B, 140C, 141A, 141B, 142A through 142D, 143A, 143B, 144, M144C, 145A, 145B, 146A through 146D, M147C, M147D, 149A, 149B, M150A through M150E, M151A, M151B, M151C, 152, 153, 154, M155, 179C
    • Political Science 40, 114A, 114B, 140A, 140B, 140C, 142A, 143A, 145B, 145C
    • Study of Religion M142C
  • Equivalent courses completed in UCLA Extension or at another college institution, and accepted by the Board of Admissions, may be used to fulfill the requirement
  • Present a satisfactory result of the requirement, by examination, as administered at another college or university within the state
  • Score 500 or better on the SAT Subject Test in U.S. History
  • Score 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Test in American History

Candidates for an instructional credential, but not for a degree, must take one of the following courses: History 143A, 143B, Political Science 145B, or 145C.

Students attending UCLA on an F-1 or J-1 visa may petition for exemption from this requirement by showing proof of temporary residence in the U.S.