Information for Frosh

Frosh interested in the Art major

First-year students interested in the Art major do not need prior art experience or coursework to pursue the major. A portfolio is not required for admission. When submitting the UC application, students can indicate Art as a major and will be admitted as proposed art majors. 

Frosh interested in pursuing an art major should enroll in Art foundation courses (Art 10_) during their first year. Students are required to pass two foundation courses in order to be eligible to declare the art major.  However, all three foundation courses (10D, 10E, 10F) are requirements for the major. Delaying taking these classes until the sophomore year may delay a student’s graduation.

If you intend to major in art, you should be proposed in the art major. First year students can add art as a proposed major by using the following form: Proposed Major Update form

Getting into classes

The ART 10 foundation classes have 150-250 seats. Frosh students who enroll during their enrollment appointment should have no trouble enrolling in these courses. They are restricted to proposed art majors during first pass enrollment in order to facilitate student access to these courses.

The ART 20 studio art classes are very small (average 25 students) compared to courses from other departments on campus that can accommodate large numbers of students. No matter what the demand, our budget will only allow us a limited number of classes. Frosh may not take any lower division studios until they complete two of the Art 10 series foundation courses, at which time they can declare as an Art Major and begin enrolling in lower division studios.

If you are not able to get into a foundation or studio course in a particular quarter at UCSC, you can enroll in courses that fulfill GE requirements. You should balance major requirements and general education requirements throughout your career at UCSC and not focus completely on your GEs in your frosh or sophomore years, as this could delay your graduation. 

Art is very desirable to many, many students – not just art majors. That is why they are only accessible to students who are pursuing a major in art. Without the restrictions, art majors would not be able to complete their education in the time allowed by the University.

For more information

Contact the Art Department undergraduate advisor
Email: artadvisor@ucsc.edu