The EDGE Special Edition | Issue 4 | 2024

ISSUE

School of Physical Sciences IN THIS

CHOOSINGAMAJOR SPECIAL EDITION

Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences

3 5 Steps to Choosing a Major

4 Universities, Schools, and Majors, Oh My!

5 UC Irvine Campus Map by Schools

Key Terms

UC Irvine

WELCOME

Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Majors Within the Claire Trevor School of the Arts

tudent Spotlights:

Trevor School of the Arts

Irvine Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences

Within the Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences

tudent Spotlights: Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences

Dear Student,

Welcome to the 4th special edition of The Edge! We hope you're having a great school year and are enjoying these special editions that highlight the wonderful academic opportunities at UCI. Our team is excited to spotlight the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, and the School of Physical Sciences to help you learn about the unique pathways within these fields.

As you continue to think about your future, we want to prepare you with the best information possible to make informed decisions. For our team, this includes offering you a step-by-step guide to choosing a major, a list of key terms, an in-depth review of the available majors, and student spotlights and reflections. The School of Physical Sciences trains students to use science to solve problems and understand the world around us. This includes innovative cancer research, life on other planets, climate change, and much more. The Claire Trevor School of Arts is the heart of UCI's creative life, where the arts range from traditional to new, with opportunities to showcase at the school theatres, concert halls, and galleries. The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences features a curriculum that will prepare students for all types of careers in computing. The program includes a balance of math and programming courses and research and experiential learning opportunities.

At the end of your reading, we encourage you to use the reflection prompts to consider your key takeaways from this edition. We are confident you will walk away with new ideas, new questions, and new possibilities for what your future may entail. We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed making it!

Happy reading!

Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D. Vice-Provost for Educational and Community Partnerships, University of California, Irvine

5 STEPS TO CHOOSING A MAJOR

by Jody Cajudo, M.S., former Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

To receive a degree or certificate from a college or university, a student must declare a major first.

To receive a degree or certificate from a college or university, a student must declare a major first. A major is a specific area of study that a student chooses to focus their course of study. We recognize that selecting a major is a challenging task. So, whether you are 99% sure of your choice already or need help figuring out where to start, we encourage you to use the following steps to select a major that is right for YOU!

Step 1: Assess Yourself

The more you understand yourself, the easier it is to identify your goals and ways to achieve them. Assessments are a great tool to learn more about yourself and your core values. Consider taking any of these assessments to help you get started: Myers-Briggs & 16 Personalities, Value Sort, or CliftonStrengths. The results you get are personal to you and can help you uncover majors that align with your strengths and values. After completing an assessment, we encourage you to connect with a trusted adult, teacher, or counselor to reflect on your results and understand their meaning.

Step 2: Gather Information and Explore Options

Research majors at different universities and make a list of your interests. You may also work backward! Explore job descriptions of careers

that interest you and see what majors are most common within the field. We encourage you to discuss possible majors of interest with your school counselor, teacher, mentor, or academic advisor. These individuals can assist you in finding and learning about each institution's different opportunities.

Step 3: Evaluate and Make Your Major Decision

Put together all the information you gather from Steps 1 & 2 and create a list of two or three potential majors. We then encourage you to meet with an academic counselor who can help you evaluate the information you have gathered and offer suggestions on your next steps.

Step 4: Take Action

Choosing a major requires you to be proactive! Select student activities, internships, volunteer work, and/or part-time employment that can help you further develop skills in the areas that interest you. This is a great way

to find out first-hand whether or not you can see yourself doing this in the future. Talk to people who work in the career fields you are considering and see if there are any opportunities they recommend you get involved with throughout the school year or during the summer.

Step 5: Apply for Your Major

You will be prompted to select a major on your college application(s). Keep in mind that many students change their major while in college. If you are unsure about your major, selecting "undeclared" or "undecided" on your college application and declaring your major later is okay. This gives you a chance to take some time and explore. Once you declare your major, you are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor from the college or school at least twice a year to remain on track to complete your degree.

UNIVERSITY, SCHOOLS, AND MAJORS, OH MY!

by Ashley Cheri, Ed.D., Manager of P-20 Programs, UC Irvine

University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers many Major options. But, before you choose a major, we wanted to provide insight into how universities are organized and structured.

Within every college or university, there are schools or academic units. An example is the School of Business, School of Education, or School of Humanities at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). You will find colleges at California State University, Fullerton, like the College of Health and Human Development or College of Health Sciences.

Now, within each school, there are Majors you apply to, and this is where the specifics of choosing a Major come in; it is important that you know the difference! For example, when you apply to college, you might apply to UCI and choose to major in African-American Studies; this means you are applying to the University of California, Irvine, School of Humanities, with a major in AfricanAmerican Studies.

It might sound confusing now, but don't worry; it will make more sense when you arrive. In the meantime, this magazine intends to help you understand the basics.

With that said, here is a snapshot of all the schools at UCI, and in each edition, you will learn more about the majors offered within each of these schools:

Claire Trevor School of the Arts

School of Biological Sciences

Paul Merage School of Business School of Education

Henry Samueli School of Engineering

School of Humanities

Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences

Interdisciplinary Studies

School of Social Ecology

School of Social Sciences

School of Physical Sciences

The Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences

Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing

UC IRVINE CAMPUS MAP BY SCHOOLS

LOSTRANCOSDR

KEY TERMS

Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine

As you read through the magazine and learn about UCI's academic units and major options, here are some key terms and definitions that will help you better understand the available opportunities for students at UCI.

Undergraduate: A student at a college or university who has not yet earned a bachelor's or equivalent degree.

Bachelor’s Degree: An undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years (depending on institution and academic discipline). The two most common bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc).

Major: A specific area of study that a student chooses to focus their course of study during their undergraduate career.

Minor: Students can explore a smaller area of study alongside their major, which may or may not be related to the major.

Double Major: When a student fulfills the degree requirements for two areas of study.

Selective Major: Refers to a campus receiving more applications for admission than the campus can accommodate.

Graduate Degree: An advanced academic degree in a specialized field of study, pursued after one has already obtained a bachelor's degree.

Masters Degree: A postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

Doctorate: A high-level degree earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study, culminating in the creation, submission, presentation, and defense of a research dissertation.

Work-Based: Development and assessment of skills within and directly related to the workplace.

Apprenticeship: A system for training a new generation of practitioners of

a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Apprenticeships can also enable practitioners to gain a license to practice in a regulated occupation.

Fellowships: A short-term, paid training opportunity sponsored by a specific organization. Individuals perform research and develop skills to apply professionally. The application process tends to be competitive. Organizations sponsor fellowships for multiple reasons.

Internship: Allows students to experience work cultures and environments before beginning their careers. They can also gain entry-level exposure in a particular industry or field. Internships focus on participating in work environments to fulfill a degree or training program requirement.

Mentorship: Guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.

Job Shadowing: A type of on-thejob training that allows an interested employee to follow and closely observe another employee performing the role.

Job Placement: A service offered to help individuals secure employment post completion of work-based experience and an educational degree.

Claire Trevor School of the Arts

by Jaime DeJong, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UC Irvine

The Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine (CTSA) stands as a national leader, epitomizing the essence of creation, exploration, and innovation. As one of the founding schools at UC Irvine, CTSA has been at the forefront of training aspiring artists, supporting arts research, cultivating new technologies, and promoting the arts within the community.

For high school students passionate about the arts, CTSA offers a transformative educational experience. CTSA's premier academic and professional programs span the Departments of Art, Dance, Drama, and Music.

The intersection of creativity and technology is a hallmark of every academic department at CTSA, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations on campus and within the business community. With an enrollment of approximately 825 undergraduate majors, the school's programs promote small class sizes and are firmly grounded in liberal arts. This approach emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, research, collaboration, and problem-solving – essential skills for any aspiring artist.

The minors in Digital Arts and Drama attract students across the university, providing an opportunity to explore the latest in digital technology and its connection to art practice, performance, and analysis.

CTSA's commitment to community engagement and professional development is evident through several Arts Outreach programs, including Creative Connections, which places teaching artists in K-12 classrooms across the county.

The school's primary performance facilities and exhibition spaces, including the Claire Trevor Theatre, Winifred Smith Hall, and the University Art Galleries, provide students with platforms and spaces to showcase their talents through over 200 performances and exhibitions annually. At the forefront of arts and technology, CTSA boasts the Beall Center for Art + Technology, a hub for experimental media arts.

CTSA's alumni, impacting the world daily, contribute to Broadway stages, Hollywood recording studios, European art galleries, and international dance companies. The New Swan Shakespeare Festival, unique to CTSA, enriches the campus each summer with whimsical, intimate productions in a moveable mini-Elizabethan theater. Students enrolled in CTSA drama programs collaborate with professionals, gaining invaluable career experience.

An education at CTSA is not just a pathway to a career; it's a journey that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration – qualities essential for success in the arts. As alumni continue to reshape the art landscape in America and beyond, the school stands as a beacon for those aspiring to make a lasting impact in the world of arts and culture. For high school students looking to launch a career in the arts, CTSA offers a springboard to a fulfilling and impactful career in the creative world, where innovation and expression thrive.

MAJORS WITHIN THE CLAIRE TREVOR SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

by Lesley Leyva, Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts has a vision for a brilliant future in the Arts.

MAJORS

f Art

f Dance

f Drama

f Music

MINORS

The Claire Trevor School of Arts offers two minors.

f Digital Arts

f Drama

DEGREES

The undergraduate degrees offered:

f B.A. in Art, Dance, Drama, and Music

f B.F.A in Music Theatre

f B.F.A. in Dance with a specialization in Performance or Choreography

f B.Mus. In Music Performance with a specialization in Guitar/Lute, Jazz Studies, Piano, Voice, and Winds, Percussion, and Strings

PURSUING GRADUATE-LEVEL DEGREES WITHIN THE FIELD OF STUDY

The Claire Trevor School of the Arts graduate program offers a variety of graduate-level degrees that include Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. To learn more information, please visit: https://www. arts.uci.edu/student-affairs-graduate-programs

f M.F.A in Art

f M.F.A in Dance

f M.F.A in Drama, with a concentration in Acting, Directing, Design, Stage Management, or Music Direction

f M.F.A. in Music with a focus in Choral Conducting, Collaborative Piano, Guitar/Lute Performance, Instrumental Performance, Piano Performance, or Vocal Arts

f Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre

f Ph.D. in Integrate Composition, Improvisation, and Technology (ICIT) and in History and Theory of Music

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: CLAIRE TREVOR SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Name: Maia Lucas

Major(s): Drama

Minor(s):

Education/Film and Media Studies

Class of: 2024

I decided to study Drama through my theatre experience in middle school and high school. I've been performing in different mediums my whole life, but I started auditioning for school plays and musicals at age 12 and fell in love with the performing arts. What helped me settle on theatre as a career path was the art's and theatre's ability to impact people. Through performance, I can explore different parts of myself, my identity, and my relationship with the world around me. As a firstgeneration college student, I need to pursue a career that I am passionate about and love the work I do. Initially, I planned to major in Education, possibly concurrently with Drama, and become an art teacher. I was sure that was the way I would make the most difference in the art world.

However, my experience with the arts at UC Irvine has shown me how powerful performance can be and how artists sharing their stories and passions are just as crucial to those teaching. Both positions inspire the next generation of artists. At UCI, I have found a community to create art with and so many people to learn from, which has helped me grow as an artist and a person. I have grown an appreciation for everything that goes into making a production, onstage and behind the scenes, and have expanded my skillset to include jobs I never thought I would end up doing. I'm now applying to graduate school to get my M.F.A. in Acting, and I couldn't be happier with how my career path has turned out.

Name: Aejin Yi

Major(s): Art

Minor(s): Digital Art & Korean Literature and Culture

Class of: 2024

As a child, I always imagined and made things, whether folding origami or dressing up my toys with tissue clothes. I never cultivated this passion because I believed in the "stigma" against art and the "broke artist" stereotype — the message I received growing up. Art remained a hobby, but over the years, I learned that art didn't just mean painting or drawing. There was a world where artists were truly needed, like in game design, music, storyboarding, etc. "Art" was useful and everywhere, not just something to be hung on a wall or placed in a room.

Even if I excelled in all subjects, I only had two interests: English and graphic design/creative fields. I chose Art because 1. I could not imagine having fun and being happy in any other field 2. I knew I would betray myself if I set aside a fundamental part of who I already was. I initially doubted if UCI was right for me, but I have grown so much as a designer and artist here. I knew I had to challenge myself by seeking out opportunities; whether through clubs or small jobs, the experiences and skills I have gained will continue to define who I am.

I love being surrounded by creative people who inspire me. I am constantly motivated by these like-minded people which makes me feel so glad and forever excited to be a part of this journey of embracing what I love: creating!

Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences

by Julie Lindo, Director of Outreach, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine

The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) embodies excellence, creativity, and collaborative innovation in computer science and information technology. As the only independent computing school in the University of California system, it is well-positioned to continue its tradition of exploring and advancing the boundaries of this broad, multidisciplinary field globally.

The School's three departments — Computer Science, Informatics, and Statistics — fuel various instructional and research efforts in areas such as AI and machine learning, software engineering and game design, bioinformatics and data analytics, and much more. ICS research focuses on how computing and information technology can be used to solve real-world problems in various fields, including education, art and entertainment, business and law, healthcare and medicine, biological systems, and the environment.

ICS faculty and students are helping to shape the future by advancing fundamental computing technologies and exploring the applications and interaction of computing with humans. The broad range of academic programs emphasizes foundations, experiential learning, discovery, and

entrepreneurship while preparing students to lead the computing revolution through careers in academia, industry, non-profits, and the public sector. The ICS community includes a network of more than 15,000 alumni.

ICS is also committed to increasing diversity in computing and information technology. The ICS Office of Access and Inclusion (OAI) supports the recruitment, retention, and graduation of undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented populations. As part of this effort, OAI is partnering with local K-12 schools to support Career Technical Education pathways, collaborate with computer science teachers, and create conferences for students with disabilities. OAI also provides need-based scholarships for the ICS Summer Academy, which allows high school students to explore areas such as data analytics, AI, and machine learning.

Since its start as a department in 1968, ICS has grown to become a global leader in human-centered computing research and education, and its faculty, students, and alumni have made pioneering contributions to the field of computing.

MAJORS WITHIN THE DONALD BREN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SCIENCES

by Giesi Lopez, Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

As the first school of computing within the University of California (UC), the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) was established in 2002 as an independent school within UC Irvine. Since then, it has been at the forefront of computing innovation, technology, and research geared towards understanding the connection between human interactions and technology. Through its 3 departments, the School of ICS offers many majors, minors, specializations, research, and internship opportunities to 3,600 undergraduate students that prepare them for any graduate degree or profession, whether in academia, industry, non-profits, or the public sector.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Department of Computer Science emphasizes the principles of computing in our modern world to prepare students for career paths in various computing fields. Computer Science majors must select one of the nine specializations they wish to complete: Algorithms, Architecture and Embedded Systems, Bioinformatics, General Computer Science, Information, Intelligent Systems, Networked Systems, Systems and Software, and Visual Computing. If any of these specializations pique your interest, you may want to consider one of the following degrees: Majors:

f Computer Science B.S.

f Computer Science and Engineering B.S. (a joint undergraduate degree that combines computer science and engineering fundamentals)

Minors:

f Bioinformatics

Career Opportunities: Traffic Management, Flight Control, Earthquake Monitoring, etc...

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATICS

As an internationally recognized institution, the Department of Informatics aims to prepare students to solve challenges arising from the intersection of people, information, and technology through various majors and research opportunities. Informatics majors must complete one of four specializations: Human-Computer Interaction, Organizations

and Information Technology, Health Informatics, or Specialization in Individual Studies. If you are interested in learning about the intricacies of technology and everyday human interactions, you may want to consider a major in the Department of Informatics. Majors:

f Informatics B.S.

f Business Information Management B.S.

f Game Design and Interactive Media B.S.

f Software Engineering B.S.

Minors:

f Informatics

f Health Informatics

f Digital Information Systems

f Information and Computer Science

Career opportunities: Game Development, Interactive Entertainment, Creative Technologies, Educational and Learning Software, etc...

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS

As one of the first in the world to offer an undergraduate degree in Data Science, the Department of Statistics prepares students with knowledge of statistical and computing principles to analyze and solve real-world data analysis problems. In their final year, students must complete a 2-quarter course consisting of a capstone project that equips students with the skills to apply statistical and computational principles to solve real-world problems. With a wide range of courses and research opportunities, a major in Data Science is suitable for students interested in the intersection between statistics and computer science.

Major

f Data Science B.S.

Minor

f S tatistics

Career opportunities: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Statistician, etc...

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: DONALD BREN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SCIENCES

Name: Daniella Galavan

Major(s): Informatics

Minor(s): Art History

Pronouns: she/her

Class of: 2025

I didn't know what I wanted to major in for the longest time. Even now, as a third year in Informatics with a specification in Human Computer Interaction, I still have moments of self-doubt. What I do know is what kind of change I want to see in society. My major will help me make that change a reality. I grew up in a small but tightknit family. My mother immigrated to

the United States from Colombia, and my father is a disabled Army veteran, so I was exposed to many shifting identities. I was pushed to excel in high school and was expected to attend college. Initially, I was accepted as a Biology major, but I needed more passion for the subject. While many of my peers may say they always knew what they wanted to study, I was never sure.

My college trajectory and my life were changed when I took a class about accessible design. I introduced myself

to the professor, Dr. Stacy Branham, and she offered to be my mentor. This mentorship allowed me to explore my identity as a disabled woman and how that has shaped my academic experience. Currently, I'm researching creating a disabled community at UCI as the president of the Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance Plus club (DNA+). I couldn't find a place I belonged in, so I helped make one. There is a need for an accessible academic experience, and finding allies like my mentor empowered me to take ownership of my education. I hope to continue learning more about the disabled community to eventually create human centered technology after I graduate.

Name: Jacqueline Castellanos

Major(s): Computer Science

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Class of: 2024

I participated in the Maximizing Student Potential in STEM (MSP) at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). I had the opportunity to attend talks given by some of the brightest minds in robotics and aerospace. I visited the Mars Yard, the JPL Center of the Universe, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility. To take full advantage of the opportunity, I emailed engineers and asked them if they would join me for lunch. We discussed career opportunities, mysteries of the universe, and the prospect of placing a human on the surface of Mars. The experience made me want to work for NASA because it is where what is impossible is made

possible through hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, and incredible feats of engineering. I am interested in the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), more specifically Machine Learning (ML) in Space Exploration. I want to apply ML to downlink data from satellites and spacecraft missions. These missions collect massive amounts of data. By training a ML algorithm on data that is of interest, we can teach the algorithm to sift through massive amounts of data and only return the data that matches our criteria.

I transferred to the University of California Irvine because the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences is the only independent computing school in the

University of California system. After I graduate from the University of California Irvine, I would like to work as a software engineer or data scientist at NASA, SpaceX, or other aerospace companies. Ideally, since I completed an internship at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I would love to work for JPL analyzing data produced by the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars Rovers. Seeing the Perseverance rover in person inspired me to work on future Mars Missions. I am taking all the necessary steps, such as networking, getting good grades, and participating in internships, to make my dream of working in the aerospace industry a reality.

School of Physical Sciences

by Mu-Chun Chen, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Professor of Physics and Astronomy, School of Physical Sciences, UC Irvine

The UCI School of Physical Sciences provides great opportunities for students to gain fundamental knowledge, understand the physical world, and acquire skills to advance technology to improve lives. We value intellectual excellence through diverse experiences and perspectives and strive to create an environment where every student feels welcome. We've created mentoring programs to guide students through each step of their academic journey and career development.

We offer six-degree programs in four departments: Chemistry, Earth System Science (ESS), Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Mathematics, Physics, and Applied Physics.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is the science of molecules and materials. The clothing we wear, the food we eat, the medicine we use to cure diseases, the gasoline we put in our cars, and millions of other things we take for granted would not exist without chemists.

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE

In ESS, students learn to apply basic sciences to understand significant processes governing the Earth's climate, biogeochemical cycles, and global change. The ESP program prepares students interested in environmental problem-solving by linking an understanding of natural science with socioeconomic factors and public policy.

CHEMISTRY

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

The power of mathematics can be felt in every discipline of science and engineering as well as in everyday life. As Math Majors, students develop the ability to reason precisely and logically, explore the elegance of mathematics, and learn about its applications.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Physics lies at the forefront of our understanding of Nature. It includes the study of the Universe on the largest scales – astronomy and cosmology, and on the smallest – the physics of elementary particles. Physics also provides the background for high technology; lasers, nuclear power, semiconductors, and medical imaging; all rooted in physics.

People with degrees in physical sciences can pursue a wide range of exciting careers, including research and development in the high-tech industry and government laboratories, policy-making, high school teaching, and financial analysis and modeling. Our academic programs also prepare students for graduate education in Physical Sciences disciplines and other areas, such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and pattern laws.

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE MATHEMATICS

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

MAJORS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES

by Veronica Sanchez, Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Established in 1965, the School of Physical Sciences at UC Irvine had 212 undergraduate students, 55 graduate students, and 22 faculty members across the Departments of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, and Astronomy. Over the years, the School of Physical Sciences has expanded its departments, undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty members, along with majors.

Now, the School of Physical Sciences holds four different departments, six majors & three minors, which include:

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY:

f Chemistry B.S. Degree

Students interested in pursuing further education and training in graduate, medical, pharmacy, and other professional programs majoring in Chemistry will be able to concentrate in the following areas of chemistry: Concentration in Chemical Biology, Chemistry Education, & Theoretical and Computational Chemistry. They can also specialize in the following areas: Specialization in Environmental Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Nuclear and Radiochemistry, and Synthetic Chemistry.

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE:

f Earth System Science B.S. Degree or Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Minor

Are you interested in Climate change? This undergraduate degree is for you! Students in this program of study will prepare for careers in science, research, or technical fields. Students learn to apply basic sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology) to understand the major processes and systems governing the Earth's climate, biogeochemical cycles, and global change.

f Environmental Science & Policy

B.A. Degree

This major can interest students interested in urban planning, public policy, sociology, economics, climatology, water resources and quality, agriculture, air pollution, resource management, and atmospheric sciences. This program provides students with a solid foundation to recognize the impacts of human activities on the environment and, in turn, the effects of environmental change on society.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS:

f Mathematics B.S. Degree or Mathematics, Minor & Mathematics for Biology, Minor

Students undergoing this undergraduate path are prominent scholars engaged in teaching, fundamental research in pure and applied mathematics, and service to the local community with outreach efforts to foster success in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Many students in this field can become Math teachers or professors.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY:

f Applied Physics B.S. Degree & Physics

B.S Degree

Students interested in Physics and Astronomy can develop a deep knowledge of the universe and prepare themselves for graduate school or a career in fields as diverse as engineering, programming, or law. You can have a career in Astrophysics, Business/ Law, Engineering Physics, Biomedical Physics, Computational Physics, Philosophy of Physics, or Physics Education.

Many majors within the School of Physical Sciences allow students to participate in internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. These are your majors if you want to create positive change within society, the ecosystem, and human well-being!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS: SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Name: Mikiztli

Sarapura Ortiz

Major(s): Earth System Science/ Environmental Science & Policy

Pronouns: they/them

Class of: 2024

Name: Kevin Trang

Major(s): Mathematics with a Concentration in Mathematics for Education/Secondary Teaching Certification

Pronouns: he/him/his Class of: 2024

When entering UCI, I knew that I wanted to be a mathematics major, and I also had a vision to become a high school educator, shifting from becoming an engineer. I had a simple thought progression when choosing my major: I liked math throughout my education, and I liked helping other people. After exploring the engineering route through some introductory high school classes, I deemed it wasn't fit for what I envisioned, so I concluded that teaching was what I would do. Later on, I began to develop another goal to add to my teaching career: I wanted to alleviate the struggles and barriers students may face when transitioning from high school to the real world. I realized I didn't know what I was doing and how to go about UCI when entering, which was a severe issue since this was the turning point for my future as an adult. I plan to provide my experiences and knowledge of resources to my future students so they may not have the same struggles and fears I did when transitioning to adulthood. They should have agency over their future and feel confident about the available opportunities. I want to become a math educator to teach the wonders of mathematics in an enjoyable, meaningful way and spread and promote my message to future generations.

An episode of Cosmos with Carl Sagan ended my “future POTUS” phase. I first started watching Cosmos when I was 11. I knew then that I wanted to understand the science behind the universe. Being part of the generation with all of the world’s knowledge at our fingertips, I often browsed the internet to find all kinds of information false, accurate, and distortions of the two. I became more aware of climate change and, later, more aware of its effects on marginalized communities. I developed an interest that sometimes felt like an obligation to work towards developing sustainable solutions and fighting for climate justice.

I grew up in Erwin, Tennessee, less than 1 mile from a nuclear power plant that dumped toxic waste into the river my siblings and I would play in as kids. Our home was also directly across the street from an abandoned elementary school with hazardous, unpredictable sinkholes, never knowing if our house was next. These events all tie into my goals of applying sustainable living methods, restoration, and conservation.

I became an International Development & Social Change major at my first university, wanting to fight legal battles for climate justice. I dropped out due to imposter syndrome. Fast forward two years, I came to UCI as a Chemistry major with plans to specialize in Environmental Chemistry. Fast forward another two years, and I changed majors to Earth System Science and Environmental Science & Policy. I enjoyed my chemistry classes but knew I had picked chemistry as a “safe” choice because I believed it to be more employable than my current majors. I feel secure in my choice of Earth System Science and Environmental Science & Policy because I can combine my passion for science with justice.

FINAL REFLECTION

by Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine

How are you feeling? Are you excited about all the major options you learned about within this edition? In this 4th edition of the Special Edge, you had the opportunity to learn about majors in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, and the School of Physical Sciences. One of the key takeaways you learned is the importance of choosing a major of interest to YOU! As you go into this exciting next step of your educational journey, below is some advice to consider.

f E xplore all your interests; gaining more knowledge and first-hand experience is a great way to narrow down your interests and possible major options.

f Reflect on your values and hobbies; let that be your guiding factor.

f Research the majors offered within the institutions you are interested in attending.

f Participate in opportunities such as events, summer programs, clubs, job shadowing, and internships.

f It is okay to choose to be undecided, undeclared, or changing your major selection. In our future special editions, we will continue highlighting other schools at UC Irvine, the majors within them, and student testimonials to help prepare you for this exciting next step of your educational journey.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Remember, many majors can lead to similar careers, focus on YOU and you will eventually find your major of interest. Now that you have read through the magazine, we encourage you to use the following reflection questions to help guide your thinking and to begin to take the necessary steps toward choosing a major that is right for YOU!

What are 3 things that inspire and/or interest you?

What are 3 values that are important to you?

What academic subject(s) do you enjoy learning about?

What skills do you consider personal strengths?

(Reflect on your experiences in and outside of the classroom)

What are some potential majors that align with your values, interests and/or skills?

What is your next step in exploring a possible major?

(Refer back to the advice above)

If you know you want to go to UC Irvine but you are unsure of what to major in, there is always the option to apply as Undecided/Undeclared. For more information, visit: https:// uu.uci.edu/prospective-students/beinguu-at-uci/

DID YOU KNOW?

Three out of every four students who starts college each year has some level of uncertainty about their major. Students who start undeclared are more likely to graduate than students who start with a declared major.

Over 90% of employers do not care what your major is, but they do care that you earn a degree and gain particular career transferrable skills. You gain those skills through your experience as an undergraduate at UC Irvine in any major.

YOUR NEXT DESTINATION

Nestled in the rolling coastal foothills of Orange County and five miles from pristine beaches, UC Irvine is home to global companies, a national airport (SNA), world-class performing arts venues and shopping centers, and nearby major league sports teams.

THE EDGE

Special Edition | Issue 4 | 2024

Editors:

Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine

Kasandra Tong, Specialist, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine

Contributors:

Aejin Yi, Student, Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UC Irvine

Alondra Garcia, Director, K-16 Career Pathways, UC Irvine

Ashely Cheri, ED.D., Manager, P-20 Programs, UC Irvine

Daniella Galavan, Student, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine

Giesi Lopez, Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Helpful Internet Resources www.cfep.uci.edu/theedge/online-resources

Jacqueline Castellanos, Student, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine

Jaime DeJong, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UC Irvine

Jody Cajudo, M.S., former Program Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Julie Lindo, Director of Outreach, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, UC Irvine

Kevin Trang, Student, School of Physical Sciences, UC Irvine

Lesley Leyva, Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Maia Lucas, Student, Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UC Irvine

Mikiztli Sarapura Ortiz, Student, School of Physical Sciences, UC Irvine

Mu-Chun Chen, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Professor of Physics and Astronomy, School of Physical Sciences, UC Irvine

Veronica Sanchez, Coordinator, EAOP, UC Irvine

Design by: m2dg, inc. www.m2dg.com

Publication by:

University of California, Irvine | Center for Educational Partnerships | Office of Educational and Community Partnerships

Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D., Vice-Provost for Educational and Community Partnerships, UC Irvine

Santana Ruiz, M.Ed., Interim Executive Director, Center for Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine

Ashley Cheri, Ed.D., P-20 Manager, Center for Educational Partnerships, UC Irvine

K-16 Career Pathways