Finish in Three Curriculum

Updated: 8/19/24

Important Notes

The plans below do not include any college or university requirements. Students should consult with their college advising office to add any missing coursework such as general education and university requirements. Students may be able to overlap gen ed/universitity and major requirements.

All courses taken to satisfy RED major requirements must be taken for a letter grade and a C- or better must be earned for major credit. *Only USP 50, which is a 2-unit lower division course can be completed with Pass/No Pass grading.

The RED Capstone Studio Sequence (USP 185A & 185B) must be taken in order during the Fall and Winter of a student's senior year. 

Courses with Prerequisites:

• USP 185A: USP 5*, USP 15*, USP 25*, USP 50*, USP 124, USP 151, USP 152A, and USP 153. Students must complete these before their senior year at UCSD. 
  
• USP 151: USP 5 which should be completed sophomore year.
• USP 152A: USP 15 and USP 25 which should be completed sophomore year.
• USP 185B: USP 185A and Technical Elective* 

*Prerequisites effective Fall 2025

Lower division courses should generally be taken before upper division courses, but overlapping is allowed. It is also recommended that students complete one foundation course before taking upper division electives. Options for major requirements with options to choose from can be found on the RED Major Requirements pages

• RED Major - Effective Fall 2024
• RED Major - Prior to Fall 2024

Students should review major requirements and academic plans on the USP website each quarter for potential changes and updates. Customizable Academic Plans with a major requirement checklist can be found on the USP Academic Advising page of the USP website under Class Planning Tools.

Information on entry level Mathematics courses (Math 10A or Math 20A) can be found at the Math Testing and Placement Website

While Summer Session is not a requirement for UCSD students, major courses may be available during summer terms. Students wishing to graduate early or who have missed a prerequisite course during the academic year are encouraged to consider summer courses.

Academic Plan for Students that Enter UCSD Fall 2024 and Later

The RED Major consists of 21 courses:

• Nine (9) lower division courses
• Twelve (12) upper division courses

The following chart is a helpful guide to ensure successful completion of all required courses in time to graduate at the end of one's 4th year.

Courses in green are prerequisites for the RED Foundation Courses USP 151 (USP 5) and USP 152A (USP 15 and USP 25) AND the RED Capstone Studio Sequence (USP 185A & USP 185B).

Courses in blue are prerequisites for the RED Capstone Studio Sequence's USP 185A.

Courses in pink are prerequisites for the RED Capstone Studio Sequence's USP 185B.

*Courses italicized and with an asterisk have alternative subsitutions. 

Academic Plan for Students that Entered UCSD Prior to Fall 2024

The RED Major consists of 20 courses:

• Eight (8) lower division courses
• Twelve (12) upper division courses

The following chart is a helpful guide to ensure successful completion of all required courses in time to graduate at the end of one's 3rd year.

Courses in green are prerequisites for the RED Foundation Courses USP 151 and USP 152A.

Courses in blue are prerequisites for the RED Capstone Studio Sequence's USP 185A.

Courses in pink are prerequisites for the RED Capstone Studio Sequence's USP 185B.

*Courses italicized and with an asterisk have alternative subsitutions.