Departmental Scholar
Accelerate Your Education. Earn Your Bachelors & Masters Degree Simultaneously
The Departmental Scholar Program (DSP) allows exceptionally accomplished juniors and seniors who are nominated by faculty in their major department to pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. The program offers advanced undergraduates in selected fields of study access to graduate level classes and an opportunity to do graduate-level research under the direct supervision of faculty. Under selected circumstances, DSP students may also serve as teaching assistants.
Important: Not all departments elect to offer this option to their students. Please send a message to Honors counselor Belen Bazan for clarification on which departments currently participate.
WANT TO BE A DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLAR?
The Departmental Scholar Program (DSP) enables exceptional students to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously at UCLA.
To be considered, you must be nominated by your department and meet key eligibility criteria, including:
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Cumulative UC GPA of 3.5 or higher
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Undergraduate major GPA (in upper division major courses only) of 3.5 or higher
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Completion of 96 undergraduate units at UCLA or the equivalent at a similar institution
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Two letters of recommendation from faculty – tenured, lecturers, or adjunct. At least one recommendation from tenured faculty is strongly encouraged.
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Completion of the Writing II requirement
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For transfer students: at least one year of coursework completed at UCLA
If you want to be nominated, discuss your intent with your department’s academic advisor or Chair. Students must submit a brief Statement of Purpose, a transcript, and arrange for their recommendation letters. Once the department completes the nomination form, materials are sent to the Honors Programs office for approval by the Assistant Vice Provost and the Graduate Division.
To learn more and begin the process, please review the full DSP Guidelines and Nomination Form (PDF).
Meet the Departmental Scholar Counselor
Honors Counselor Belen Bazan-Delgado coordinates the Departmental Scholar Program. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please submit a request through Message Center. DSP students who have been working with Angel Perez may continue to request him.