Transfer Major Preparation | UCSB Admissions

College of

Letters & Science

Anthropology, B.A.

Cultural anthropology

Archaeology

Biological anthropology

Art, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

Introductory art courses

(such as drawing, oil painting,

sculpture, printmaking or

photography)

Biochemistry, B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

Physics series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Linear algebra

Multivariable calculus

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

u Required before transfer.

Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C" and a cumulative 2.7 major preparation GPA or better.

n Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C" and a cumulative 2.75 major preparation GPA or better.

n Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C" and a cumulative 3.4 major preparation GPA or better.

Recommended before transfer for timely degree progress.

Use this guide as an abbreviated list of required and recommended major preparation courses.

Required courses must be completed by the end of spring before you transfer and will affect your

chances of admission. Recommended courses are strongly recommended before transferring.

Taking all of the recommended courses before you transfer will prepare you to begin upper-division

coursework at UCSB after you transfer and make timely degree progress.

This is not a comprehensive list of all major preparation courses recommended for each major.

California community college (CCC) students should refer to the major articulation agreements

on assist.org for a complete listing of CCC courses that will satisfy these requirements and

recommendations. If you are not attending a CCC, refer to assist.org or the UCSB General Catalog

for further details about preparing for your major.

Biological Sciences

Aquatic Biology, B.S.

Biological Sciences, B.A./B.S.

Ecology & Evolution, B.S.

Physiology, B.S.

Zoology, B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs*

General physics series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus

Statistics

*Not required for Ecology &

Evolution or Zoology, but it may

be required by some graduate or

professional schools

Biochemistry – Molecular

Biology, B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

General physics series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Linear algebra

Multivariable calculus

Cell & Developmental Biology, B.S.

Microbiology, B.S.

Pharmacology, B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

General physics series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus

Statistics OR linear algebra

Biopsychology, B.S.

Introduction to psychology

Statistics

2 semesters calculus

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

General physics series w/ labs

Chemistry, B.A./B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

Physics for science and

engineering majors series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Multivariable calculus

Classics, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

1st semester world history OR

Western civilization

– Classical Archaeology Emphasis:

Archaeology

1st semester Western art

history

– Classical Language & Literature

Emphasis:

1 year Greek or Latin*

– Greek & Roman Culture

Emphasis:

1st semester Western art

history

*Placement exams available after

UCSB enrollment, if needed

Communication, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

Statistics

Communication courses

Key:

Updated July 2021

Transfer Major Preparation

Fall 2022

Comparative Literature, B.A.

2 years Language Other than

English (LOTE)

1st and 2nd semester world

history OR Western civilization

OR Western art history

Cultural & Gender Studies

Asian American Studies, B.A.

Asian Studies, B.A.

Black Studies, B.A.

Chicano/a Studies, B.A.

Feminist Studies, B.A.

Latin American & Iberian

Studies, B.A.

Middle East Studies, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

– Asian Studies, B.A.:

2 years Chinese or Japanese

or Korean OR equivalent

language proficiency

–

Latin American & Iberian Studies, B.A.

2 years Spanish or

Portuguese OR equivalent

language proficiency

– Middle East Studies, B.A.:

2 years Arabic, Hebrew,

Persian or Turkish OR

equivalent language

proficiency

Dance, B.A./B.F.A.

Audition required

General Education or IGETC

History & appreciation of dance

Ballet series

Choreography

Improvisation

Modern dance series

Dance lighting design

Stagecraft OR lighting OR

costume

Music appreciation

Introduction to acting (for B.F.A.)

Earth Science, B.A./B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

General physics series w/

labs

physics for science and

engineering majors series w/

labs (required for Geophysics

Emphasis)

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Physical geology w/ lab

Economics, B.A.

Economics & Accounting, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

n Macroeconomics

n Microeconomics

n 1st & 2nd semester calculus

– Economics & Accounting, B.A.:

1 or 2 semesters financial

accounting

English, B.A.

Introduction to Shakespeare

2 years Language Other than

English (LOTE)

Introduction to literary study

Environmental Studies, B.A.

Statistics

1 or 2 semesters calculus

1st course general chemistry

w/ lab

Macroeconomics

microeconomics

Environmental Studies, B.S.

Statistics

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Physics series w/ labs

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

Film & Media Studies, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

1 literature course (such as

Asian American literature, African

American literature, comparative

literature, Greek mythology)

1 history or cultural studies

course (such as Asian American

studies, Black studies,

Chicana/o studies, 2nd

semester world

western

civilization

U.S. history,

philosophy, religious studies)

1 arts course (such as

modern/contemporary

art history, dance history/

appreciation, music

appreciation, history of jazz)

Geography, B.A.

Including GIS Emphasis

Statistics

Physical geography

Human geography

Weather and climate

Lab science (such as biology,

chemistry, geology or physics)

Social science (such as

anthropology, economics,

psychology or sociology)

Geography, Physical, B.S.

Including Ocean Science Emphasis

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Physics series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Statistics

Physical geography

Human geography

Weather and climate

Global Studies, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

2 or 3 history courses from 1

region (World OR Europe OR

Africa OR Americas OR Asia &

Middle East)

2 years modern foreign

language

History, B.A.

History of Public Policy & Law, B.A.

1st and 2nd semester Western

civilization OR world history OR

U.S. history

1 history course focused outside

the U.S. and Europe

History of Art & Architecture, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

1 year Western art history

Hydrologic Sciences & Policy, B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

Physics series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Statistics

Microeconomics or

macroeconomics

Physical geography

Physical geology

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Languages

Chinese, B.A.

French, B.A.

German, B.A.

Italian Studies, B.A.

Japanese, B.A.

Portuguese, B.A.

Russian & East European

Studies, B.A.

Spanish, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

2 years language instruction

OR equivalent language

proficiency

Language, Culture & Society, B.A.

1 year Language Other than

English (LOTE)

Cultural anthropology

Introduction to sociology

Introduction to linguistics

Linguistics, B.A.

2 years Language Other than

English (LOTE) in one language

1 year Language Other than

English (LOTE) in a 2nd language

(encouraged to take one

language outside of the Indo-

European family)

Introduction to linguistics

Mathematics, B.A./B.S.

Applied Mathematics, B.S.

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

At least one course from:

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Multivariable calculus

Medieval Studies, B.A.

2 semesters Western

civilization OR world history

Music Studies, B.A.

1 or 2 years

private lessons

and/or ensembles

1 year music theory

1 year musicianship

1 year survey of Western music

history

World music (not required for

Western Art Music emphasis)

Music, B.M.

Audition required

2 years

private lessons

2 years

large ensembles

2 years music theory

2 years musicianship

1 year survey of Western music

history

Piano proﬁciency required

– Piano Emphasis:

1 year Italian, French

German

– Voice Emphasis:

1 year Italian

1 year French

German

Philosophy, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

Critical thinking/logic

– Core Philosophy Concentration:

History of philosophy series

– Ethics & Public Policy

Concentration:

Ethics

Physics, B.A./B.S.

n Physics for science and

engineering majors series w/ labs

n 2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

n Multivariable calculus

n Linear algebra

n Differential equations

n 1 year general chemistry

College of

Creative Studies

Supplemental application

required

Art, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

Biology, B.A.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

General physics series w/ labs

Biology for biology majors

sequence w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Chemistry/Biochemistry, B.A./B.S.

1 year general chemistry w/ labs

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

Physics for science and

engineering majors series w/ labs

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Linear algebra

Computing, B.S.

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Multivariable calculus

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Physics for science and

engineering majors series w/ labs

Programming in C or C++

Data structures

Discrete math/discrete

structures

Computer organization w/

logic design

Mathematics, B.A./B.S.

IGETC

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Multivariable calculus

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Music Composition, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

Musicianship and music

theory

Physics, B.A./B.S.

See Physics, B.A./B.S. under

Letters & Science

Writing & Literature, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

College of Engineering

Required for all College of

Engineering majors:

u Physics for science and

engineering majors series w/

labs*

u 2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

u Linear algebra

u Differential equations

*Content equivalent to UCSB

Physics 1-2-3-3L

Chemical Engineering, B.S.

Four requirements above PLUS:

u 1 year general chemistry w/ labs

u MATLAB

1 year organic chemistry w/ labs

Multivariable calculus

Computer Engineering, B.S.

Four requirements above PLUS:

Programming in C or C++

Data structures in C++

Discrete math

Advanced C++ programming

1st course in general chemistry

w/ lab

Digital logic

Physics equivalent to UCSB

Physics 4-4L

Computer Science, B.S.

Four requirements above PLUS:

Programming in C or C++

Data structures in C++

Discrete math

Advanced C++ programming

Multivariable calculus

Computer organization w/

logic design

Electrical Engineering, B.S.

Four requirements above PLUS:

Programming in C or C++

Multivariable calculus

1st course in general

chemistry w/ lab

Digital logic

Physics equivalent to UCSB

Physics 4-4L-5-5L

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Four requirements above PLUS:

1st course in general

chemistry w/ lab

Statics

MATLAB

Dynamics (highly recommended)

Multivariable calculus

2nd course in general

chemistry w/ lab

Electronic circuits

Engineering graphics

Strength of materials

Physics equivalent to UCSB

Physics 4-4L

Political Science, B.A.

Political philosophy

Comparative politics

International relations

American government

Macroeconomics

Microeconomics

Psychological & Brain Sciences, B.S.

Introduction to psychology

1 semester calculus

Statistics

1 year general chemistry

Biology for biology majors

sequence

Religious Studies, B.A.

General Education or IGETC

1 or 2 religious studies courses

Sociology, B.A.

Introduction to sociology

Statistics

Two courses from:

2nd semester world history

2nd semester Western civilization

Latin American history

U.S. history

Statistics & Applied Probability

Actuarial Science, B.S.

Financial Mathematics &

Statistics, B.S.

Statistics & Data Science, B.A./B.S.

2 semesters calculus for

science and math majors

Linear algebra

Differential equations

Multivariable calculus

Intro programming

UCSB PSTAT 120A and PSTAT

120B recommended to be taken

at UCSB the summer before fall

of ﬁrst year

– Financial Mathematics &

Statistics, B.S.:

Macroeconomics

Microeconomics

Theater, B.A./B.F.A.

Audition required for B.F.A.

General Education or IGETC

Introduction to acting

Stagecraft

Lighting

Costume

Ofﬁce of Admissions | University of California, Santa Barbara | www.admissions.ucsb.edu/transfer

A seven-course pattern requirement, earning a grade of C or better in each course:

a. Two courses in English composition (UC-E)

b. One course in mathematics beyond intermediate algebra, such as college

algebra, precalculus, or statistics (UC-M)

c. Four courses from at least two of the following areas:

 Arts and humanities (UC-H)

 Behavioral and social sciences (UC-B)

 Biological and physical sciences (UC-S)

Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of UC-transferable college credit

with a grade point average of at least 2.4 for California residents and at least 2.8 for

nonresidents (no more than 14 semester or 21 quarter units may be taken Pass/No

Pass). A selective GPA for most majors is a 3.5 or above.

Major Preparation: All transfer applicants should plan to complete as much major

preparation coursework before transferring as possible. This document provides

detailed information on required and/or recommended courses by major.

UCSB Transfer Selection

Admitted transfer students typically meet and exceed the UC minimum requirements for admission listed above. All applicants are

encouraged to complete preparation courses in their intended major, and some majors require preparation courses for admission.

Meeting the eligibility requirements listed above with a strong GPA will make you competitive in UCSB's admission process. See

the tips on becoming a selective applicant on our website at www.admissions.ucsb.edu/transfer-eligibility-selection.

Transfer Admission Guarantee

TAG is a guaranteed transfer admission program for California community college students if speciﬁc course, unit, and GPA

criteria are met. In addition to submitting the UC application in November, a separate TAG application is due in September

through the UC Transfer Admission Planner. Learn more at www.admissions.ucsb.edu/tag.

UCSB TAG criteria are set above minimum requirements. To be eligible, students must have:

A cumulative UC-transferable GPA of 3.4 by the end of fall 2021.

The ﬁrst UC-English composition requirement completed by the end of fall 2021, with a letter grade no lower than C. The

second UC-English composition requirement must be completed by the spring 2022 term, with a letter grade no lower than C.

UC-Mathematics requirement completed by the end of fall 2021, with a letter grade no lower than C.

 Required major preparation coursework still applies to selective majors in the College of Letters and Science (biological

sciences, economics, mathematics, and physics).

 Not available for: College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies, or performing arts majors in the College of Letters

and Science.

Junior Transfer Admission

UCSB admits transfer students applying for junior-level transfer for fall quarter only. The UC application for fall admission opens

August 1 at apply.universityofcalifornia.edu and is due by November 30 the year prior to transfer. Priority consideration for

transfer admission is given to students transferring directly from a California community college, but applicants from all colleges

and universities are welcome to apply.

Transfer Eligibility Requirements

All students, regardless of the institution they are transferring from, are held to the same requirements listed below. Students

have until the end of the spring term prior to transfer to meet the following requirements.

Guide to Course Transferability

UCSB does not have articulation agreements with colleges outside of the California community college (CCC) system. Admissions

counselors are not able to pre-evaluate coursework from other institutions, but the downloadable Guide to Course Transferability

PDF explains in detail what UC looks for in transferable courses at www.admissions.ucsb.edu/transfer-eligibility-selection.