This guide is 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. Taking all of the recommended courses before you transfer will prepare you to begin upper-division coursework at UCSB and make timely progress towards your degree.
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 for a complete listing of CCC courses that will satisfy these requirements and recommendations. If you are not attending a CCC, refer to ASSIST or the UCSB General Catalog for further details about preparing for your major. When requirements are stated as a full-year sequence, students should complete the entire course series at one institution before transferring, if possible. The topics covered in a particular term of the sequence at a college/university may not be the same at another college/university and could result in missing or duplicative coursework.
KEY
The following major preparation GPAs must be earned through the satisfactory completion of some required coursework by the end of Fall 2026 semester/quarter. All required coursework must be completed by the end of Spring 2027 semester/quarter.
◈ Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C"
◾ Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C" and a cumulative 2.7 major preparation GPA or better
◻ Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C" and a cumulative 2.75 major preparation GPA or better
▣ Required before transfer with no individual grade below "C" and a cumulative 3.4 major preparation GPA or better
▲ Required before transfer with no individual grade below “C” and a cumulative 2.85 major preparation GPA or better
◉ Strongly recommended before transfer for timely degree progress
** Additional major preparation courses
College of Letters and Science
Anthropology, B.A.
◉ Cultural anthropology
◉ Archaeology
◉ Biological anthropology
Art, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ Introductory art courses (such as drawing, oil painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, or digital video)
Biological Sciences
Aquatic Biology, B.S. | Biological Sciences, B.A./B.S. | Ecology & Evolution, B.S. | Physiology, B.S. | Zoology, B.S. | Molecular & Cellular Biology, B.S.
- Cell & Developmental Biology Emphasis; Microbiology Emphasis; Pharmacology Emphasis
◾ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◾ Biology for biology majors sequence w/ labs
◾ 1 yr organic chemistry w/ labs
◾ 2 semesters calculus
◉ General physics series w/ labs
◉ Statistics OR linear algebra
- Biochemistry-Molecular Biology Emphasis
◾ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◾ Biology for biology majors sequence w/ labs
◾ 1 yr organic chemistry w/ labs
◾ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
◉ General physics series w/ labs
◉ Linear algebra
◉ Multivariable calculus
Biopsychology, B.S.
◉ Introduction to psychology*
◉ Statistics*
◉ 2 semesters calculus*
◉ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs*
◉ Biology for biology majors sequence w/ labs
◉ 1 yr organic chemistry w/ labs
◉ General physics series w/ labs
*Highly recommended before transfer.
Chemistry, B.A./B.S. | Biochemistry, B.S.
▲ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
▲ 1 yr organic chemistry w/ labs
▲ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
▲ Multivariable calculus
▲ Linear algebra
▲ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs
- Biochemistry, B.S.**
◉ Biology for biology majors sequence w/ labs
- Chemistry, B.S.**
◉ Differential equations
Classics, B.S.
- Ancient Greek & Roman Philosophy Emphasis
- Classical Archaeology Emphasis**
- Classical Language & Literature Emphasis
- Greek & Roman Culture Emphasis
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ 1st semester World history OR Western civilization
- Classical Archaeology Emphasis**
◉ Archaeology
*Placement exams available after UCSB enrollment, if needed.
Communication, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ Statistics
◉ Research Methods
◉ Communication courses
Comparative Literature, B.A.
◉ 2 yrs 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. | Black Studies, B.A. | Chicano/a Studies, B.A. | East Asian Studies, B.A. | Feminist Studies, B.A. | Latin American & Iberian Studies, B.A. | Middle East Studies, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
- East Asian Studies, B.A.**
◉ 2 yrs Chinese or Japanese or Korean OR equivalent language proficiency
- Latin American & Iberian Studies, B.A.**
◉ 1 yr Spanish or Portuguese OR equivalent language proficiency
- Middle East Studies, B.A.**
◉ 2 yrs Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Turkish OR equivalent language proficiency
Dance, B.A./B.F.A.
Audition required
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ History & appreciation of dance
◉ Ballet series
◉ Choreography
◉ Improvisation
◉ Modern dance series
◉ Dance lighting design
◉ Stagecraft OR lighting OR costume
◉ Music appreciation
◉ Intro to acting (for B.F.A.)
Earth Science, B.A./B.S.
◉ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◉ General physics series w/ labs OR 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 OR Cal-GETC
◻ Macroeconomics
◻ Microeconomics
◻ 1st and 2nd semester calculus
- Economics & Accounting, B.A.**
◉ 1 or 2 semesters financial accounting
English, B.A.
2 English courses chosen from:
◉ Intro to Shakespeare
◉ Intro to literary study
◉ Intro to ethnic literatures
Environmental Studies, B.A.
◉ Statistics
◉ 1 or 2 semesters calculus
◉ 1st course general chemistry w/ lab
◉ Macroeconomics OR microeconomics
◉ Physical geography OR physical geology OR oceanography OR weather and climate
◉ American government OR comparative politics OR international relations
Environmental Studies, B.S.
◉ Statistics
◉ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
◉ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◉ Physics series w/ labs
◉ Biology for biology majors sequence w/ labs
◉ Macroeconomics OR microeconomics
◉ Physical geography OR physical geology OR oceanography OR weather and climate
Film & Media Studies, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ 1 literature course (such as Asian American lit., African American lit., comparative lit., Greek mythology)
◉ 1 history or cultural studies course (such as Asian American studies, Black studies, Chicana/o studies, 2nd semester world OR western civilization OR 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 yr 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 OR Cal-GETC
◉ 2 history courses (e.g. World, Europe, Africa, Americas, Asia & Middle East)
◉ 2 yrs modern foreign language
History, B.A. | History of Policy, Law, & Governance, B.A.
◉ 3 or 4 history courses from any region (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, U.S., World)
History of Art & Architecture, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ Art history courses
Hydrologic Sciences & Policy, B.S.
◉ 1 yr 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
French, B.A. | German, B.A. | Italian Studies, B.A. | Portuguese, B.A. | Russian & East European Studies, B.A. | Spanish, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ 2 yrs language instruction OR equivalent language proficiency
Language, Culture & Society, B.A.
◉ Intro to linguistics
◉ 1 yr Language Other Than English (LOTE)
◉ Cultural anthropology
◉ Intro to sociology
Linguistics, B.A.
◉ Intro to linguistics
◉ 2 yrs Language Other Than English (LOTE)
◉ Some Emphases require only 1 yr LOTE
Mathematics, B.A./B.S. | Applied Mathematics, B.S. | Financial Mathematics & Statistics, B.S.
◻ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
◻ At least one course from:
◉ Linear algebra
◉ Differential equation
◉ Multivariable calculus
Medieval Studies, B.A.
◉ 2 semesters Western civilization OR World history
Music Studies, B.A.
◉ 1 or 2 yr private lessons and/ or ensembles
◉ Music theory
◉ Musicianship
◉ World music
Music, B.M.
Audition required
◉ 2 yrs private lessons
◉ 2 yrs large ensembles
◉ 1 yr music theory
◉ 2 yrs musicianship
◉ Piano proficiency required for all emphases except Composition
- Piano Emphasis**
◉ 1 yr Italian, French OR German
- Voice Emphasis**
◉ 1 yr Italian
◉ 1 yr French OR German
Philosophy, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ Up to 3 philosophy courses (such as intro to philosophy, critical thinking/logic, ethics, history of philosophy)
Physics, B.A./B.S.
▣ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs
▣ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
▣ Multivariable calculus
▣ Linear algebra
▣ Differential equations
Political Science, B.A.
◉ 3 courses from: Political philosophy, Comparative politics, International relations, American government
◉ Macroeconomics
◉ Microeconomics
Psychological & Brain Sciences, B.S.
◉ Intro to psychology*
◉ 1 semester calculus*
◉ Statistics*
◉ 1 yr general chemistry*
◉ Biology for biology majors sequence
*Highly recommended before transfer.
Religious Studies, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ 1 or 2 religious studies courses
Sociology, B.A.
◉ Intro to sociology
◉ Statistics
◉ Research Methods
Two courses from:
◉ 2nd semester World civilization
◉ 2nd semester Western civilization
◉ Latin American history
◉ U.S. history
Statistics & Applied Probability
Actuarial Science, B.S. | Statistics & Data Science, B.A./B.S.
◻ 2 semester calculus for science and math majors
◻ Linear algebra
◻ Multivariable calculus
◻ Intro programming
- Actuarial Science, B.S.**
◉ Differential equations
- Financial Mathematics & Statistics, B.S.**
See Mathematics
Theater, B.A./B.F.A.
Portfolio review & interview required for B.A. Theater Design Emphasis
Audition required for B.F.A. Acting Emphasis
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ Play analysis/script analysis
◉ Acting (not for Theater Design emphasis)
◉ Stagecraft
◉ Lighting
◉ Costume
College of Creative Studies
Supplemental application required.
Art, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ Art courses
Biology, B.A.
◉ 1 yr 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 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◉ 1 yr organic chemistry w/ labs
◉ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs
◉ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
◉ Linear algebra
Computer Science, 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
Marine Science, B.A.
◉ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◉ General physics series w/ labs
◉ Biology for biology majors sequence w/ labs
◉ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
◉ Linear algebra
◉ Statistics
◉ Physical geology
Mathematics, B.A./B.S.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ 2 semester calculus for science and math majors
◉ Multivariable calculus
◉ Linear algebra
◉ Differential equations
Music Composition, B.A.
◉ General Education OR IGETC OR Cal-GETC
◉ 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 OR Cal-GETC
Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering
Required for all College of Engineering majors:
◈ 2 semesters calculus for science and math majors
◈ Linear algebra
◈ Differential equations
Artificial Intelligence, B.S.
New major will be open to transfer applicants fall 2028. More information will be available on ASSIST.
Chemical Engineering, B.S.
Three requirements PLUS:
◈ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs (equivalent to UCSB Physics 7A-B-C-L)
◈ 1 yr general chemistry w/ labs
◈ MATLAB
◉ 1 yr organic chemistry w/ labs
◉ Multivariable calculus
Computer Engineering, B.S.
Three requirements PLUS:
◈ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs (equivalent to UCSB Physics 7A-B-C-L)
◈ Programming in C or C++
◈ Data structures in C++
◉ Discrete math
◉ Advanced C++ programming
◉ Multivariable calculus
◉ Digital logic
◉ Physics equivalent to UCSB Physics 7D
◉ Electrical circuits
Computer Science, B.S.
Three requirements PLUS:
◈ Programming in C or C++
◈ Data structures in C++
◈ Discrete math
◉ Advanced C++ programming
◉ Multivariable calculus
◉ Computer organization w/ logic design
◉ 8 semester units (or 12 quarter units) science electives (e.g. physics series w/ lab, general chemistry w/ lab)
Electrical Engineering, B.S.
Three requirements PLUS:
◈ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs (equivalent to UCSB Physics 7A-B-C-L)
◈ Programming in C, C++, or intermediate Python
◉ Multivariable calculus
◉ 1st course in general chemistry w/ lab
◉ Digital logic
◉ Physics equivalent to UCSB Physics 7D
◉ Electrical circuits
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Three requirements PLUS:
◈ Physics for science and engineering majors series w/ labs (equivalent to UCSB Physics 7A-B-C-L)
◈ 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 7D