Undergraduate Education at UCSB
Applying for Admission to UCSB
The first step in applying for admission to UCSB is to submit a University of California undergraduate application. The Application for Undergraduate Admission is available from California high schools and community colleges and from University of California campuses. The application and nonrefundable application fee should be sent to University of California, Undergraduate Application Processing Service, P.O. Box 23460, Oakland, CA 94623-0460; a pre-addressed envelope is included in the application.
The application is available on-line at UC's PATHWAYS web site at http://www.ucop.edu/pathways. Students may apply on-line, or download a copy of the application to mail to the address above.
When to apply for admission. To ensure admission consideration, students should file their application during the appropriate filing period.
Quarter Filing Period
| Fall 2001 | November 1-30, 2000 |
| Winter 2002 | July 1-31, 2001 |
| Spring 2002 | October 1-31, 2001 |
UCSB will accept applications after the filing periods have ended only if the number of applications received to date and the number of enrollment spaces allow. Also, UCSB may not be open to applications for the winter and spring quarters. Students should contact the Office of Relations with Schools at (805) 893-2485 to inquire about the winter and spring quarter filing status.
Application restrictions. UCSB accepts applications from international students for fall quarter only.
The following majors accept applications for fall quarter only:
College of Letters and Science
Computer Science (B.A.)College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science (B.S.)
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
University of California Minimum
Admission Requirements
All campuses of the University of California have the same minimum admission requirements. These requirements are used to identify the top 12.5 percent of California high school graduates and are based on two principles: (1) that the level of performance in previous academic work is the best predictor of university success, and (2) that the study of certain subjects provides sound preparation for university work.
Students who fulfill these minimum admission requirements are UC-eligible. In the event that UCSB receives applications from more UC-eligible applicants than can be accommodated, it admits students using selection criteria that are more rigorous than the minimum admission requirements.
Minimum Admission Requirements for Freshmen who are California Residents
Students are considered freshman applicants if they have not enrolled in a regular session at any college-level institution since graduating from high school. Enrollment in college summer session immediately following high school graduation
does not affect the status of freshman applicants. There are three ways to satisfy the University's minimum admission requirements for freshman students: eligibility in the statewide context, eligibility in the local context, and eligibility by examination alone. These are the University's minimum admission requirements; satisfying them does not ensure admission to UCSB.
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Eligibility in the Statewide Context
Eligibility in the Statewide Context is the pathway by which most students
will attain UC eligibility. To be eligible in the statewide context, you must
satisfy the Subject, Scholarship, and Examination Requirements described below.
Subject Requirement
To satisfy this requirement, students must complete the high school courses
listed below with a grade point average defined by the Scholarship Requirement.
This sequence of courses is also known as the "a-f" requirements.
Students must take 15 units of high school courses to fulfill the Subject Requirement, and at least 7 of the 15 units must be taken in their last two years of high school. (A unit is equal to an academic year, or two semesters, of study.)
Applicants from California high schools: The courses students take to fulfill the "a-f" requirements must be certified by the University as meeting the requirements and must be included on their high school's UC certified course list. High school counselors or principals will have a copy of this list. The lists are also available at the following web site: http://www.ucop.edu/pathways/infoctr/.
Beginning with applicants for fall 2003, the Subject Requirement will include one unit of coursework in visual and performing arts (dance, drama/theater, music or visual arts). The number of college preparatory electives (Area F) required will be reduced from two units to one, so the total number of Subject Requirement units will remain 15.
a. History/Social Science: 2 years required
Two years of history/social science, including one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government; and one year of world history, cultures, and geography.
b. English: 4 years required
Four years of college preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. Not more than two semesters of ninth grade English can be used to meet this requirement.
c. Mathematics: 3 years required, 4 years recommended
Three years of college preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two and three dimensional geometry. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades that your high school accepts as equivalent to its own courses.
d. Laboratory Science: 2 years required, 3 recommended
Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three disciplines: biology (which includes anatomy, physiology, marine biology, aquatic biology, etc.), chemistry, and physics.
Laboratory courses in earth/space sciences are acceptable if they have as prerequisites or provide basic knowledge in biology, chemistry, or physics. The appropriate two years of an approved integrated science program may be used to fulfill this requirement. Not more than one year of ninth grade laboratory science can be used to meet this requirement.
e. Language Other than English: 2 years required, 3 recommended
Two years of the same language other than English. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, and composition. Courses in language other than English taken in the seventh and eighth grade may be used to fulfill part of this requirement if your high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
f. College-Preparatory Electives: 2 years required
Two units (four semesters), in addition to those required in "a-e" above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the "e" requirement or two years of another language).
Scholarship Requirement
The Scholarship Requirement defines the grade point average (GPA) students must
attain in the "a-f" subjects and SAT I (or ACT) and SAT II test scores
to be eligible for admission to the University.
If the "a-f" GPA is 3.3 or higher, the student will have met the minimum requirement for admission to the University. If the GPA is below 3.3 but above 2.81, the student will have met the minimum requirement if the student achieves the necessary college entrance test score total indicated in the University of California Eligibility Index.
The University calculates the GPA in the "a-f" subjects by assigning point values to the grades earned, totaling the points, and dividing the total by the number of "a-f" course units. Points are assigned as follows: A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, and F=0 points.
Only the grades earned in "a-f" subjects in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are used to calculate the GPA. Courses taken in ninth grade can be used to meet the Subject Requirement if the student earns a grade of C or better, but they will not be used to calculate the GPA.
Honors Courses: The University assigns extra points for up to four units of University certified honors level and advanced placement courses taken in the last three years of high school: A=5 points, B=4 points, C=3 points. No more than two years of certified honors level courses taken in the tenth grade may be given extra points. A grade of D in an honors or advanced placement course does not earn extra points.
The courses must be in the following "a-f" subjects: history, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and foreign language, and they must be certified as honors courses by the University. In these fields, as well as in the fields of computer science, social science, and the visual and performing arts, courses that are designed to prepare students for an Advanced Placement Examination of the College Board or a Higher Level Examination of the International Baccalaureate and college courses that are transferable to the University are acceptable honors level courses.
D and F Grades: D and F grades in the "a-f" courses must be repeated or validated. Students should consult with their counselors to determine how these grades can be improved and how the University will use them in evaluating their scholarship record. Grades for repeated courses in which students initially earned a grade of C or better will not be used.
Examination Requirement
All freshman applicants must submit the following test scoresstudents who do
not take all the tests are not considered eligible for admission:
Either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) I or the American College Test (ACT). The verbal and mathematics scores on the SAT I must be from the same sitting. The ACT composite score must be submitted.
Three Scholastic Assessment Test II: Subject Tests (SAT II), including Writing, Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2, and one test in one of the following areas: English literature, foreign language, science, or social studies.
Students applying for the fall 2001 term must take the tests no later than the December 2000 test dates. Students should be sure to direct the testing agencies to report their scores to each UC campus to which they plan to apply.
For the SAT I and II Tests:
College Board ATP
P.O. Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
For the ACT:
American College Testing Program
Scoring & Reporting
P.O. Box 451
Iowa City, IA 52243-0451
Eligibility in the Local Context
Under the Eligibility in the
Local Context (ELC) pathway, the top four percent of students at each participating
California high school are designated UC eligible and guaranteed admission to
one of UC's eight general campuses, beginning with students entering UC in fall
2001.
To be considered for ELC, students must complete 11 specific units of the Subject Requirement by the end of the junior year. With the assistance of each participating high school, the University will identify the top four percent of students on the basis of GPA in the required coursework.
The 11 units include: 1 unit of history/social science, 3 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 1 unit of laboratory science, 1 unit of language other than English, and 2 units chosen from among the other subject requirements.
The University will notify ELC students of their status at the beginning of their senior year. If you are designated UC-eligible through ELC, you must submit the undergraduate application during the November filing period and complete remaining eligibility requirementsincluding the Subject and Examination Requirementsto enroll.
ELC students are guaranteed a spot at one of UC's eight undergraduate campuses, though not necessarily at their first-choice campus.
Admission by Examination Alone
Freshman applicants who do not meet the Eligibility in the Statewide Context
or Eligibility in the Local Context, may be able to qualify for admission to
the University by examination. To satisfy the minimum requirements for qualifying
by examination alone, students must achieve a composite score of 31 or higher
on the ACT or a total score on the SAT I of at least 1400. In addition, students
must earn a total score of 1760 or higher on the three SAT II: Subject Tests
with a minimum score of 530 on each test.
Students cannot qualify for admission by examination alone if they have completed 12 or more units of transferable coursework at another college or university following high school graduation, or if they have taken transferable college courses in any subject covered by the SAT II: Subject Tests.
There are two paths to UC eligibility for nonresidents at the freshman level. The first is the same as described above under Eligibility in the Statewide Context and the second is the same as described under Eligibility by Examination Alone, with the following exceptions:
Scholarship Requirement: The student's grade point average in the "a-f" subjects must be 3.4 or higher, regardless of the student's college entrance examination score. The Eligibility Index is used only for California residents.
Admission by Examination Alone: Students must earn a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT or a total score on the SAT I of at least 1400. The student's total score on the three SAT II: Subject Tests must be at least 1850 with a minimum score of 530 on each test.
Minimum Admission Requirements for Advanced-Standing Students who are California Residents
There are four ways to meet the University's minimum admission requirements for transfer students, as described below. In all cases, students must have at least a C (2.0) average in all transferable coursework.
Students who were eligible for admission to the University when they graduated from high schoolmeaning they satisfied the Subject, Scholarship, and Examination Requirementsare eligible to transfer if they have a C (2.0) average in their transferable college coursework.
Students who met the Scholarship Requirement but did not satisfy the Subject Requirement must take transferable college courses in the subjects they are missing, earn a grade of C or better in each of these required courses, and earn an overall C (2.0) average in all transferable college coursework to be eligible to transfer.
Students who met the Scholarship Requirement but did not meet the Examination Requirement must complete a minimum of 12 semester (18 quarter) units of transferable work and earn an overall C (2.0) average in all transferable college coursework completed.
Students who were not eligible for admission to the University when they graduated from high school because they did not meet the Scholarship Requirement must:
Complete 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of transferable college credit with a grade point average of at least 2.4, and
Complete the following course pattern, earning a grade of C or better in each course:
two transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition; and
one transferable college course (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning; and
four transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) chosen from at least two of the following subject areas: the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, the physical and biological sciences.
(Students who satisfy the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum prior to transferring to UCSB may satisfy Option 4b of the transfer admission requirements.)
Admission Requirements for International Students
International students are governed by the same undergraduate admission regulations that apply to nonresident U.S. students. In addition, nonimmigrant applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate written and oral competence in English by scoring 500 (173 on the computer-based exam) or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For information on testing contact: TOEFL, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151. Telephone: (609) 951-1963.The University makes every effort to provide a place on one of its campuses for all California resident applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements and file an application during the appropriate filing period. If the number of applicants exceeds the spaces availableas is often the casethe campus uses criteria that exceed the minimum requirements to select students. Meeting the minimum requirements, therefore, may not be enough to gain admission.
When there are more eligible applicants than spaces available, UCSB uses academic criteria aloneacademic coursework, grade point average, SAT I or ACT results, and SAT II scoresto select between 50 and 75 percent of those accepted. It then uses a combination of academic and supplemental criteria to select the remaining students.
The selection criteria for the fall 2000 term are described in this section. The criteria vary from year to year according to the number and qualifications of applicants to each campus and program.
College of Letters and Science and College of EngineeringCriteria to Select Approximately 60% of Freshmen. Students will be selected on the basis of academic preparation and performance, as assessed by review of the following: high school GPA calculated on UC "a-f" courses completed, performance on SAT I (or ACT) and SAT II tests, completion of coursework beyond the "a-f" subject requirements, and the number of UC-approved AP and honors courses completed in the junior year and in progress/planned for the senior year.
Biological Sciences. The number of students that can be admitted to these majors is limited. For information, consult the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
College of Engineering. There is additional emphasis on preparation and test results in science and mathematics in the selection of students for the College of Engineering. Other factors considered include the quality of the senior year program and any additional information included in the application which would indicate the student's ability to succeed in the engineering program.
Criteria to Select Remaining Freshmen. The remaining percentage of freshmen will be selected on the basis of academic and personal achievement, promise, and experience, as assessed through a comprehensive review of all information provided on the application, including academic performance as described above and academic and personal information, as described in the admission guidelines.
Criteria to Select 100% of Freshmen. Students will be selected on the basis of: high school GPA calculated on UC "a-f" courses completed, performance on SAT I (or ACT) and SAT II tests, completion of coursework beyond the "a-f" subject requirements, and the number of UC-approved AP and honors courses completed in the junior year and in progress/planned for the senior year; and special talent, outstanding achievement, and capacity for excellence in one of the eight academic areas within the College, as assessed by faculty review. All applicants must submit work in evidence of talent or letters of recommendation for faculty review.
Applicants must submit a College of Creative Studies application, available directly from the College, in addition to the regular UC undergraduate application.
College of Letters and Science
Students will be selected primarily on the basis of academic preparation and performance, as assessed by review of grades earned in UC-transferable coursework and strength of academic preparation for the intended major.
Some students will be selected on the basis of academic and personal achievement, potential, and experience, as assessed through a comprehensive review of all information provided on the application, including academic performance as described above and academic and personal information, as described in the admission guidelines.
Preference will be given to junior-level California community college applicants.
Biological Sciences. The number of students that can be admitted to these majors is limited. At minimum, students must have earned a 2.7 GPA in one year of general chemistry and one year of the following: general biology, general physics, or calculus. For information, consult the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.
Students will be selected primarily on the basis of academic preparation and performance, as assessed by review of the following: grades earned in UC-transferable coursework, amount of engineering preparatory coursework completed, and grades earned in preparatory coursework.
Applicants must complete all required units and prerequisites by the end of the spring term preceding enrollment at UCSB.
Preference is given to students who have completed 90 quarter (60 semester) units and who transfer from California community colleges.
Students will be selected on the basis of: academic and personal achievement, potential, and experience, as assessed through a comprehensive review of all information provided on the application, including academic and personal information, as described in the admission guidelines; and, special talent, outstanding achievement, and capacity for excellence in one of the eight academic areas within the College, as assessed by faculty review. All applicants must submit work in evidence of talent or letters of recommendation for faculty review.
Applicants must submit a College of Creative Studies application, available directly from the College, in addition to the regular UC undergraduate application.
Students with a bachelor's degree who would like to complete additional upper-division coursework to prepare for graduate study and professional programs may qualify for admission to limited status. Students must file the Application for Undergraduate Admission during the appropriate filing period. Applications are subject to review and must be approved by both the director of admissions and the dean or provost of the college in which the student plans to enroll. Admission is selective and competitive; if enrollment limitations allow, admission will be granted to students whose academic records demonstrate their potential to succeed in their proposed area of study.
Limited status students are not eligible for financial aid or on-campus housing.
Limited status students may not enroll in graduate-level courses or apply courses completed in limited status toward graduate programs at UCSB.
UCSB gives special consideration to a limited number of freshman and transfer applicants who show potential to succeed at the University even though they do not meet the minimum admission requirements. Students may apply to transfer from one UC campus to another by submitting the Application for Undergraduate Admission to the campus of their choice. Applications are available from the Office of Relations with Schools. If enrollment limitations allow, admission will be granted to students who are in good standing.Credit from Other Institutions
UCSB accepts transferable coursework completed with satisfactory grades at accredited institutions, subject to the limitations described below. Most courses in academic subjects are transferable if UC offers a comparable course. Vocational courses and personal enrichment courses do not qualify for transfer credit. In most cases, UCSB will not grant credit for coursework which students complete at other institutions while they are also enrolled at UCSB.Community College Limitations
Students may earn unit credit for up to 105 quarter units (70 semester units)
of UC-transferable community college coursework.
Study Abroad Limitations
Study abroad programs sponsored by institutions and organizations other than
the University of California's Education Abroad Program (EAP) are of varying
quality. In many cases UCSB will not grant credit for completed coursework,
even to students who have been issued an official transcript. Students should
contact UCSB's Office of
Admissions, as well as their department and college advisors, prior to undertaking
study abroad to determine whether or not credit will be granted and, if so,
how it will be applied.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
To be eligible for a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, students must meet the general University of California requirements and the appropriate college and major requirements. They must also comply with university regulations governing registration, scholarship, examinations, and student conduct.Official degree and major requirements are listed in the catalog. Undergraduate and graduate students are subject to requirements based on a particular catalog, referred to as the student's "catalog year." The catalog year is determined for new students as the catalog in effect at the time of their entrance to UCSB, provided there is no significant break in enrollment. It is campus policy to introduce changes in graduation requirements such that students who began their careers with UCSB before the change will not be hindered substantially in the orderly pursuit of their degrees. Changes in requirements that increase the number or distribution of courses required normally will not be applied to students with earlier catalog years. For undergraduate and graduate students, the catalog year for university and general education requirements is set as noted above. The catalog year for major requirements is determined by the quarter the major or pre-major is declared, provided there is no significant break in enrollment. Students must petition to follow a subsequent set of requirements.
Students who interrupt their studies at UCSB with one or more breaks totaling nine quarters or more (excluding summer session) will be required to follow a newer catalog year than that of their initial admission. Upon their return, students who leave the University will normally be required to fulfill requirements as listed in the catalog published no earlier than three years prior to their final return. They must follow the same catalog year for all degree requirements, including:
Students transferring from other institutions may elect to meet as graduation requirements either: (1) those in effect at the time of transfer to UCSB; or (2) those in effect up to two years prior to matriculation provided their transcripts from earlier schools indicated commitment to the major within that period and they would not suffer in upper-division coursework due to inadequate preparation.
General University Requirements
University degree requirements include the Subject A-English Composition requirement, the American History and Institutions requirement, the unit requirement, the academic residence requirement, and the grade-point average requirement.Subject A-English Composition Requirement
All students entering the University of California must demonstrate an ability
to write effectively by fulfilling the Subject A requirement. The Subject A
requirement may be met in one of five ways prior to admission:
by achieving a score of 680 or higher on the SAT II: Subject Test in Writing (660 if taken before May, 1998);
by achieving a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in English Composition and Literature or English Language and Composition;
by passing the University of California systemwide Subject A Examination while in high school;
by achieving a score of 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate (higher level) English A Examination;
by entering the university with transcripts showing the completion of an acceptable 3-semester unit or 4-quarter unit course in English composition equivalent to Writing 2 at UCSB, with a grade of C or better.
Students who have not taken the UC systemwide Subject A Examination and who have not met the Subject A requirement in one of the other ways listed above will be required to take the examination during their first quarter at UCSB (see the Schedule of Classes for examination time and location). An appropriate score on the examination will satisfy the Subject A requirement. Only one UC examination may be takeneither the systemwide Subject A Examination while in high school or the examination given at UCSB; and neither may be repeated.
Students who enter UCSB without having fulfilled the university's Subject A requirement and (if they have not previously taken the systemwide Subject A Examination) who do not achieve an appropriate score on the examination given on campus must enroll in Writing 1, 1E, or 1LK within their first year at UCSB. A grade of C or higher in Writing 1, 1E, or 1LK is needed to satisfy the Subject A requirement. Students who earn a grade of C- or lower in Writing 1, 1E, or 1LK will be required to repeat the course in successive quarters until the requirement is satisfied.
Once students matriculate at UCSB, they may not fulfill the requirement by enrolling at another institution. Transfer courses equivalent to Writing 2 or 50 will not be accepted for unit or subject credit unless the Subject A requirement has already been met. Students will only be allowed to meet the Area A requirement of the General Education Requirements with courses taken after satisfying the Subject A requirement. The Subject A requirement must be completed by the end of the third quarter of matriculation. Students who do not meet this deadline will be blocked from further enrollment at UCSB (ESL students should consult with the Writing Program).
American History and Institutions Requirement
The American History and Institutions requirement is based on the principle
that American students enrolled at an American university should have some knowledge
of the history and government of their country. You may meet this requirement
in any one of the following ways:
by achieving a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in American History or American Government and Politics; or
by passing a non-credit examination in American history or American institutions, offered in the Department of History during the first week of each quarter. Consult the department for further information; or
by achieving a score of 650 or higher on SAT II: Subject Test in American History; or
by completing one four-unit course from the following list of courses:
Note: In this context , "course" refers to a one-quarter offering such as History 17A or Religious Studies 151B.
Anthropology 131
Art History 121A-B-C, 136H
Asian American Studies 1, 2
Black Studies 1, 6, 60A-B, 103, 121, 137E, 169AR-BR-CR
Chicano Studies 1A-B-C, 144, 168A-B, 174, 188A-C, 194
Dramatic Art 155A-B
Economics 113A-B, 119
English 133AA-ZZ, 134AA-ZZ, 135, 136A-B-C, 137A-B, 138A-B-C, 191
Environmental Studies 173
German 147
History 11A, 17A-B-C, 78, 105, 159A-B-C, 160A-B, 161A-B, 162A-B, 164C, 164IA, 164PR, 165, 166A-B-C, 166LA-LB, 167A-B-C-D, 168A-B, 168L, 169AR-BR-CR-M, 171A-B, 172A-B, 173A-B-S-T, 175A-B, 176A-B, 177, 178A-B-M, 179A-B
Law and Society 100
Military Science 1A, 1C, 7, 8, 11
Note: Military Science courses are two units each. Two acceptable
Military Science courses will fulfill the American History and
Institutions requirement.
Political Science 12, 113, 115, 127, 151, 152, 153, 155, 157, 158, 161, 162, 165, 166, 167, 168, 174, 176, 180, 185
Religious Studies 7, 14, 61A-B, 114B-C, 151A-B, 152
Sociology 137E, 140, 144, 155A, 157
Women's Studies 155A, 159A-B-C
Courses used to fulfill the American History and Institutions requirement may also be applied to General Education or major requirements, or both where appropriate. Equivalent courses taken at other accredited colleges or universities, in UC Extension, or in summer session may be acceptable. Students who transfer to UCSB from another campus of the University of California where the American History and Institutions Requirement has been considered satisfied will automatically fulfill the requirement at UCSB.
International students on a nonimmigrant visa may petition for a waiver of this requirement through the Director of International Students and Scholars.
A minimum of 180 quarter units is required for graduation. (Some students in the College of Letters and Science will need at least 184 units to graduate; see General Education Requirements, Area B Foreign Language for details.) Some majors in the College of Engineering require more than 180 units (See individual majors in the College of Engineering section). These units must be distributed according to the requirements set forth by the faculty of the various colleges, as explained in the following sections of this online catalog and in the publications of the colleges.
The acceptability of transfer courses for unit credit is determined by the Office of Admissions. The applicability of such courses toward specific requirements is determined by the college provost or deans and/or department chairs.
Academic Residence Requirement
Candidates for a bachelor's degree must be registered in the university for
at least three terms to fulfill the university's academic residence requirement.
A term is a regular quarter in which a student completes six or more units of
resident (on-campus) courses. Each UC summer session in which at least 2 units
are completed is the equivalent of half a term's residence.
At least 35 of the final 45 units must be taken in the college or school in which the degree is to be awarded. No more than 18 of the final 35 units may be completed in summer session courses at UCSB. Courses taken in UC Extension do not satisfy residence requirements.
College of Letters and Science residence requirement. Students in the College of Letters and Science must complete at least 27 upper-division units, of which at least 20 must be in the upper-division major, while in residence in the college. (Students admitted prior to fall 1999 are required to complete 18 units of the upper-division major in residence.) In the case of double majors, at least 20 upper-division units must be completed in each major while in residence in the College of Letters and Science. Students who are pursuing an academic minor must complete at least 12 units of the upper-division minor in residence at UCSB. Courses used in satisfaction of residence in one major may not be applied to residence in another major or minor. Courses taken in University Extension and those completed in the university's Education Abroad Program do not apply to the residence requirement.
Credit earned at other institutions does not apply to academic residence. This includes coursework students complete at another campus of the University of California, even while simultaneously enrolled at UCSB. In addition, credit earned at UCSB through the intersegmental cross-enrollment option prior to matriculation will not apply to academic residence requirements.
College of Engineering residence requirement. Students in the College of Engineering must complete at least 27 upper-division units, of which at least 20 must be in the upper-division major, while in residence in the college. In the case of double majors, at least 20 upper-division units must be completed in each major (i.e., not double counted) while in residence in the College of Engineering and in the College of Letters and Science. Courses used in satisfaction of residence in one major may not be applied to residence in another major. Courses taken in University Extension and those completed in the university's Education Abroad Program do not apply to the residence requirement.
Education Abroad or UCDC Program Participants. With one modification, students who participate in the University of California Education Abroad program or UCDC program are responsible for all academic residence requirements as explained above. For students who participate in EAP or UCDC as seniors, the rule requiring 35 of the final 45 units in the college or school in which the degree is to be awarded is modified to 35 of the final 90 units. Students must secure prior approval to use this modification and may graduate without returning to UCSB provided that they have satisfied all degree requirements by the end of their year abroad. Those who have any remaining degree requirements must return to UCSB to complete a minimum of 12 units on campus while fulfilling final degree requirements.
Grade-Point Average Requirement
At the time of graduation, students in the College of Engineering and the College
of Letters and Science must have at least a 2.0 (C) grade-point average in (1)
all courses undertaken at the University of California (UC) except those graded
passed/not passed; (2) all UC courses required and acceptable for the student's
overall major program, both lower- and upper-division; and (3) all UC courses
required and acceptable for the student's upper-division major program.
Courses undertaken at any of the UC campuses, with the exception of UC Extension courses, are included in the computation of the grade-point average.
Courses appropriate for satisfying major requirements must be used in the computation of the grade-point average even if they are in excess of the minimum requirements of the major program. Courses graded Incomplete, except those taken on a passed/not passed basis, will be included as F grades in final computations. Certain courses designated as remedial are offered for workload credit only and do not figure in calculation of the grade-point average.
Students in the College of Creative Studies must, at the time of graduation, have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 (C) in all UC courses that have been undertaken for letter grades.
Students are required to meet requirements appropriate to their chosen degree, and described under each Colleges' sections in this online catalog.To be eligible for graduation, all undergraduates must complete the requirements for a departmental or interdepartmental major in their college with the required grade-point average. As space permits, students may elect any approved major program for which they have met the stated prerequisites.
Major departments and/or committees may require auditions, placement examinations, proposals, specified courses, and/or grade-point averages to determine whether students are qualified for specific courses or for entrance into or continuation in a major.
Students who fail to attain a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in work in their major may, at the option of the major department or committee, be denied the privilege of continuing in that major.
Students in the College of Engineering and the College of Letters and Science normally must complete the major requirements in effect at the time they declare their major, though they may petition to follow a subsequent set of requirements.
Changes in major requirements that increase the number or distribution of courses required normally will not be applied to students continuing in such majors.
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