Chemistry transfer to UC Santa Barbara
What UC Santa Barbara expects chemistry transfers to finish before fall 2027. Below are Santa Barbara’s own preparation and selection rules, UC’s shared course list, the TAG terms and your odds.
Checked against official UC and campus sources in November 2026.
At a glance
- Fall 2025 campus admit rate
- 59%
- Screens applicants
- Yes
- TAG GPA line
- 3.40
- Admits transfers
- Yes
UC Santa Barbara admitted 59% of all transfer applicants for fall 2025, and it doesn’t publish admit rates by major. The middle half of admitted transfers had GPAs from 3.48 to 3.91 for fall 2024. For fall 2025 the campus reported only an average, 3.66.
What Santa Barbara expects
Chemistry, B.A./B.S. · Biochemistry, B.S. · Chemistry/Biochemistry, B.A./B.S. (College of Creative Studies)
- Courses to finish
For Fall 2027 required courses are 1 year of general chemistry with labs, 1 year of organic chemistry with labs, 2 semesters of calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and the physics for science and engineering majors series with labs. Differential equations is strongly recommended for Chemistry B.S. Source
- Selection
The required courses must be completed by the spring term before transfer with a minimum 2.85 GPA and no grade below C. Source
- Also note
For Biochemistry applicants the biology sequence is not required for admission but is highly recommended before transfer. Source
TAG applicants to Chemistry & Biochemistry majors must earn the required major preparation GPA by the end of fall 2026 and finish required courses by the end of spring 2027. Source
- Every Santa Barbara major
UCSB's Transfer Major Preparation Guide for Fall 2027 is an abbreviated list. California community college students should check ASSIST for exact course equivalents. Source
Required major preparation courses must be finished by the end of the spring term before transfer. Full-year sequences should be completed at one institution when possible. Source
UC’s shared course list
UC’s Chemistry Transfer Pathway lists the courses that prepare you for this major at every campus, UC Santa Barbara included. Where Santa Barbara’s own list above asks for more, follow the campus.
| Course | Status |
|---|---|
| General chemistry (full sequence with lab) | Required |
| Organic chemistry (full sequence with lab) | Required |
| Calculus-based physics (full sequence with lab) | Required |
| Single variable calculus (full sequence) | Required |
| Multivariable calculus (one semester) | Required |
| Linear algebra (one course) | Required |
| Differential equations (one course, listed as post-transfer) | Recommended |
Paste your course titles to see which items they cover.
TAG for this major
UC Santa Barbara’s TAG covers chemistry for fall 2027 at a 3.40 UC-transferable GPA. TAG filing runs September 1–30 of the year before you transfer.
Your odds
Move the GPA to see a regular-review range at UC Santa Barbara for chemistry.
The same major at other campuses
| Campus | Screens applicants | TAG |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | Not stated | No TAG |
| UCLA | No | No TAG |
| UC San Diego | Yes | No TAG |
| UC Irvine | Yes | 3.40 |
| UC Davis | No | 3.20 |
| UC Santa Cruz | Yes | 3.00 |
| UC Riverside | Yes | 2.80 |
| UC Merced | Yes | 2.90 |
Other majors at UC Santa Barbara
- Anthropology
- Biological Sciences
- Business Economics
- Chemical Engineering
- Communication
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Earth Science / Geology
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Environmental Science
- Film and Media Studies
- Global and International Studies
- History
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Statistics
Official links
- UC Santa Barbara transfer admissionsadmissions.sa.ucsb.edu
- ASSIST: course agreements to UC Santa Barbaraassist.org
Questions
What GPA do you need to transfer to UC Santa Barbara for chemistry?
The required courses must be completed by the spring term before transfer with a minimum 2.85 GPA and no grade below C. A TAG needs at least a 3.40.
What classes do I need to transfer to UC Santa Barbara for chemistry?
For Fall 2027 required courses are 1 year of general chemistry with labs, 1 year of organic chemistry with labs, 2 semesters of calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and the physics for science and engineering majors series with labs. Differential equations is strongly recommended for Chemistry B.S. Check each course on ASSIST for your college.
Is chemistry selective or screened at UC Santa Barbara?
Yes. UC Santa Barbara screens transfer applicants for it. The required courses must be completed by the spring term before transfer with a minimum 2.85 GPA and no grade below C.
Can I get a TAG for chemistry at UC Santa Barbara?
Yes, for fall 2027, with at least a 3.40 GPA. TAG filing runs September 1–30 of the year before you transfer.