Computer Science at UC Santa Barbara
What UC Santa Barbara expects computer science 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
- Not covered
- 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
Computer Science, B.S. (College of Engineering) · Computer Science, B.S. (College of Creative Studies)
- Courses to finish
For Fall 2027 the College of Engineering major requires, with no grade below C, 2 semesters of calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, programming in C or C++, data structures in C++ and discrete math. Advanced C++, multivariable calculus, computer organization with logic design and 8 semester units of science electives are strongly recommended. Source
Effective Fall 2024 the physics series is no longer required for Computer Science, and 8 semester units of listed science electives are strongly recommended instead. Source
- Selection
All required courses must be completed by the spring term before transfer. No minimum GPA is stated, and UCSB says applicants should strive for strong grades in the required major preparation courses. Source
- Also note
The College of Creative Studies Computer Science major requires a supplemental application and lists calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, physics, C or C++ programming, data structures, discrete math and computer organization as strongly recommended. Source
UCSB's new Artificial Intelligence, B.S. major opens to transfer applicants in fall 2028. Source
Applicants to a College of Engineering or College of Creative Studies major should select an alternate major in the College of Letters and Science. UCSB considers the second-choice major when space is available. Source
Transfer students may not petition to change into or add a College of Engineering major after admission. The college calls admission highly selective and says most engineering transfers need three years to finish the degree. 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 Computer science 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 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to programming (CS I) | Required |
| Data structures (CS II) | Required |
| Computer organization and assembly language | Required |
| Single variable calculus for STEM majors (one-year sequence) | Required |
| Multivariable calculus | Required |
| Discrete mathematics | Required |
| Linear algebra | Required |
| Differential equations | Required |
| Calculus-based physics (one-year sequence with labs, covering mechanics and electromagnetism) | Required |
Paste your course titles to see which items they cover.
TAG for this major
UC Santa Barbara’s TAG doesn’t cover computer science for fall 2027. You can still apply through regular review.
Your odds
Move the GPA to see a regular-review range at UC Santa Barbara for computer science.
The same major at other campuses
| Campus | Screens applicants | TAG |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | Yes | No TAG |
| UCLA | Yes | No TAG |
| UC San Diego | Yes | No TAG |
| UC Irvine | Yes | Not covered |
| UC Davis | Yes | Not covered |
| UC Santa Cruz | Yes | 3.00 |
| UC Riverside | Yes | 3.60 |
| UC Merced | Yes | 3.00 |
Other majors at UC Santa Barbara
- Anthropology
- Biological Sciences
- Business Economics
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Engineering
- 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 computer science?
All required courses must be completed by the spring term before transfer. No minimum GPA is stated, and UCSB says applicants should strive for strong grades in the required major preparation courses.
What classes do I need to transfer to UC Santa Barbara for computer science?
For Fall 2027 the College of Engineering major requires, with no grade below C, 2 semesters of calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, programming in C or C++, data structures in C++ and discrete math. Advanced C++, multivariable calculus, computer organization with logic design and 8 semester units of science electives are strongly recommended. Check each course on ASSIST for your college.
Is computer science selective or screened at UC Santa Barbara?
Yes. UC Santa Barbara screens transfer applicants for it. All required courses must be completed by the spring term before transfer. No minimum GPA is stated, and UCSB says applicants should strive for strong grades in the required major preparation courses.
Can I get a TAG for computer science at UC Santa Barbara?
No. UC Santa Barbara’s fall 2027 TAG doesn’t cover it.