Earth science at UC Santa Barbara
What UC Santa Barbara expects earth science / geology 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
- No
- 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
Earth Science, B.A./B.S.
- Courses to finish
For Fall 2027 UCSB strongly recommends 1 year of general chemistry with labs, a physics series with labs, 2 semesters of calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and physical geology with lab. The physics for science and engineering majors series is required for the Geophysics Emphasis. 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 Earth science/geology 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 |
|---|---|
| Single variable calculus (full sequence) | Required |
| General chemistry (full sequence with lab) | Required |
| Physical geology (one course) | Required |
Paste your course titles to see which items they cover.
TAG for this major
UC Santa Barbara’s TAG covers earth science / geology 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 earth science / geology.
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
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- 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 earth science / geology?
UC Santa Barbara doesn’t publish a GPA for this 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. A TAG needs at least a 3.40.
What classes do I need to transfer to UC Santa Barbara for earth science / geology?
For Fall 2027 UCSB strongly recommends 1 year of general chemistry with labs, a physics series with labs, 2 semesters of calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and physical geology with lab. The physics for science and engineering majors series is required for the Geophysics Emphasis. Check each course on ASSIST for your college.
Is earth science / geology selective or screened at UC Santa Barbara?
UC Santa Barbara’s pages don’t list extra screening for it. Admission still depends on your whole application.
Can I get a TAG for earth science / geology 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.