Computer Engineering at UC Santa Cruz
What UC Santa Cruz expects computer engineering transfers to finish before fall 2027. Below are Santa Cruz’s own preparation and selection rules, the TAG terms and your odds.
Checked against official UC and campus sources in November 2026.
At a glance
- Fall 2025 campus admit rate
- 70.4%
- Selection criteria
- Yes
- TAG GPA line
- 3.00
- Admits transfers
- Yes
UC Santa Cruz admitted 70.4% of all transfer applicants for fall 2025, and it doesn’t publish admit rates by major. UC Santa Cruz reported an average GPA of 3.47 for admitted fall 2025 transfers and no range. The calculator’s range is an estimate around that average.
What Santa Cruz expects
Computer Engineering B.S.
- Courses to finish
The new screening list is PHYS 5A and 5L plus at least five of MATH 19A, MATH 19B, linear algebra (AM 10 or MATH 21), AM 20, multivariable calculus (AM 30 or MATH 23A), CSE 12, CSE 13S or ECE 13, CSE 16, CSE 30, and PHYS 5C with 5N (2026-27 catalog). Source
For a two-year finish, the catalog recommends PHYS 5A/5L and 5C/5N, MATH 19A and 19B, one of MATH 23A, AM 10, MATH 21 or AM 20, and at least one programming course. Source
- Selection
The new list needs a C or better in each course and a 2.8 GPA across the screening courses. It becomes mandatory for students entering fall 2028. Fall 2027 entrants are encouraged to complete it but are still considered if they meet the 2025-26 screening requirements. Source
- Also note
AP credit satisfies screening courses but does not count toward the minimum GPA. Source
- Every Santa Cruz major
For Fall 2026, UCSC screens transfer applicants for completion of major preparation courses in a published list of screening majors, with criteria given in each major's General Catalog entry. Source
Required major preparation must be completed by the end of the spring term before fall transfer, or by the end of the fall term before winter transfer. Source
TAG for this major
UC Santa Cruz’s TAG covers computer engineering for fall 2027 at a 3.00 UC-transferable GPA. TAG filing runs September 1–30 of the year before you transfer. Computer Engineering is a UCSC screening major open to TAG with added major preparation criteria.
Your odds
Move the GPA to see a regular-review range at UC Santa Cruz.
The same major at other campuses
| Campus | Selection criteria | TAG |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | Yes | No TAG |
| UCLA | Yes | No TAG |
| UC San Diego | Yes | No TAG |
| UC Irvine | Yes | 3.40 |
| UC Davis | Yes | 3.50 |
| UC Santa Barbara | Yes | Not covered |
| UC Riverside | Yes | 3.30 |
Other majors at UC Santa Cruz
- Anthropology
- Bioengineering
- Biological Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Economics
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- Earth Science / Geology
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- English
- Environmental Science
- Film and Media Studies
- History
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Official links
- UC Santa Cruz transfer admissionsadmissions.ucsc.edu
- ASSIST: course agreements to UC Santa Cruzassist.org
Questions
What GPA do you need to transfer to UC Santa Cruz for computer engineering?
The new list needs a C or better in each course and a 2.8 GPA across the screening courses. It becomes mandatory for students entering fall 2028. Fall 2027 entrants are encouraged to complete it but are still considered if they meet the 2025-26 screening requirements. A TAG needs at least a 3.00.
What classes do I need to transfer to UC Santa Cruz for computer engineering?
The new screening list is PHYS 5A and 5L plus at least five of MATH 19A, MATH 19B, linear algebra (AM 10 or MATH 21), AM 20, multivariable calculus (AM 30 or MATH 23A), CSE 12, CSE 13S or ECE 13, CSE 16, CSE 30, and PHYS 5C with 5N (2026-27 catalog). Check each course on ASSIST for your college.
Can I get a TAG for computer engineering at UC Santa Cruz?
Yes, for fall 2027, with at least a 3.00 GPA. TAG filing runs September 1–30 of the year before you transfer.