Earth science transfer to UC Santa Cruz
What UC Santa Cruz expects earth science / geology transfers to finish before fall 2027. Below are Santa Cruz’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
- 70.4%
- Screens applicants
- 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
Earth Sciences B.S.
- Courses to finish
For the 2026-27 catalog, transfers must complete MATH 11A or MATH 19A with a C or better by the end of spring before fall entry. Source
Recommended before transfer are CHEM 3A-3C, MATH 11B or 19B, a calculus-based or general physics series with labs, and one of EART 5/5L, 10/10L or 20/20L. Source
- Selection
The screening course needs a C or better and no minimum GPA is stated. To declare, transfers must also complete one of EART 5/5L, 10/10L or 20/20L (or an approved equivalent) with a C or better and file an approved academic plan. Source
- Also note
Students admitted in another major must meet the screening requirements before transferring and submit a one-time major declaration appeal during summer session. 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
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 Cruz included. Where Santa Cruz’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 Cruz’s TAG covers earth science / geology for fall 2027 at a 3.00 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 Cruz 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 Barbara | No | 3.40 |
| UC Riverside | Yes | 2.80 |
| UC Merced | Yes | 2.90 |
Other majors at UC Santa Cruz
- Anthropology
- Bioengineering
- Biological Sciences
- Business Administration
- Business Economics
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- 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 earth science / geology?
The screening course needs a C or better and no minimum GPA is stated. To declare, transfers must also complete one of EART 5/5L, 10/10L or 20/20L (or an approved equivalent) with a C or better and file an approved academic plan. A TAG needs at least a 3.00.
What classes do I need to transfer to UC Santa Cruz for earth science / geology?
For the 2026-27 catalog, transfers must complete MATH 11A or MATH 19A with a C or better by the end of spring before fall entry. Check each course on ASSIST for your college.
Is earth science / geology selective or screened at UC Santa Cruz?
Yes. UC Santa Cruz screens transfer applicants for it. The screening course needs a C or better and no minimum GPA is stated. To declare, transfers must also complete one of EART 5/5L, 10/10L or 20/20L (or an approved equivalent) with a C or better and file an approved academic plan.
Can I get a TAG for earth science / geology 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.