UC Santa Barbara Philosophy
Transfer Acceptance Rate, GPA and Classes

For fall 2025, 74% of transfer applicants to UC Santa Barbara Philosophy were admitted (186 of 250). Admitted transfers' GPAs ranged 3.44–3.92.

The major preparation UC Santa Barbara lists for Philosophy transfers starts with PHIL 1, PHIL 3 and PHIL 4; the full list is below.

115 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with UCSB for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.

74%

UCSB Philosophy transfer admit rate, fall 2025

3.44–3.92

GPA range of admitted transfers

250

Transfer applicants, 186 admitted

115

California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Philosophy

Source: UC Information Center, Fall 2025 transfer admissions by major.

Your community college

Which classes count at your community college?

Pick your college to see its class for each UCSB requirement.

Major Requirements

UC Santa Barbara Philosophy Major Preparation

The courses UC Santa Barbara lists as Philosophy major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2025-26 academic year. Course numbers are UCSB's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.

Preparation for the major

Complete 3 of these

PHIL 1 Short Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 3 Critical Thinking
PHIL 4 Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 7 Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 12 Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 20A History of Philosophy
PHIL 20B History of Philosophy
PHIL 20C History of Philosophy

Core philosophy concentration

Complete all of these

PHIL 20A History of Philosophy
PHIL 20B History of Philosophy
PHIL 20C History of Philosophy

Ethics and public policy concentration

Complete 1 of these

PHIL 4 Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 7 Biomedical Ethics

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UC Santa Barbara Philosophy transfer acceptance rate?

For fall 2025, 74% of transfer applicants to UC Santa Barbara Philosophy were admitted (186 of 250). Admitted transfers' GPAs ranged 3.44–3.92.

Does UC Santa Barbara have a Philosophy major for transfer students?

Yes. UC Santa Barbara offers Philosophy (B.A.) and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.

What classes do I need to transfer to UC Santa Barbara for Philosophy?

UC Santa Barbara's Philosophy major preparation includes PHIL 1, PHIL 3, PHIL 4, PHIL 7, PHIL 12 and PHIL 20A, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.