UC Santa Barbara Physics
Transfer Acceptance Rate, GPA and Classes

For fall 2025, 54% of transfer applicants to UC Santa Barbara Physics were admitted (111 of 206). Admitted transfers' GPAs ranged 3.64–3.98.

The major preparation UC Santa Barbara lists for Physics transfers starts with PHYS 21, PHYS 22 and PHYS 23; 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.

54%

UCSB Physics transfer admit rate, fall 2025

3.64–3.98

GPA range of admitted transfers

206

Transfer applicants, 111 admitted

115

California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Physics

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 Physics Major Preparation

The courses UC Santa Barbara lists as Physics 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.

Major preparation courses required for transfer

Complete all of these

PHYS 21 General Physics
PHYS 22 General Physics
PHYS 23 General Physics
PHYS 24 General Physics
PHYS 25 General Physics
PHYS 20AL Experimental Physics
PHYS 20BL Experimental Physics
PHYS 20CL Experimental Physics

Complete all of these

MATH 3A Calculus with Applications, First Course
MATH 3B Calculus with Applications, Second Course
MATH 4A Linear Algebra with Applications
MATH 4B Differential Equations
MATH 6A Vector Calculus with Applications, First Course

Required

PHYS 29 Introduction to Computer Programming for the Physical Sciences

Complete 2 of these

ASTRO 1 Basic Astronomy
ASTRO 2 History of the Universe
CHEM 1A General Chemistry
CHEM 1B General Chemistry
EARTH 2 Principles of Physical Geology
EARTH 9 Giant Earthquakes
EARTH 11 Volcanoes and Humans
EARTH 20 Geological Catastrophes
EEMB 22 Concepts and Controversies in the Biological Sciences
MCDB 20 Concepts of Biology
PSTAT 10 Principles of Data Science with R

Also listed by UCSB

UCSB lists these under the headings shown, apart from the list above.

Additional major preparation courses

MATH 6B Vector Calculus with Applications, Second Course

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UC Santa Barbara Physics transfer acceptance rate?

For fall 2025, 54% of transfer applicants to UC Santa Barbara Physics were admitted (111 of 206). Admitted transfers' GPAs ranged 3.64–3.98.

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

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

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

UC Santa Barbara's Physics major preparation includes PHYS 21, PHYS 22, PHYS 23, PHYS 24, PHYS 25 and PHYS 20AL, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.