Chemistry Transfer Pathway

Taking the following courses will meet all of the transfer admission course requirements for the participating majors listed below.

Course expectations

  • General chemistry (full sequence with lab)
  • Organic chemistry (full sequence with lab)
  • Calculus-based physics (full sequence with lab)
  • Single variable calculus (full sequence)
  • Multivariable calculus (one semester course)
  • Linear algebra (one course)
  • Post-Transfer: Differential equations (one course)

Note: Differential equations is recommended pre-transfer for some majors, but your application for transfer admission will not be negatively impacted if you need to complete the course after you transfer to UC. 

As of fall 2024, the course expectations for the Chemistry Transfer Pathway include linear algebra. Differential equations, previously part of the Pathway, can now be taken after transferring. 

Full sequences can take two to four terms to complete (depending on whether your institution is on semesters or quarters), so you'll want to start them early. Use ASSIST to find the specific classes offered at your community college that will satisfy the expected coursework at a particular UC campus. In addition to the coursework above, you will need to fulfill minimum requirements expected of all transfer applicants to UC.

If you're working on an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in chemistry at your community college, there's a lot of overlap with UC Transfer Pathway coursework. The difference between what UC expects and what an ADT requires is multivariable calculus and linear algebra.

Applicable majors

The Chemistry Pathway applies to the degree programs listed below. More degree programs may be added in the future so you should check back periodically to see if your major has joined this list.

  • Chemical biology, B.S. at Berkeley
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Berkeley
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Davis
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Irvine
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Los Angeles
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Merced
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Riverside
  • Chemistry, B.S. at San Diego
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Santa Barbara
  • Chemistry, B.S. at Santa Cruz
  • Science Education, B.S. at Santa Cruz

Campus GPA requirements

Admission to different UC campuses and majors varies in competitiveness depending on how many students apply and how many slots are available. As a result, the minimum GPA and grade requirements for particular courses may vary from campus to campus. Make sure to look on the campus admissions websites to find minimum expected grade point averages for the major you are interested in.

Tools to help you prepare

Use ASSIST to ensure that your courses are accepted by each campus as part of major preparation.

Use the Transfer Admission Planner to track and plan your coursework.