Mathematics Transfer Pathway

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

Course expectations

  • Single variable calculus (full sequence)
  • Multivariable calculus (one semester course)
  • Differential equations (one course)
  • Linear algebra (one course)

Note: Any one of the following sequences—calculus-based physics (full sequence with lab), general chemistry (full sequence with lab), general biology (full sequence with lab) or economics (full sequence)—is recommended pre-transfer for some majors. However, your application for admission will not be negatively impacted if you need to complete the sequence after transferring. 

As of fall 2024, the course expectations for the Mathematics Transfer Pathway no longer includes a full sequence of calculus-based physics, general chemistry, general biology or economics.

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 mathematics at your community college, there's a lot of overlap with UC Transfer Pathway coursework. The difference between what UC expects and what some ADTs require is completion of both differential equations and linear algebra. Additional courses required for an ADT may be eligible for UC credit at some campuses. Check ASSIST for details.

Applicable majors

The Mathematics 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.

  • Applied mathematics, B.S. at Davis
  • Applied mathematical sciences, B.S. at Merced
  • Mathematical and scientific computation, B.S. at Davis
  • Mathematical analytics and operations research, B.S. at Davis
  • Mathematics, B.A. at Berkeley
  • Mathematics, B.A. at Santa Cruz
  • Mathematics, B.S. at Davis
  • Mathematics, B.S. at Irvine
  • Mathematics, B.S. at Los Angeles
  • Mathematics, B.S. at Riverside
  • Mathematics, B.S. at San Diego
  • Mathematics, B.S. at Santa Barbara

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.