Admission as a Transfer
The University defines a transfer applicant as one who has been a registered student at a college or university in a regular session (not including summer) after completing high school. Transfer applicants may not disregard a college record and apply for admission as a freshman.
Three Steps to UCR
The best way for students to prepare to transfer to UCR is to take courses that blend the University of California (UC) admission requirements, lower-division major preparation, and general education requirements. Students should prioritize the courses they take by following the three-step process below.
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Meet the UC admission requirements
- Complete 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units with a GPA of 2.4 for California residents and 2.8 for nonresidents.
- Complete with grades C or better the UC Seven Course Pattern, to include:
- Two transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English Composition;
- One transferable college course (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning;
- Four transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) chosen from two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences.
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Meet the selection criteria and complete lower-division courses for the intended major
Meet the selection criteria and complete lower-division courses for the intended major.
Some UC Riverside majors require a GPA that is higher than the published UC admission requirements, lower-division course preparation, and/or 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units as part of their admission criteria. Information on major requirements can be found in the statewide articulation database, on the ASSIST Web site at www.assist.org.
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Complete courses to meet the general education requirements.
Although not required for admission, completing general education requirements before transfer gives students more freedom in selecting courses when they enroll at UCR and helps them complete their degree on time.
Depending on the major, these requirements may be fulfilled by following the College Breath Requirements of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). For more information on College Breath Requirements and IGETC, please visit
www.assist.org.
Keys to Admission at UC Riverside
As a selective campus, UC Riverside seeks to admit students who have completed more than just the minimum admission requirements. It is important to note that while there are minimum GPA's associated with admission to each college, school or major, transfer students will be selected on the bases of academic preparation as assessed by their GPA in all transferrable coursework, and completion of required major preparatory coursework where applicable by the end of the spring term. Meeting The following section outlines the basic requirements for admission to each college.
All majors require a minimum 2.8 GPA in UC transferable coursework. The College Breath Requirements are recommended; IGETC is accepted. All majors in the Bourns College of Engineering require specific major-preparation coursework prior to transfer.
The majors of Psychology and Psychology/Law and Society require a minimum 2.7 GPA in UC transferable coursework. All other majors require a minimum 2.40 GPA in UC transferable coursework. The College Breath Requirements are accepted; IGETC is recommended. Art (Studio) major requires a portfolio review.
All majors require a minimum 2.7 GPA in UC transferable coursework to be considered for admission. One year of Calculus and (for most life and physical science majors) one additional year of introductory Chemistry, Biology, or Physics courses with labs are recommended; IGETC is not accepted. The majors of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology, Plant Biology and Physics require specific major preparation coursework prior to transfer.
School of Business Administration
Business Administration requires a minimum 2.7 GPA in UC transferable coursework. The College Breath Requirements are accepted; IGETC is recommended. The Business Administration major requires specific major preparation prior to transfer.
For all majors, students should refer to articulation agreements between UC Riverside and their community college for specific course requirements on the ASSIST Web site at www.assist.org.
Transfer Credits
The University awards graduation credit for up to 70 semester (105 quarter) units of transferable course work from a community college. Courses in excess of 70 semester units receive subject credit and may be used to satisfy subject requirements.
How to Apply
Applicants may Apply to UC Online at the University of California Application Web site. Late applications may not be considered. For further information, please view filing dates and deadlines.
Transfer Admission Guarantee
To learn more about UCR's Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, check out the TAG section of the special admission programs page.
We're Here to Help
Visit UCR's Transfer Resource Center web site to get support, information and resources tailored just for your needs.