Continue Your Journey at UC Riverside
Your hard work has put your goals within reach, and UCR can help bring them closer. Our award-winning faculty will mentor you. Our diverse campus community will embrace you. And our transfer-specific resources will help you along your path to a degree — and beyond.
We’ve been waiting for a bold and brilliant Highlander just like you!
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Requirements
Transfer Requirements
- Some majors may require a higher GPA for admission selection.
- Two transferable courses in English composition;
- One transferable course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning;
- Four transferable college courses chosen from at least two of the following subject areas:
- Arts and humanities
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Physical and biological sciences
Major Prep Requirements
Getting Into a Selective Major
Most majors require you to complete specific prerequisite (major preparation) courses before you transfer. These courses help ensure you're ready for upper-division work in your chosen major.
Be sure to take the recommended lower-division, general education, and breadth courses for your major. Some programs suggest completing the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) , a set of courses that California Community College students can take to fulfill first- and second-year general education requirements before transferring. However, other programs may prioritize major prerequisites over completing Cal-GETC.
To find out what your intended major requires, use ASSIST.org, or contact a UCR admission counselor for guidance. For additional details, refer to the Assist Brochure.
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Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE) Requirements
Prerequisites – Strong technical preparation is essential for success in the admissions process and, subsequently, in all coursework at BCOE. If you intend to transfer to an engineering major, you are expected to complete the equivalent of UCR coursework required in the first two years of the programs and apply for transfer starting your junior year. Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).
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College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) Requirements
Prerequisites – Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).
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College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) Requirements
Prerequisites – Use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites you must take for your intended major (and to make sure your classes will transfer).
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School of Business Requirements
Prerequisites – Complete community college courses equivalent to seven lower division UCR business major requirements as listed on ASSIST.org.
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School of Education Requirements
Prerequisites – A minimum 2.4 GPA is required in all UC-transferable coursework. Completion of lower division courses for Education, Society, and Human Development is not mandatory prior to admission, students are advised to complete as much lower division course preparation as possible. Students attending a California community college should use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites for your intended major.
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School of Public Policy (SPP) Requirements
Prerequisites – A minimum 2.4 GPA is required in all UC-transferable coursework. Completion of lower division courses for Public Policy is not mandatory prior to admission, students are advised to complete as much lower division course preparation as possible. Students attending a California community college should use ASSIST.org to see the prerequisites for your intended major.
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
Guarantee Your Admission to UCR
As a California Community College (CCC) student, the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) opens a clear, assured path to UCR. Meet the criteria and step straight into your degree, keeping your energy focused on your academic goals.
Get everything you need, including course requirements, GPA goals, and key deadlines, to take your next bold step as a UCR Highlander!
Learn How to TAG to UCRTransfer Viewbook | CA Residents
Learn more about UC Riverside, its remarkable students, world-class faculty, and beautiful campus.
Application Information
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Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive review is the process by which UCR evaluates transfer applicants, who meet minimum UC requirements, using multiple measures of achievement and promise, while considering the context in which each student has demonstrated accomplishment.
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General Education Requirements
UCR’s General Education Requirements consist of coursework in writing, science, social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, mathematics and symbolic systems, language other than English, multicultural studies, and international/global issues. It is fully described in UCR’s General Catalog.
The General Education Requirement, which must be completed prior to graduation from UCR, may be satisfied by college-level courses appropriate to UCR offerings. It may be completed at any time during the undergraduate years with one exception — the lower-division writing component must be completed within the first three quarters of residency at UCR. However, it is to your advantage to complete as much of the General Education Requirement as possible prior to transferring to UCR. In fulfilling the UCR General Education Requirement, transfer students have options which are described in UCR’s General Catalog.
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California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
UCR accepts the Cal-GETC as an alternative to the General Education Requirement. Cal-GETC lists are available at community college transfer centers. Students should be aware that Cal-GETC may not be recommended for students transferring to UCR in engineering, mathematics, or science majors. Whether completing the General Education Requirement or Cal-GETC, students are encouraged to select general education courses that may also be applied to admission and lower-division degree requirements.
Please note that while courses taken in fulfillment of Cal-GETC may also be used to fulfill admission requirements, completion of Cal-GETC is not required for admission to UCR.
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Personal Insight Questions (PIQ)
The personal insight questions are your chance to show us who you are — your life experiences, passions, and what drives you. Share what matters most and how you’d add to the UCR Highlander community. Let your story and personality shine!
Key points about the personal insight questions include:
- Transfer applicants answer one required question and choose three out of seven additional questions to answer.
- Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.
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Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
Students who earn scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations will receive credit toward graduation at UCR. Successfully completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam can also result in credit allowed toward a UCR degree.
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U.S. Military Service Courses
UC may award lower-division (freshman/sophomore level) units for military courses completed if the courses are consistent with UCR policy on awarding transfer credit when there is an equivalent course taught at a UC campus. UC will consult the ACE recommendations for information regarding course content and as a guide to the awarding of credit. Credit for military courses is determined after matriculation at UC.
Engage With Admissions
Transfer Dates and Deadlines
Find the dates of instruction at registrar.ucr.edu.
Aug. 1
Access the UC application.
Sept. 1-30
Submit your TAG application.
Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Submit your UC application.
Jan. 1
Access the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to apply for financial aid by the March 3 priority deadline. (UCR school code: 001316)
Jan. 31
Deadline to complete the Transfer Academic Update (TAU).
March 2
Priority deadline to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) (UCR school code: 001316) Late applications can be submitted after March 2, although CSAC administered grant aid may not be offered to late applicants.
April
Admission notifications begin.
June 1
Deadline to submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).
July 1
Deadline to submit your final transcripts/documents for coursework completed through end of spring.
September
Fall quarter begins.
