UC Berkeley Transfer Guide
One of the most competitive transfer destinations in California.
Overview
Transferring to UC Berkeley from community college is a proven pathway used by thousands of California students each year. UC Berkeley evaluates transfer applicants holistically, considering GPA, major preparation, essays, and activities.
Quick check
General transfer requirements
- Minimum 60 semester (90 quarter) UC-transferable units before enrollment
- California residents: complete the 7-course pattern (English, math, arts/humanities, social science, science with lab, language other than English if applicable)
- 2.4+ minimum GPA in UC-transferable courses (competitive majors need much higher)
- All major prep courses completed with C or better (competitive applicants need A/A-)
- Four UC Personal Insight Questions (350 words each)
Unit minimum: 60 semester / 90 quarter units
IGETC satisfies most general education at UC campuses, but some colleges (e.g. Berkeley Engineering, Revelle at UCSD) have exceptions. Complete major prep regardless of IGETC status.
Always verify courses on ASSIST.org for your community college and catalog year.
Major preparation by subject
Course names below are standard major prep categories. Exact CC course numbers vary — use ASSIST to confirm articulation for UC Berkeley.
Psychology
Complete the full major prep series at CC before transfer. Statistics and research methods are essential.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.6–3.8+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | Required | — |
| Research Methods in Psychology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | Required | — |
| Biological Psychology (or approved neuroscience) | Required | — |
| Developmental Psychology | Select one | Or approved upper-div equivalent |
| Abnormal Psychology | Select one | Or social/cognitive psych elective |
| Additional approved psychology elective | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Berkeley L&S psychology is highly selective — complete every major prep course.
- Essays should show intellectual curiosity beyond coursework.
- Research experience or independent projects strengthen your file.
Biology / Life Sciences
Full chemistry and math sequence plus biology core. Start STEM courses early at CC.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.7–3.9+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Chemistry II + Lab | Required | — |
| Organic Chemistry I + Lab | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Recommended | — |
| General Biology I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Biology II + Lab | Required | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- MCB and Integrative Biology are common pre-med routes at Berkeley.
- Berkeley expects strong performance in organic chemistry.
Computer Science
Discrete math, programming sequence, and calculus. CS is among the most competitive transfer majors.
Minimum GPA: 3.0+
Competitive GPA: 3.9–4.0
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Programming I (Java, C++, or Python sequence) | Required | — |
| Programming II / Data Structures | Required | — |
| Discrete Mathematics | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Required | — |
| Linear Algebra | Recommended | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Berkeley CS transfer admission rates are extremely low — have backup majors/campuses.
- Consider Data Science or Cognitive Science as related alternatives.
Economics
Calculus and statistics are required at all UCs for economics major prep.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.7–3.9+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Microeconomics | Required | — |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | Required | — |
| Calculus I | Required | — |
| Calculus II | Required | — |
| Statistics | Required | — |
| Linear Algebra | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Strong math performance matters more than extra econ electives at CC.
- Connect coursework to real interests in essays (policy, healthcare, tech).
Transfer tips
- Complete all major prep courses before applying
- Highlight leadership and community impact in essays
- Connect with Berkeley's transfer student community early
Quick check
Jump to a major
Track your application in one place
School matrix, PIQ workbook, deadlines, and weekly habits — all in the Transfer workspace.