UC Irvine Transfer Guide
Growing reputation with excellent programs in psychology and biological sciences.
Overview
Transferring to UC Irvine from community college is a proven pathway used by thousands of California students each year. UC Irvine 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)
- Strong TAG program for eligible majors and GPAs
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 Irvine.
Psychology
Complete the full major prep series at CC before transfer. Statistics and research methods are essential.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.4–3.6+
| 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.
- Psychology is impacted at UCI — complete all prep before applying.
- UCI values clear career direction in PIQs.
Biology / Life Sciences
Full chemistry and math sequence plus biology core. Start STEM courses early at CC.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.5–3.7+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Chemistry II + Lab | Required | — |
| Organic Chemistry I + Lab | Required | Required at most campuses |
| Calculus I (single variable) | Required | — |
| General Biology I + Lab | Required | — |
| General Biology II + Lab | Required | — |
| Physics I + Lab | Recommended | Required for some biology sub-majors |
| Statistics | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Do not stack all sciences in one semester — protect your GPA.
- Pre-med students: confirm whether to pursue MCB, integrative bio, or psychology routes.
Computer Science
Discrete math, programming sequence, and calculus. CS is among the most competitive transfer majors.
Minimum GPA: 3.0+
Competitive GPA: 3.7–3.9+
| 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.
- Complete the full programming sequence at one CC — partial sequences do not articulate.
- Build a portfolio (GitHub, projects) to supplement essays.
Sociology
Introductory sociology plus statistics and related social science electives.
Minimum GPA: 2.8+
Competitive GPA: 3.4–3.5+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sociology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Social Sciences | Required | — |
| Research Methods | Required | — |
| Social Problems / Institutions | Select one | — |
| Approved sociology elective | Required | — |
| Introduction to Psychology | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Volunteer and community work connect naturally to sociology essays.
- Less impacted than psychology or CS at most campuses.
Transfer tips
- UCI values well-rounded applicants with clear goals
- Psychology is impacted — complete all prep courses
- Engage in campus clubs and community service
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.