UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
Majors at University of California, Santa Barbara
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 8Ranked #8 Public University (Forbes Magazine)
- 200+Majors, degrees & credentials offered
- 50+Graduate programs available
- 24,673Average on-campus enrollment
UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers a wide array of undergraduate majors and minors across three distinct colleges: Letters & Science, Creative Studies, and Engineering. These programs are designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation and prepare them for diverse future career paths. The College of Letters & Science, the largest college, features over 80 majors in more than 45 departments, offering comprehensive advising services. The College of Engineering is renowned for its top-ranked programs, emphasizing small class sizes and cutting-edge research. The College of Creative Studies provides a rigorous, accelerated environment for self-directed students focused on creating original work. UCSB also offers 5-year combined bachelor's/master's programs in select majors for freshmen and transfers. The university encourages students to explore various career tracks through its Career Services department, which provides guidance on how majors align with different professional fields.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through various tests such as TOEFL iBT (80 or better for tests taken before January 2026, 4.5 or better for tests taken January 2026 or later), IELTS (6.5 or higher), or Duolingo English Test (115 or higher). Alternatively, a grade of 'C' or better in a UC-transferable college course in English composition can be used, provided it's not from an international university where English is not the language of instruction.
- How can I find information on tuition and fees?
- Specific tuition and fee details are available on the Registrar's website and through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Campus-based fees are updated annually and fund student services and facilities.
- What academic programs are available at UC Santa Barbara?
- UC Santa Barbara offers a wide array of undergraduate majors and minors across the College of Letters & Science, College of Creative Studies, and College of Engineering. The university also provides 5-year combined bachelor's/master's programs in select majors.
- Does UC Santa Barbara offer career support for students?
- Yes, UCSB's Career Services department helps students connect their chosen majors to potential career paths and provides guidance for various professional fields.
- What are the deadlines for English proficiency exam scores?
- English proficiency exam scores must be completed by the December test date prior to enrollment and must be available in July prior to enrolling. Scores are valid for two years from the exam date.
Entry requirements
ACT English Language Arts (ELA)24 or higher
SAT Writing and Language31 or higher
AP English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition3, 4, or 5
IB Standard Level English (Language A only)6 or 7
IB Higher Level English (Language A only)5, 6, or 7
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT (taken before January 2026)80 or better
TOEFL iBT (taken January 2026 or later)4.5 or better
Duolingo English Test (DET)115 or higher
UC-transferable college course in English compositionGrade of 'C' or better
English proficiency exam scores must be completed by the December test date prior to enrollment and sent directly from the testing agency. Scores are valid for two years from the exam date and must be available in July prior to enrolling. UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite score from a single sitting is allowed. The digital SAT Reading and Writing score has not been approved to meet English language proficiency. For transfer students, proficiency can be demonstrated by completing two UC-transferable English composition courses with at least a 'C' grade, but courses from international universities where English is not the language of instruction are not accepted.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Campus-based fees are updated annually and fund student services and facilities. Specific tuition and fee details are available on the Registrar's website and through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through various tests such as TOEFL iBT (80 or better for tests taken before January 2026, 4.5 or better for tests taken January 2026 or later), IELTS (6.5 or higher), or Duolingo English Test (115 or higher). Alternatively, a grade of 'C' or better in a UC-transferable college course in English composition can be used, provided it's not from an international university where English is not the language of instruction.
How can I find information on tuition and fees?
+
Specific tuition and fee details are available on the Registrar's website and through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Campus-based fees are updated annually and fund student services and facilities.
What academic programs are available at UC Santa Barbara?
+
UC Santa Barbara offers a wide array of undergraduate majors and minors across the College of Letters & Science, College of Creative Studies, and College of Engineering. The university also provides 5-year combined bachelor's/master's programs in select majors.
Does UC Santa Barbara offer career support for students?
+
Yes, UCSB's Career Services department helps students connect their chosen majors to potential career paths and provides guidance for various professional fields.
What are the deadlines for English proficiency exam scores?
+
English proficiency exam scores must be completed by the December test date prior to enrollment and must be available in July prior to enrolling. Scores are valid for two years from the exam date.