BS Chemical Engineering at University of California, Santa Barbara

Programme overview

Today and in the years to come, our society must address critical problems that have significant technological aspects, such as energy efficiency and sustainability; safeguarding the environment; producing food, materials, and chemicals; and delivering affordable health care. Chemical engineers are uniquely qualified to address these challenges and opportunities because they apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve complex problems.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Department: Department of Chemical Engineering | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States

What you will study

Major requirements are organised as Preparation For The Major: RWL2Y0O9fe5JWMsCaxeo, CHEM 2BL, CHEM 6AL, CHEM 6BL, CHEM 109A, CHEM 130A, CHEM 109B, CHEM 130B, ENGR 3, MATH 3A, MATH 3B, MATH 4A, MATH 4AI, MATH 4B; Upper Division Major: CHEM 113B, CHEM 113C, MATRL 101, MATRL 100C, CHEM 109C, CHEM 115A, CHEM 115B, CHEM 115C, CHEM 123, CHEM 126, CHEM 142A, CHEM 142B, CHEM 142C, CHEM 145.

Career pathways

Graduate and professional pathways include Energy and environment; Chemical, pharmaceutical, and consumer products; Microelectronics and materials; Chemical and Environmental Engineering; Materials and Energy Science; Bioengineering. Top employers include Energy & Sustainability: Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, First Solar, C-Zero, Consumer & Chemical Products: Proctor & Gamble, Clorox, 3M, DOW, Pharmaceuticals & Microelectronics: Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Intel, Applied Materials.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to UCSB is to the university and a college (College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies), not to the individual major; applicants must meet the University of California subject requirements for first-year or transfer applicants and apply through the UC Application. Selective-major and second-choice-major rules are described by UCSB Undergraduate Admissions.

Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

First-year and transfer applications for fall 2027: UC Application filing period October 1 - November 30, 2026 (opens August 1). Application fee: $80 per campus for U.S. residents, $95 per campus for international students. Transfer applicants also submit the UCSB TAG Application September 1-30. First-year decisions mid-March; transfer decisions mid-April; Statement of Intent to Register May 1 (first-year) and June 1 (transfer).

SAT and ACT scores are not used in admission selection or scholarships; submission is optional and may be used for course placement. Students applying to College of Creative Studies majors submit a supplemental application; Dance and Music B.M. applicants complete an audition.

Graduate applicants apply through the UCSB online graduate application; the deadline is set by each department. Application fee: $135 for US citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all others, payable by credit card, check or money order. GRE required only by some programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/

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