BA Chemistry at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The requirements for the bachelor of arts (B.A.) in chemistry have been kept to a minimum so that students may tailor their program to their own purposes For example, taking fewer prescribed courses for the major enables students to pursue a double major, to pursue more independent research, to complete major requirements late in their college career, to take more physical and biological science courses outside of chemistry to enter an interdisciplinary area such as health sciences or education, or to take more courses in other arts and sciences disciplines).

Faculty: Physical and Biological Sciences Division | Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include General Chemistry, Advanced General Chemistry: Molecular Structure and Reactivity, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables, Calculus with Applications, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Organic Chemistry.

Career pathways

While more flexible, the degree is still suitable for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or careers in chemistry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): Students must complete each of the following qualification courses, or their equivalents, by their campus-established declaration deadline with a grade of C or better and with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or greater:

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents first enrolled in 2026-27 (Tuition Stability Plan cohort rate); one rate for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees, UC SHIP health insurance and records fee. Non-residents ad Source

Fall quarter entry (classes for fall 2026 began September 24, 2026); winter quarter entry (winter 2027 instruction begins January 4, 2027).

UC Application for fall 2027 opens October 1, 2026 and the filing deadline is November 30, 2026; the application is available online from August 1, 2026. Fall 2027 first-year decisions appear on the Admissions Portal late February to mid-March 2027; transfer decisions April 1-30, 2027. Transfer Academic Update due January 31, 2027; UCSC TAG filing period September 1-30, 2026.

UC Santa Cruz does not use ACT/SAT scores in its comprehensive review and selection process. Applications are made through the UC Application. Minimum GPA is 3.00 for California residents and 3.40 for non-residents and international applicants.

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