BS Earth Sciences at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The bachelor of science (B.S.) program is designed for students who intend to pursue professional careers in Earth and planetary sciences, engineering, policy, law, teaching, or business or who otherwise desire the broad, quantitative training available at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include Calculus with Applications, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, General Chemistry, Introduction to Physics I, Introduction to Physics I Laboratory, Introduction to Physics II.

Career pathways

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): To qualify for the Earth sciences B.S. (including all concentrations within the major), a student must complete (with a minimum grade of C) one of the following introductory courses and associated lab in physical geology:

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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