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Official sources · CCS

College of Creative Studies requirements

CCS uses its own General Education system (not LASAR or GEAR). IGETC completion fulfills CCS GE requirements. Courses must be approved by faculty advisor or pre-approved program list.

180 quarter units · 8 CCS GE courses · Ethnicity required · 6-quarter CCS residency

Application requirements

CCS admission is separate from the UC application. Apply via the CCS online application in addition to UCSB.

Apply to this major ↗
  • Letter of intentRequired — separate from UC application essay
  • Letters of recommendation2 required (PDF upload)
  • TranscriptsUnofficial scans from all institutions
  • Supplemental materialsEncouraged — research, projects, or work samples
  • Letter of intent to CCS Mathematics faculty.
  • Two recommenders familiar with your mathematics background.
  • Math competition results, research, or advanced coursework helpful in supplemental materials.

Official major sheet — 2025-2026

Parsed from department major sheet. Verify on GOLD progress check.

Core mathematics (by end of sophomore year)

  • Math CS 128Introduction to Higher Mathematics · 4 units
  • Math CS 101AProblem Solving I · 4 units
  • Math CS 101BProblem Solving II · 4 units
  • Math CS 108AAdvanced Linear Algebra A · 4 units
  • Math CS 108BAdvanced Linear Algebra B · 4 units
  • Math CS 117Introduction to Real Analysis · 4 units

By end of junior year

  • Math CS 121Probability · 4 units
  • Math CS 122AComplex Analysis A · 4 units
  • Math CS 122BComplex Analysis B · 4 units
  • MATH 111AAbstract Algebra A · 4 units
  • MATH 111B · 4 units
  • MATH 118AReal Analysis A · 4 units
  • MATH 118B · 4 units

Complete Probability plus two of: Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, or Real Analysis sequences by junior year; third sequence by senior year.

Elective mathematics (12 classes)

Choose 12 from:

  • Math CS 120Two must be Special Topics above freshman level
  • MATH 115AB
  • MATH 104ABC
  • PSTAT 120BC

Must take at least one class from three areas: Number Theory/Combinatorics, Geometry/Topology, Differential Equations/Applied, Probability/Statistics.

Math 199 counts at most twice. Graduate Math classes allowed with sufficient preparation.

  • Joint program with L&S Mathematics Department. Core-by-year requirements from CCS Math major sheet.

Major regulations

Research experience requirement — substantial mathematical research (SURF, REU, internship, etc.).

Two non-math classes: one new programming language (CMPSC 8/9/16, PSTAT 10, CMPTGCS 20) and one CS/Physics/ENGR 3.

Requirement waived for CCS Computing double majors.

Quarterly faculty advisor meetings required.

Combined degree pathways

Optional programs beyond the standard B.S. — verify eligibility with department advisors.

BA in Creative Studies — Mathematics

BA

Accelerated CCS mathematics curriculum.

BS in Creative Studies — Mathematics

BS

Rigorous BS track with additional depth; consult advisor.

4-year plan — 180 units

180 quarter units · 8 CCS GE courses (unrelated to major) · Ethnicity required. From official major sheet — verify on GOLD.

FallWinterSpring

Year 1

Fall

Math CS 101A · 4uMath CS 128 · 4uCCS GE

Winter

Math CS 101B · 4uCMPSC 16 · 4uCCS GE

Spring

Math CS 108A · 4uPHYS 1 · 4uCCS GE

Year 2

Fall

Math CS 108B · 4uMath CS 117 · 4uCCS GE

Winter

Math CS 121 · 4uMath CS 122A · 4uCCS GE

Spring

Math CS 122B · 4uMATH 111A · 4uCCS GE — Ethnicity

Year 3

Fall

MATH 111B · 4uMATH 118A · 4uMath CS 120 · 4u

Winter

MATH 118B · 4uMATH 111C · 4uMath elective

Spring

MATH 118C · 4uMath electiveResearch/Math 199

Year 4

Fall

Math CS 120 · 4uMath electiveCCS GE

Winter

Math electiveMath electiveResearch

Spring

Math electiveMath electiveElective

Data sources

Course lists are snapshots from official UCSB pages—not a live scrape. Verify prerequisites in the UCSB General Catalog.

College-wide CCS rules (8 GE courses unrelated to major, Ethnicity, 180 units, quarterly faculty advising) apply in addition to major requirements. See Student Handbook and UCSB Catalog — CCS degrees.