Transfer Student Requirements

The Department of Music offers two types of degrees with a major in Music: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Studies and the Bachelor of Music (BM). Both require some level of degree preparation at your previous college. However, if you have taken minimal or no music classes at the community college you attended, you should strongly consider choosing the Bachelor of Arts.

The BA is eligible for TAG. The BM is not, but you can audition and apply through the traditional route.

It is advised that you enter UCSB with at least some music coursework at your previous college to pursue the BA degree. Generally, we recommend taking music theory, musicianship, applied performance, music history (Mus 10 series equivalent), and world music classes. All are helpful in meeting your lower-division requirements. Assist.org is a helpful site that can help you determine what classes will automatically transfer.

Please note that any theory and musicianship classes taken at a previous college do not automatically apply to your degree requirements at UCSB, unless noted in assist.org. A placement exam, taken at the beginning of Fall quarter, is required for all incoming Music Majors, and encouraged for anyone who has taken these courses. Students may find that they are placed at an earlier stage of equivalence at UCSB than the courses they completed at their cc. For information about the exam, including the study guide see the Fall Kickoff page.

Bachelor of Music Preparation Recommendations

Finishing the BM degree in two years requires that you are sufficiently prepared with much of your preparation work completed at your previous college. As a guide, use the degree sheet for your prospective BM in (instrument). With the exception of the Music 3 series of courses, the majority of the preparation for the major courses should be taken at your college. Please note that for Music Theory and Musicianship classes, equal equivalency is determined through the Theory and Musicianship Placement Exam at UCSB. For information about the exam, including the study guide see our Fall Kickoff page.

Prospective Bachelor of Music students ideally will start at UCSB prepared with: a year of Music Theory, Musicianship and Piano to prepare for the placement tests at UCSB, one year of Music History (equivalent to MUS 10), participate in BM degree appropriate lessons and ensembles and, in some cases, fulfill a language or two (e.g. Voice majors are required level 3 proficiency in Italian, and German or French). It is strongly encouraged that you have also completed your lower division GEs, which can be done by completing the IGETC at a California community college.

Bachelor of Art Preparation Recommendations

For applicants interested in the Bachelor of Arts or the Music Minor, no additional application materials or audition is necessary during the application phase.

Although specific preparation work is not required, typically taking Music Fundamentals, Music Theory, Musicianship, World Music, Music History, participating in lessons and/or ensembles, and completing your IGETC at a California Community College will most prepare you to complete your degree at UCSB. Some additional lower division work and diagnostic exams will be needed when you enter.