"Earth and Planetary Sciences" text placed on top of a decorative photo collage of the five main UC Davis EPS research disciplines.

Prospective MCS Transfer Students

Bodega Marine Lab boat

The UC Davis Earth and Planetary Sciences department welcomes prospective transfer students.

We advise careful planning, as many of our courses are only offered once a year. The following information is provided for your convenience, but is not meant to replace a consultation with one of our undergraduate advisors.

Prior to transferring into UC Davis, students must meet the Transfer Admission requirements. For the Marine and Coastal Science major at UC Davis, we strongly recommend that transfer students complete preparatory coursework equivalent to the following:

  • BIS 2A-B-C
  • CHE 2A-B-C
  • MAT 16A-B-C or 17A-B-C or 21A-B-C
  • PHY 7A-B-C or 9A-B-C
  • CHE 8A-B (for focus in Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology only)

Students interested in the focus area in Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology must complete prerequisite courses to be eligible for admission. 

Please use assist.org to find course equivalents between your community college and UC Davis.

2-year Transfer Students | MCS Sample Academic Plan

2-year Transfer Students | MCS Sample Academic Plan

The following is a sample academic plan for 2-year transfer MCS majors. It assumes that you’ve completed the preparatory coursework. This information is provided for your convenience, but should be adjusted to each student's specific needs. These plans are not meant to replace a consultation with a major advisor, who can help you create a personalized academic plan. Classes are subject to change.  

2-year MCS Sample Academic Plan for Transfers (pdf) revised 01/2023

Year 1

  • Fall Quarter Total: 12-15 units
    • STA 100 (4)
    • Depth Course (4-5)
    • Focus Course (3-4)
    • ANS 198: Professional Development in Marine Science (2)
  • Winter Quarter Total: 12+ units 
    • BIS 101* (4)
    • Focus Course (3-4)
    • GEL 16 (3)
    • ANS 198: Careers in Marine Science (2)
  • Spring Quarter Total: 12+ units  
    • BIS 105* (3)
    • GEL/ESP 116N** (3)
    • Breadth Course (3-4) 
  • Summer Total: 10 units 
    • Field Requirement
    • Focus Course (4)
    • GEL/ESP 150C** (3)
    • Research/Internship (3)

Year 2

  • Fall Quarter Total: 12+ units 
    • BIS 104* (3)
    • Depth Course (4-5)
    • Breadth Course (3-4)
  • Winter Quarter Total: 12+ units
    • GEL/ESP 150B** (3)
    • Focus Course (3-4)
    • UWP 101 or 102 or 104 or UDCE
  • Spring Quarter Total: 12+ units
    • GEL/ESP 150A** (4)
    • Breadth Course (3-4) 
    • EVE/ESP 111 (1)

*Only required for the focus in Marine Ecology and Organismal Biology
**Choose two from GEL/ESP 116N, 150A, 150B, and 150C