UCSB Answers

Quarterly Unit Limits

The maximum number of units a student can take in a quarter is determined by the student’s college and level.  In general, undergraduate students are subject to the following limits:

College of Letters and Science: 21 units
College of Engineering: 21 units
College of Creative Studies: no limit

Students who are unsure of the number of units in which they may enroll can see this information on the “Registration Info” page in GOLD.  Students who wish to exceed the unit limit for a particular term must petition to their college for permission.

Overall Unit Limits

Undergraduate students who enter UCSB as freshmen are guaranteed four years, or twelve regular quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring), of enrollment. Students who enter as a transfers are guaranteed two years, or six regular quarters, of enrollment. For students who do not exceed the guaranteed number of quarters, no maximum number of units is imposed.

Students who continue past their guaranteed quarters are subject to the overall unit limits of their particular college. In general, undergraduate students are subject to the following limits:

College of Letters and Science: 200 units
College of Engineering: 215 units
College of Creative Studies: no limit

Students who expect to exceed their guaranteed quarters should meet with an academic advisor in their college to devise a plan for completing their program of study.

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