The faculty and staff at UCSB are committed to providing the fullest education possible to the greatest number of students. Because resources are limited, however, we must place some restrictions on the length of time that a student may be enrolled, so that we can continue to admit new students. The short version of the resulting policy states that, “Students are expected to complete all degree requirements by the time they have undertaken 200 total units. … If enrollment beyond this limit is desired, students may request approval by submitting a Proposed Schedule for Graduation… Students who enroll in courses beyond 200 units without approval will have their enrollment blocked for subsequent quarters.”
The following details regarding actual implementation will help students to plan effectively.
- College credit earned before high school graduation does not count
toward the 200 unit maximum, although it does count toward graduation requirements.
This includes credit for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate
examinations, and also college or university credit earned while still in
high school.
- Students who are admitted as freshmen and remain continuously enrolled
will be allowed 12 regular quarters at UCSB, even if they earn more than 200
units during that period. They are also free to attend summer session. Summer
session does not count as a regular quarter in this calculation, but units
earned in summer session apply to the 200 unit limit. Note: As you
approach 200 units, you may be required to submit a Proposed Schedule for
Graduation, even if you have not yet reached your 12th quarter of enrollment.
Note also that if you stop out of UCSB and earn a large number of
units at other academic institution(s) while you are away, the number of quarters
allowed at UCSB will be reduced in proportion to the number of terms you complete
elsewhere.
- Students who are admitted as juniors and remain continuously enrolled
will be allowed 6 regular quarters at UCSB, even if they earn more than 200
units during that period. They are also free to attend summer session. Summer
session does not count as a regular quarter in this calculation, but units
earned in summer session apply to the 200 unit limit. Note: As you
approach 200 units, you may be required to submit a Proposed Schedule for
Graduation, even if you have not yet reached your 6th quarter of enrollment.
Note also that if you stop out of UCSB and earn a large number of
units at one or more other academic institutions while you are away, the number
of quarters allowed at UCSB will be reduced in proportion to the number of
terms you complete elsewhere.
- Students are promised 200 units if they need that many. Those who do not
reach 200 units within the quarterly allowances noted above will be permitted
to continue at UCSB until they earn 200 units. Note: Students are
expected to complete a full load (at least 12 units) each quarter. Permission
of the college is required for a deficit load (fewer than 12 units).
- Students who wish to exceed both 200 units and the quarterly allowances
noted above will be considered for a maximum of either
- 216 units or 15 quarters for freshman admits whichever comes first.
- 216 units or 9 quarters for transfer admits, whichever comes first.
Note: No student is guaranteed 216 units if enrollment exceeds 6 quarters (for junior admits) or 12 (for freshman admits). Each request for an exception is reviewed on its own merits. Students will not be approved for an additional quarter in which they will exceed 216 units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I’m really ambitious, take heavy loads and also attend summer session? I might have 200 units before I’ve even finished my third year!
A: Unless you take a break of a quarter or more from UCSB, if you were admitted as a freshman, we will allow you to complete 12 quarters at UCSB, no matter how many units you manage to earn in that time.
Q: I really want to make the most of my college experience – do a double major and a minor or two, participate in EAP and maybe even in the Washington Center or the Sacramento Program – but I don’t think I can get it all done within the limits.
A: Although your units are not truly limited if you get all this done within 12 quarters as a freshman admit or 6 quarters as a junior admit, it may not be possible for you to complete everything you want within the broader limits described. In that case, you should meet with an academic advisor to discuss your options. In many cases, options such as concurrent enrollment through Extension, summer session, and transfer opportunities can make it possible to get it all accomplished, though at some cost in both time and money.
Q: If I just can’t get all my requirements satisfied within the limits, does all this mean I can never graduate?
A: The limits refer only to how long you may remain enrolled at UCSB in regular quarters. If you find yourself in this predicament, please meet with an academic advisor to discuss your options. There is no limit on the number of summer sessions you may attend after you have run out of allowed quarters. Further, you may go on earning credit by concurrent enrollment through Extension (provided you leave UCSB in good academic standing) or at other institutions to complete your final degree requirements.
Q: I’m not very good at keeping track of things like my progress in meeting degree requirements or how many units I’ve earned. How will I know when I’m getting close to my limit?
A: It’s a good idea to work with your major department and the college advising staff to be sure of your progress. You can request one junior progress check and one senior progress check to assist you with keeping track of your non-major requirements. With careful planning, it is not normally necessary to exceed 200 units. The college staff will notify you if you are getting close to 200 units and outline your next steps.
Q: I was a real go-getter in high school, got lots of AP credit and even took some courses at my local community college. I don’t think it’s fair that my extra effort should be held against me.
A: You’re right, it wouldn’t be fair. That’s why college credit earned before high school graduation, including AP and IB exams and college or university credit, does not count toward the 200-unit maximum.
Q: So summer doesn’t count in the mix?
A: Units earned in summer session do count toward the 200 unit maximum. However, summer session does not count toward the quarter allowance.
Q: How do I formalize a request to exceed 200 units?
A: You may complete a Proposed Schedule for Graduation and submit it to the college advising office for consideration. Note that you will need endorsement from the advisor in each department in which you are pursuing a major or minor. Click here for a look at the Proposed Schedule for Graduation form.
