UC Santa Barbara - Curriculum & Courses

6-Week Curriculum

Students choose from 3 unique curricula that include a remarkably broad spectrum of subjects. The UCSB college credit/enrichment program features approximately 100 classes in over 40 different fields. Students selecting Curriculum A (The Early Start Program) enjoy the challenge of 2 college credit courses to expand knowledge and improve skills. Curriculum B (Academic & Enrichment Program) allows for 1 college credit and 1 skills-based enrichment course. Students selecting Curriculum C choose the more intensive academic experience of the Research Mentorship Program, where students partner with professional researchers in the discipline they selected.

A consultation with parents and a guidance counselor/advisor is recommended when making curriculum selections. UCSB summer sessions and Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) provide an extensive academic tutorial program to assist students with their orientation to college-level work. Students have access to the extensive collection of the Davidson Library, including over 2 million books and periodicals.

UCSB College Credit Classes (6 Weeks)

UCSB college credit courses are offered in cooperation with UCSB Office of Summer Sessions. Summer Discovery @ UCSB students earn 3-5 UCSB college quarter unit credits for each course taken. UCSB college courses generally meet 11/2 to 3 hours a day, 4-5 times a week and require 3-4 hours, on average, of outside class studying per unit. Students participating in the Research Mentorship Program meet 5 days a week, though the times will vary. Students attend regular introductory level classes with other UCSB undergraduates and can choose from up to 50 courses taught by experienced professors, distinguished visiting faculty, and advanced graduate students in over 40 university departments. College credit courses include final exams. UCSB college credits are transferable to most colleges and universities nationwide.

Which Curriculum Should I Choose?

Early Start Program (ESP)

Students who wish to increase their competitiveness when applying to UC’s or other top universities in the nation should enroll in this program. By taking two academic courses, the ESP provides students the opportunity to explore some of the university’s different academic disciplines and gain valuable experience as a college student. A minimum GPA of 3.3* is required for students wishing to enroll in the ESP.

Academic & Enrichment Program (A&E)

The A&E Program allows students to enroll in one 6 week UCSB academic course and one 4-week, skills-based enrichment course. Students will be able to supplement their one academic course with one non-credit course designed to provide additional support to students in academic and personal growth. Enrichment classes meet for 4 weeks (June 26-July 20) for the 6 week program. Week 5, students will participate in Preparing for College success workshop which includes topics such as: the use of a college library; admissions- early vs. regular decision; majors; interdisciplanary studies; liberal arts college vs research universities; state vs private; financial aid; scholarships and paying for college; time management skills/deadlines; personal coices- health/wellness/residence hall life. Week 6 will be dedicated study time in preparation for college credit finals.  A minimum GPA of 3.15* is required for enrollment in the A&E Program.

Research Mentorship Program (RMP)

(8 units of UCSB college credit – limited enrollment). If you are a highly motivated and serious student who would love the opportunity to conduct original university-level research, you should consider the RMP. Work individually with some of UCSB’s noted faculty and advanced graduate students, performing hands on research in a discipline of your preference. Students will gain experience in conducting original academic research while learning the tools of the trade of professional researchers. The program provides a unique opportunity to experience on-going college level research, leading to the most recently discovered facts at the forefront of their selected discipline. Research Mentorship students discover a rich variety of research fields and gain first-hand knowledge about the similarities, inter-relationships and differences among the various branches of academic research. Using creative inquiry and dicipline dependent methods of investigation, students acquire personal and practical familiarity with research techniques in their discipline. They will also be exposed to the progress of research chosen by their classmates.

Students are assigned a research mentor who acts as their faculty advisor for their research project for the duration of the program, in the lab and/or in the field. Learn research techniques, how to collect and analyze data, how to write an original research paper, and how to present their findings in a formal research symposium. To be accepted into the Research Mentorship Program, high school students must have a minimum GPA of 3.8*. ($900 supplement for the Research Mentorship Program). 

*The minimum GPA requirement is calculated based on the University of California’s “a-g” requirements, or its equivalent for out-of-state residents. Qualified students with a GPA of a 3.5 are encouraged to apply.

4-Week Curriculum

This 4 week program allows students to enroll in 2 non-credit UCSB enrichment courses. Stduents who enroll in this option will enjoy the benefit of choosing from a wide variety of subjects intended for personal growth. Enrichment classes are designed around the vast resources and personnel available at UCSB and the surrounding area. These non-credit classes meet 4 times weekly for approximately 2 hours. They provide students with skills that are useful for academic achievement, personal growth and college preparation. Most classes are small, informal, and personal – encouraging constant student/teacher interaction. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.75 for the 4 week program

The Best Teachers

Courses are taught by UCSB’s renowned faculty, distinguished visiting professors, and advanced graduate associates. In addition to five recipients of Noble Prizes, UCSB’s faculty includes many elected members or fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (23), the National Academy of Sciences (21), the National Academy of Engineering (18), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (38).

“Preparing for College and Life Workshops”

These once weekly workshops focus on contemporary issues and skills that are the keys to a productive high school and college career. Designed to help students bridge the gap between high school and college, workshops feature interactive discussions with peers and professionals about college admissions, decision making, tolerance, stress management, harassment, substance abuse, eating disorders, AIDS awareness, and more.

College Visits, College Admissions and Careers

“Preparing for College and Life Workshops” also analyzes the college admission and application process. Our annual college night with UCSB Admissions representatives covers the application process and more. Visits to UCLA and USC are program highlights.

Grades and Evaluations

College credit courses are graded on the traditional college letter system of A,B,C,D and F. Official transcripts are available from UCSB for future use.