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Our offices are closed Dec. 21 – Jan. 1 for winter break. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
FYTA student working at a laptop at UCSC

Learn academic, professional, and success strategies

Earn up to 26 units

This two-quarter schedule allows you to take six courses and earn up to 26 units toward your undergraduate degree at the University of California, Santa Cruz. To earn a UC Santa Cruz bachelor’s degree you will need a minimum of 180 units.

Expert advisors will guide you through the enrollment process for these courses, ensuring that you have a smooth and successful experience.

Online courses are held asynchronous with synchronous components.

   

Program Details

Extended Application Deadline is June 7!

Here are the steps to secure your spot in the First Year Transition Academy:

  1. Submit your First Year Transition Academy registration form by June 7, 2024.
  2. Attend an information session.
  3. Pay the FYTA deposit of $1,700 USD.
  4. Select courses for the summer quarter.
  5. Pay tuition of $4,650 USD.

Summer 2024

  1. Choose your orientation date.
  2. Meet with advisors.
  3. Begin your courses.

Fall 2024

  1. Choose your fall courses.
  2. Pay fall tuition of $4,650 USD.

Winter 2024

  1. January 8, 2025: Start your winter courses at UC Santa Cruz.
   

Choose 2-3 Courses | Take up to 13 units.

Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECON XR002) 5 units

The United States to 1877 (HIST XR17A) 4 units

Introduction to Critical Thinking (PHIL XR007) 4 units

Choose 2-3 Courses | Take up to 13 units.

Introduction to Microeconomics (ECON XR003) 5 units

The United States from 1865 (HIST XR17B) 4 units

First-Year Calculus (MATH XR009A) 4 units

First day of winter quarter: Jan. 5

Instruction begins Jan. 8.

 
Note: Your summer and fall online courses will be taught through our University of California partner at UC Riverside Extension. All units are transferrable to UC Santa Cruz.
   

Confirm your spot in the First Year Transition Academy!

   

   

Frequently Asked Questions

   
Return to the First Year Transition Academy home page.

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What Students Are Saying

"I received a clear view of the industry and what are the needs faced by enterprises today."
— Anonymous Student     International Student

"From assignments, class exercises, and group discussions to the project work and quizzes—it all helped me build strong foundations and solidify concepts."
— Neville Mistry     International Student Program Manager

Neville Mistry
Program: Project and Program Management
Course: Extreme-Agile Project Management

"I made a lot of good connections while I was here."
— Aakash Dave     International Student Entrepreneur, Founding CEO of Spotmi

Aakash Dave
Program: Database and Data Analytics
Course: Data Analysis, Introduction

"It’s a very supportive program. The engagement within our class was great. We learned from the professors as well as our classmates."
— Renuka Adnane, MSOD PHR SHRM-CP     International Student Human Resources Business Partner

Renuka Adnane, MSOD PHR SHRM-CP
Program: Human Resource Management
Course: Human Resource Management

"It was pretty deep and the assignments were demanding so I had to work hard to get the point."
— Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA     International Student Director of Digital & Analytics | Data Analytics Professor

Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA
Program: Data Science and Data Analytics

"The response from my fellow students was so enthusiastic that I had to think more in depth. It evolved. Every course demands that you think in a certain way. Every course took me a step further."
— Bouwien Luppes     International Student Art Entrepreneur and Marketer

Bouwien Luppes
Programs: Marketing Management & Social Media Marketing
Course: Integrated Marketing Communication

"She’s really inspired me to do a lot of things I was not doing with the kids. It helps you think differently about your role. It helped me a lot with teaching art and creativity. If they want to color a heart blue, we let them do it."
— Vandana Gupta     International Student Child Care Teacher

Vandana Gupta
Program: Early Childhood Education: Associate Teacher
Instructor: Melissa Chi Le

"Diana is a fabulous instructor and is always willing to share her insights and make sure course content is adapted to everyone's needs. She is approachable and willing to help you have a thorough understanding of the content without judgment."
— Jasleen Kaur Monga     International Student Learning Specialist | Educational Therapist

Jasleen Kaur Monga
Program: Educational Therapy
Instructor: Diana Black Kennedy

"Jagadeesh really prepares for the sessions and the assignments, not letting students to lose focus during classes, engaging all. He has got a lot of examples to share and makes people think to apply what we learn in the class."
— SasiKumar Arumugan     International Student Lead Software Engineer

SasiKumar Arumugan
Program: Computer Programming

"The class involved whiteboard sessions and collaboration projects which really prepared me well to start working in the industry and tackle UX design interviews."
— Agnieszka Zimolag     International Student Product Design, Cloud at IonQ

Agnieszka Zimolag
Program: User Experience and Web Design