Transferring in two years can be difficult for engineering majors just because there are so many lower division classes to take. For ME at UCSB, they require:
- Math 3A (Calculus I), 3B (Calculus II), 4A (Linear Algebra), 4B (Differential Equations)
- Physics 1, 2
- Chemistry 1A, 1AL
- Engineering 3 (Intro to Programming)
- Mechanical Engineering 14 (Statics), 16 (Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics)
And they strongly reccomend:
- Math 6A, 6B (both Calculus III/Vector Calc)
- Mechanical Engineering 6 (Circuits), 10 (Engineering Graphics), 15 (Strength of Materials)
- Physics 3, 3L (for fall 2016 admission, Physics 3 & 3L will move to the list of
required courses) - Chemistry 1B, 1BL
You might not be able to take all of these at one CC, so shop around. If you’re going to different CCs, it’s easiest if they’re all in the same district. For example, [LACC doesn’t offer courses that articulate to ENGR 3, ME 10, or ME 16](http://web1.assist.org/web-assist/report.do?agreement=aa&reportPath=REPORT_2&reportScript=Rep2.pl&event=19&dir=1&sia=LACC&ria=UCSB&ia=LACC&oia=UCSB&aay=14-15&ay=14-15&dora=ME). Make sure you know assist.org, it’ll become your best friend if you decide to go to CC.
In addition, you need the [minimum 7 courses that make you eligible to transfer into the UC system](http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer/preparing-admission/minimum-requirements/index.html):
- 2 English courses
- 1 Math course (covered in your major prep)
- 4 courses from at least two different areas:
- Arts & Humanities
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Physical & Biological Sciences (covered in your major prep)
So already you’re looking at ~65 units to cover all major prep + other requirements. If you’re not calculus-ready it’ll be even more. It’s possible to do it in 2 years, but it’s tight, so most take 3 years (especially if you’re shooting for a good GPA).
It’s possible to transfer from a CSU to a UC, but it’s more difficult than transferring from a CC. Specific CCs don’t increase your chance to transfer outright, but the cultures and courses offered at different CCs can vary a lot.