Overview
GE Requirements for Transfer Students
Cal‑GETC is a new general education pattern that may benefit you, or you can stick to CSU GE or IGETC if you are already using that pattern. Consult with your counselor about the best option for your major and transfer plans.
Review your options and learn more!
Common Course Numbering Updates
Several general education courses used in transfer will be getting a name and number update in Fall 2025. Classes you have already taken will have no negative impact. Learn More
Questions? Contact Transfer Services.
Beginning in Fall 2025:
- Transfer students who are new or who were not enrolled continuously at a California Community College will follow the new Cal‑GETC pattern for general education requirements.
- The state's new Common Course Numbering (CCN) system will update course numbers for a selection of GE courses.
GE Pattern Comparison Chart
This chart shows the different requirements between the 2 current GE options (CSU GE and IGETC) and the new option (Cal‑GETC).
Switching to Cal‑GETC might be the best option for you, or staying with IGETC or CSU GE might be better for your personal choice of major or university. Talk to your counselor to help you decide.
| GE Area Requirement | CSU GE | IGETC | NEW OPTION: Cal‑GETC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - English Communication | English Composition 1 course - 3 units Written Communication 1 course - 3 units Oral Communication 1 course - 3 units |
English Composition 1 course - 3 units Critical Thinking and Composition 1 course - 3 units |
English Composition 1 course - 3 units Critical Thinking and Composition 1 course - 3 units Oral Communication 1 course - 3 units |
| 2 - Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning | 1 course - 3 units | 1 course - 3 units | 1 course - 3 units |
| 3 - Arts and Humanities | Arts 1 course - 3 units Humanities 1 course - 3 units Arts or Humanities 1 course - 3 units |
Arts 1 course - 3 units Humanities 1 course - 3 units Arts or Humanities 1 course - 3 units |
Arts 1 course - 3 units Humanities 1 course - 3 units |
| 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences | 2 courses - 6 units | 2 courses from 2 disciplines - 6 units | 2 courses from 2 disciplines - 6 units |
| 5 - Physical and Biological Sciences | Physical Science 1 course - 3 units Biological Science 1 course - 3 units Laboratory for Phys/Bio Science - 1 unit |
Physical Science 1 course - 3 units Biological Science 1 course - 3 units Laboratory for Phys/Bio Science - 1 unit |
Physical Science 1 course - 3 units Biological Science 1 course - 3 units Laboratory for Phys/Bio Science - 1 unit |
| 6 - Language Other than English (LOTE) | Not required | Required | Not required |
| 7 - Ethnic Studies | 1 course - 3 units | 1 course - 3 units | 1 course - 3 units |
| Lifelong Learning and Self-Development | 1 course - 3 units | Not required | Not required |
| Total GE units Required | 39 | 37 | 34 |
March 30 - April 5, 2025
March 31, 2025
April 17, 2025