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!

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.

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.

Questions? Contact the Transfer Center.

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.

Total GE Units Required

39

37

34

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