California State University
Transfer Basics: CSU - "Cal State"
For students interested in applying to a CSU (California State University), it’s important to understand how the transfer process works. CSU campuses require students to complete their freshman and sophomore (lower-division) coursework at the community college before transferring. This pathway is called an “upper-division transfer” because students enter the CSU as juniors (upper-division level) after earning at least 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units).
These 60 transferable units are completed by taking a combination of:
- California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC): Courses that fulfill the general education pattern accepted across CSU campuses.
- Major Preparation (Prerequisites): Courses required for the intended major to ensure students are prepared for upper-division coursework at the CSU.
- Elective Credit (if needed): Additional transferable courses to reach the 60-unit minimum.
Students should also keep in mind:
- A minimum GPA requirement is necessary for CSU admission (varies by campus and major).
- Some majors and campuses are impacted, meaning admission is more competitive and may require a higher GPA or additional preparation.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor and use tools like ASSIST.org to ensure the correct courses are completed for their major and desired CSU campus.
Minimum Transfer Requirements for CSU Admission
To be eligible to transfer into a California State University (CSU) as an upper-division transfer student, applicants must complete the following minimum requirements:
- 60 CSU-transferable semester units (90 quarter units)
These must include:
- 39 units of General Education (GE) completed through one of the following approved patterns:
- California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
- The “Golden 4” critical courses – each completed with a grade of “C” or better:
- Oral Communication (Speech/Communication Studies)
- Written Communication (English Composition)
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
Additional considerations students should keep in mind:
GPA Requirement: A minimum 2.0 GPA in CSU-transferable coursework (higher for competitive or impacted campuses/majors).
Major Preparation: Some campuses and programs require specific lower-division major preparation courses in addition to the GE pattern.
Deadlines: All minimum transfer requirements must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to fall admission (or the end of summer for spring admission, if available).
Advising: Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with a counselor and use ASSIST.org to verify major requirements for their intended CSU campus.