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California State University

Transferring to a CSU

For students interested in applying to a California State University (CSU), it is important to understand how the transfer process works. Students transferring from a California Community College are generally expected to complete their freshman and sophomore (lower-division) coursework before transferring.

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.

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)
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in CSU-transferable coursework 
    (Note: Some CSU campuses and majors may require a higher GPA.)

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  CSU “Golden Four” courses, each with a grade of “C” or better:
    • Oral Communication (Speech/Communication Studies)

    • Written Communication (English Composition)

    • Critical Thinking
    • Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

To be eligible to transfer into a California State University (CSU) as a lower-division transfer student, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements: 

  • 59 or fewer CSU-transferable semester units 
  • High school diploma or General Educational Development, or GED, certificate
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in CSU-transferable coursework 
    (Note: Some CSU campuses and majors may require a higher GPA.) 
  • Completion of required high school coursework (A–G requirements) 

Students must complete: 

  • The following courses, each with a grade of “C” or better: 
    • English composition (written communication. (CAL-GETC Area 1A; CSU Area A2) 
    • Mathematics / Quantitative Reasoning (CAL-GETC Area 2; CSU Area B4) 

 

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.

The Transfer Success Pathway (TSP) is a structured transfer program designed to support students who are beginning their college journey and planning to transfer to a participating California State University (CSU).

Eligibility:

  • Newly graduated high school students
  • Incoming students who have not taken college courses after high school
  • Students who completed dual enrollment coursework in high school
  • Students who have taken summer courses only

Transfer Agreements:

  • TSP agreements are typically available August through October
  • Once a student enters a TSP agreement, students are allowed up to three years to finish at the community college, depending on course load and individual circumstances.
  • Program requirements and guarantees vary by CSU campus and academic program

Explore Participating CSU Campuses and Majors

 

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