California State University
Transferring to a CSU
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 鈥渦pper-division transfer鈥� because students enter the CSU as juniors (upper-division level) after earning at least 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units).
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor and use tools like 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)
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 鈥淕olden 4鈥� critical courses 鈥� each completed with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or better:
- Oral Communication (Speech/Communication Studies)
- Written Communication (English Composition)
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
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.