California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
What is the Cal-GETC?
The Cal-GETC (California General Education Transfer Curriculum) is the singular general education pathway for California Community College (CCC) students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements necessary for transfer and admission to both the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). The Cal-GETC pattern is most helpful for students who want to keep their options open before making a final decision about transferring to a particular UC or CSU campus. Completion of Cal-GETC does NOT guarantee admission, nor is it required for admission. Many independent, private and out-of-state colleges and universities will also accept Cal-GETC as meeting full or partial general education requirements.
If you have completed substantial coursework from institutions outside the United States, consult a counselor to determine whether you should complete Cal-GETC or the lower-division breadth/general education requirements at the campus you plan to attend. In addition, some transfer students in some colleges or majors must follow a more prescribed lower-division curriculum than Cal-GETC allows.
Students Eligible to Use Cal-GETC
Cal-GETC was developed by the Academic Senates of the CCC, UC, and CSU for use by California community college (CCC) transfer students. A student may be Cal-GETC certified if they have completed coursework at any CCC without regard to current enrollment status or the number of units accrued at a CCC. Students who initially enroll at a UC or CSU campus, then leave and attend a community college, and subsequently return to a different UC or CSU campus may use the Cal-GETC.
Students NOT Eligible to Use Cal-GETC
Students who initially enroll at a UC campus, then leave and attend a community college, and subsequently return to the same campus are considered "readmits" by the UC. Such students cannot use the Cal-GETC. CSU does not have a system-wide policy that addresses these students and/or this reverse-transfer situation and thus there is no prohibition on the use of Cal-GETC for students returning to the CSU from a CCC. Questions regarding the appropriate use of Cal-GETC for a student who was initially enrolled at a CSU should be directed to the specific campus to which the student wishes to transfer.
Students Who Should Follow Cal-GETC
Cal-GETC is most helpful to students who want to keep their options open - specifically, those who know they want to transfer but haven't yet decided upon a particular institution, campus or major.
Students Who Should NOT Follow Cal-GETC
Students pursuing majors that require extensive lower-division major preparation may not find the Cal-GETC option to be advantageous. Engineering, Architecture, Math, or Science are examples of those majors. Those students are advised to focus on completing their lower-division major preparation requirements while meeting minimum admission requirements (e.g., the UC seven-course pattern for UC admissions) and are recommended to see a counselor for assistance in course selection.
Is Cal-GETC an Admission Requirement?
Completion of the Cal-GETC is not an admission requirement or admission guarantee for transfer to the CSU or UC, nor is it the only way to fulfill the lower-division, general education requirements for students at the CSU or UC. However, Cal-GETC may be a requirement for some programs (e.g., if an ADT is required) and under AB 928 is the “singular lower division general education pathway that meets the academic requirements necessary for transfer admission to the California State University and the University of California." Completing GE requirements, whether through Cal-GETC or the campus-specific requirements, may be considered by the campus in selecting among qualified candidates. In fact, some campuses and programs may accept only students who complete Cal-GETC. Students should check campus admission websites for information about the selection.
Courses Appropriate for Cal-GETC
Courses used towards satisfaction of the Cal-GETC must be at the baccalaureate level and meet the specifications stated in the Cal-GETC Standards, Policies and Procedures for the specified GE area.
Minimum Unit Value
A course must have a minimum unit value of 3 semester or 4 quarter units to meet the requirements for Cal-GETC. Laboratory courses intended to accompany lecture courses are an exception to this guideline. It is not allowable to take three 1-semester unit courses to fulfill a 3-semester unit requirement, as the content of a 1-unit course will not provide the depth, scope, and rigor of a single 3-unit course.
Exception: 3-quarter unit or 2 semester unit Math and English courses that satisfy Cal-GETC Areas 1A or 2 may be applied if 1) they are a part of a sequence, 2) at least two of the 3-quarter or 2 semester unit courses as part of the same sequence have each been completed with “C” grade (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher, and 3) the course sequence must meet the rigor and breadth of Cal-GETC Standards.
When combining quarter and semester unit values within a Cal-GETC area, units shall be converted to either all quarter units or all semester units to benefit the student
Minimum Grade Requirements
A minimum “C” grade is required in each college course for Cal-GETC. A “C” is defined as a minimum of 2.0 grade points on a 4.0 scale. A “C-” grade valued at less than 2.0 grade points on a 4.0 scale cannot be used for Cal-GETC certification.
Pass/Credit Grades
Courses in which a student receives a “Credit/Pass” grade may be used towards Cal-GETC certification if the community college’s policy states that a “Credit or Pass” designation is equivalent to a grade of C or higher (2.0 grade points on a 4.0 scale). It is important to keep in mind that CSU and UC campuses may have limitations on the number of “Credit/No Credit” (“Pass/No Pass”) courses and units accepted towards transfer, graduation, and major requirements. For example, the UC system allows a maximum of 14 semester units of courses graded “Pass/No Pass” (Credit/No Credit) toward the 60 transferable semester units required for transfer admission. No more than 14 semester units (21 quarter units) of Pass/No Pass (Credit/No Credit), excluding credit by examination, may be used toward Cal-GETC certification.
California Community College Coursework
Coursework completed at another California Community College (CCC) should be applied to the subject area in which it is listed by the institution where the work was completed. In addition, the course must have been Cal-GETC approved in the area it was taken at the time it was taken. Approval dates can be verified by consulting the website assist.org.
United States Regionally Accredited Institutions Coursework
Coursework from all other United States regionally accredited institutions should be evaluated and deemed by the CCC faculty in the discipline or their designee to be comparable to coursework on that community college’s approved Cal-GETC course list before it is allowed to fulfill Cal-GETC requirements. The course should then be used in the same subject areas as those for the community college completing the certification. Upper-division work may also be used in limited circumstances. See the latest version of the Cal-GETC Standards for criteria.
International Coursework
International coursework may be applied to Cal-GETC if the international institution has United States regional accreditation. All other international coursework cannot be applied to Cal-GETC.
Students with a substantial amount of international coursework at a non-United States regionally accredited institution should be encouraged to follow the CSU or UC campus-specific general education pattern.
Distance and Correspondence Education Courses
California Community College may use distance and correspondence education for Cal-GETC provided that the courses have been approved by the CSU and UC during the Cal-GETC review process. Delivery modality does not determine CSU and UC approval
Non-CCC institutions distance and correspondence education courses may be used towards Cal-GETC. However, the courses must meet the same criteria and guidelines as other non-CCC courses as stated in the latest Cal-GETC Standards.
CSU U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirements
The CSU U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals graduation requirement is not part of Cal-GETC. Courses used to satisfy this requirement may also be listed in Cal-GETC Subject Areas 3B and/or 4. CSU campuses have the discretion whether to allow courses used to satisfy the CSU U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals graduation requirement to also count in Areas 3B and 4.
UC Language Other Than English (LOTE) Requirement
The UC Language other than English (LOTE) graduation requirement is not part of Cal-GETC. Upon transfer to UC, a course that is approved to fulfill a Cal-GETC subject area may be used to satisfy the LOTE requirement if it meets relevant UC criteria.
Using AP and IB exams for Cal-GETC
Cal-GETC course credit may be earned with an acceptable score on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams as specified in the latest version of the Cal-GETC Standards Policies and Procedures Manual.
Students who have earned credit from an AP or IB exam should not take a comparable college course because transfer credit will not be granted for both.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The CSU and UC grant unit credit for College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations on which a student scores 3, 4 or 5. Elective units awarded may be applied to CSU and UC graduation requirements for specific subjects and/or for general education/breadth requirements, as determined by each CSU and UC campus. To see how AP credits are used for Cal-GETC certification, refer to the Credit for Prior Learning, Advanced Placement Credit (AP for Cal-GETC) Section of the Catalog or the latest Cal-GETC standards.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The CSU and UC award unit credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. A score of 5, 6, or 7 on Higher Level Exam is required to grant credit for Cal-GETC certification. An acceptable IB score for Cal-GETC equates to either 3 semester or 4 quarter units for certification purposes. To see how IB credits are used for Cal-GETC certification, refer to the Credit for Prior Learning, International Baccalaureate Credit (IB for Cal-GETC) Section of the Catalog or the latest Cal-GETC standards.
Credit by Exam
Credit by exam is acceptable provided that the transcript from a regionally accredited college or university specifies the course title, unit value, grade, and is posted to a specific term. A “Credit/Pass” designation is acceptable provided that the institution’s policy states that a “Credit/Pass” designation is equivalent to a “C” grade or higher (2.0 grade points on a 4.0 scale). The course must be deemed comparable by the CCC faculty in the discipline or its designee (e.g., Articulation Officer).
Exams Not Applicable for Cal-GETC
The UC does not award unit credit for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), College Board, and ACT exams, and therefore these cannot be used for Cal-GETC certification.
The CSU has a system-wide policy for CLEP and other examinations awarding transfer credit for admission based on these exams. The CSU policy for CLEP can be found at calstate.edu website
Certification of Cal-GETC
All three VCCCD colleges offer Cal-GETC Certification. Students who have completed coursework at more than one California community college (CCC) should have their coursework certified by the last CCC they attended for a regular term (fall or spring for semester schools; fall, winter, or spring for quarter schools) prior to transfer. If a student requests certification from a CCC that is not the last school of attendance, it is at the discretion of that community college to certify. Cal-GETC certification will be processed without regard to current enrollment status or the number of units accrued at a particular CCC.
NOTE: Students transferring to a CSU with a completed Cal-GETC will still need to complete nine-semester units of upper-division general education and may be held to other campus-specific graduation requirements outside of general education and major coursework.
Full Certification
It is strongly recommended that students complete Cal-GETC prior to transfer. Advantages of completing Cal-GETC may include more flexibility in class selection at the university and timely progress to degree completion. All UC and CSU campuses will accept the full and completed Cal-GETC to satisfy all lower-division general education requirements.
There is no limit on the number of courses completed at other United States regionally accredited institutions that can be included in the Cal-GETC certification. However, individual colleges or majors within a CSU or UC campus may not accept Cal-GETC for meeting general education. A list of those UC colleges and majors can be found on the University of California website. It is the student’s responsibility to request Cal-GETC Certification in the Counseling Office.
Before petitioning for Cal-GETC certification, students are strongly urged to consult with their counselor and verify that they have fulfilled their Cal-GETC requirements.
Exceptions for the Certification Process
- Cal-GETC Certification Using Pre-Fall 2025 IGETC Courses: Students who completed IGETC-approved courses prior to Fall 2025, including courses that are no longer active in assist.org, may apply those courses in the same Cal-GETC area(s) for certification.
- IGETC Certification Using Cal-GETC Courses: Students seeking IGETC certification may use Cal-GETC-approved courses in the same area(s)—whether newly created or newly approved as of Fall 2025.
Note: These provisions are intended to allow for exceptional cases in which a student would be required to repeat a similar course or courses in the same GE area, expend more financial aid, exceed the transferable unit cap, or incur other undue burdens to transfer without this exception.
Partial Certification
At this time, partial certification of the Cal-GETC is not allowed.
References:
- Cal-GETC Standards, Policies & Procedures for Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum – Version 1.3 (May 2025).
- Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions - For Counselors and Advisers August 2024
Cal-GETC Certification Courses 2025-2026
Area 1: English Communication
Complete 3 courses (each 3 units for a total of 9 units), one course each from Groups A, B, and C.
1A: English Composition - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGM V01A | College Composition for Multilingual Writers | 4 |
1B: Critical Thinking - English Composition - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL V01B | Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature | 4 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| PHIL V05 | Critical Thinking and Analytical Writing | 3 |
1C: Oral Communication - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Complete one course (3 units)
2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS V17 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH V04 | College Algebra | 4 |
| MATH V20 | Precalculus Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH V21A | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| MATH V21B | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| MATH V21C | Multivariable Calculus | 5 |
| MATH V22 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH V23 | Introduction to Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH V43 | Elementary Statistics with Applications for Health Care Professionals | 4 |
| MATH V46 | Business Calculus | 3 |
| MATH V52 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| PSY V04 | Introductory Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
Area 3: Arts and Humanities
Complete at least once course from Group A (Arts) and one course from Group B (Humanities) (6 units)
3A: Arts - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART V01 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
| ART V02A | Introduction to the History of Western Art I | 3 |
| ART V02B | Introduction to the History of Western Art II | 3 |
| ART V02D | Art of the Ancient Mediterranean | 3 |
| ART V02E | History of Photography | 3 |
| ART V02G | Introduction to Art Historical Theory and Methodology | 3 |
| ART V04 | Introduction to Renaissance and Baroque Art | 3 |
| ART V05 | Introduction to American Art | 3 |
| ART V06 | Introduction to Modern Art | 3 |
| ART V07 | Introduction to Women in the Arts | 3 |
| ART V08 | Introduction to Asian Art | 3 |
| ART V09A | Art of the Ancient Americas | 3 |
| ART V09B | Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art | 3 |
| ART V09C | Art and Architecture of Mexico: Prehistory to Present | 3 |
| DANC V01 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| DANC V02 | Western Concert Dance History | 3 |
| ENGL V29A | Aesthetics of Film I | 3 |
| ENGL V29B | Aesthetics of Film II | 3 |
| FILM V01 | Introduction to Media Aesthetics and Cinematic Arts | 3 |
| FILM V11 | History of International Cinema: World War II to the Present | 3 |
| FILM V29A | History of Motion Pictures I | 3 |
| FILM V29B | History of Motion Pictures II | 3 |
| MUS V03 | Introduction to World Music | 3 |
| MUS V06 | History of Rock and Roll | 3 |
| MUS V07 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS V08 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
| MUS V09A | Western Music History and Literature I: Antiquity to 1750 | 3 |
| MUS V09B | Western Music History and Literature II: 1750 to the Present | 3 |
| PHOT V07 | History of Photography | 3 |
| THA V01 | Introduction to Theatre | 3 |
| THA V17A | Musical Theatre History: Ancient Greece to the Golden Age of Musicals | 3 |
| THA V17B | Musical Theatre History: 1960s to Present Day | 3 |
| THA V20 | Costume Design and History | 3 |
| THA V28 | Introduction to Cinema | 3 |
| THA V29A | History of Motion Pictures I | 3 |
| THA V29B | History of Motion Pictures II | 3 |
3B: Humanities - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH V04 | Native Peoples of North America | 3 |
| CHST V01 | Introduction to Chicano Studies | 3 |
| CHST V03 | Chicana Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ENGL V01B | Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature | 4 |
| ENGL V15 | Introduction to Poetry | 3 |
| ENGL V16 | Introduction to Fiction | 3 |
| ENGL V18 | Children's Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENGL V21A | British Literature before 1800 | 3 |
| ENGL V21B | British Literature since 1800 | 3 |
| ENGL V22A | American Literature: Colonial Period to 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL V22B | American Literature: 1865 to Present | 3 |
| ENGL V23 | Introduction to Dramatic Literature | 3 |
| ENGL V26 | Introduction to Shakespeare and Film | 3 |
| ENGL V27 | Introduction to Comic Books and Graphic Novels | 3 |
| ENGL V30 | World Literature: Antiquity to 1650 | 3 |
| ENGL V31 | World Literature: 1650 to Present | 3 |
| ENGL V33 | Introduction to African American Literature | 3 |
| ENGL V34 | Introduction to Chicana/o Literature | 3 |
| ENGL V35 | Introduction to Ethnic American Literatures | 3 |
| ENGL V36 | Women in Literature | 3 |
| FILM V10 | Contemporary American Cinema | 3 |
| FREN V02 | Elementary French II | 5 |
| GERM V02 | Elementary German II | 5 |
| HIST V45 | United States History: Focus on Native Americans to Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIST V50 | United States History: Focus on Asian Americans | 3 |
| HIST V51 | United States History: Focus on African Americans Since Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIST V55 | United States History: Focus on Native Americans Since the Civil War | 3 |
| HIST V70 | Introduction to Western Civilization to the Scientific Revolution | 3 |
| HIST V76 | World History to 1550 | 3 |
| HIST V79 | Introduction to the History of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST V82 | Introduction to Western Civilization since the Scientific Revolution | 3 |
| HIST V86 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| ITAL V02 | Elementary Italian II | 5 |
| JAPN V02 | Elementary Japanese II | 5 |
| PHIL V01 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL V02 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL V09 | Zen Buddhism | 3 |
| PHIL V10 | World Mythology | 3 |
| PHIL V12 | Introduction to Religion | 3 |
| PHIL V14 | Confucianism and Taoism | 3 |
| PHIL V15 | Teachings of Jesus in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| SPAN V03 | Intermediate Spanish I | 5 |
| SPAN V03S | Spanish Heritage Language I | 5 |
| SPAN V04 | Intermediate Spanish II | 5 |
| SPAN V04S | Spanish Heritage Language II | 5 |
Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Complete two courses from two disciplines (6 units)
4: Social and Behavioral Sciences - Two Courses from Two Disciplines (6 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AG V01 | Agriculture and Society: Agriculture as the Foundation for Modern Civilization | 3 |
| AG V12 | Agriculture Economics | 3 |
| ANTH V02 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH V03 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH V04 | Native Peoples of North America | 3 |
| ANTH V05 | Linguistic Anthropology: Culture and Communication | 3 |
| ANTH V06 | Sex, Gender, and Culture | 3 |
| ANTH V07 | The Anthropology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion | 3 |
| ANTH V08 | Global Forces in Culture Change | 3 |
| ANTH V09 | World Prehistory | 3 |
| CD V02 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CD V03 | Human Development | 3 |
| CD V05 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CD V27 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
| CD V61 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| CHST V01 | Introduction to Chicano Studies | 3 |
| CHST V02 | Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies Issues | 3 |
| CHST V03 | Chicana Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| CHST V24 | Sociology of the Chicano Community | 3 |
| CJ V01 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ V02 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ V28 | Fundamentals of Criminology | 3 |
| COMM V02 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 |
| COMM V12 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMM V15 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM V16 | Introduction to Mass Communications | 3 |
| ECON V01A | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON V01B | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ESRM V03 | Introduction to Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management | 3 |
| ETHS V04 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| GEOG V02 | Introduction to Human Geography | 3 |
| GEOG V06 | Geography of California | 3 |
| GEOG V08 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| HED V20 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| HED V22 | Health and Social Justice | 3 |
| HIST V16 | United States History: Focus on Foreign Relations | 3 |
| HIST V32 | United States History: Focus on Women to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST V43 | United States History: Focus on African Americans to Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIST V44 | History of the Americas to 1821 | 3 |
| HIST V45 | United States History: Focus on Native Americans to Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIST V46 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST V47 | United States History: Focus on Chicanos to 1850 | 3 |
| HIST V50 | United States History: Focus on Asian Americans | 3 |
| HIST V51 | United States History: Focus on African Americans Since Reconstruction | 3 |
| HIST V53 | United States History: Focus on Women since 1877 | 3 |
| HIST V54 | History of the Americas since 1763 | 3 |
| HIST V55 | United States History: Focus on Native Americans Since the Civil War | 3 |
| HIST V56 | United States History since 1865 | 3 |
| HIST V58 | United States History: Focus on Chicanos since 1848 | 3 |
| HIST V59 | History of California | 3 |
| HIST V70 | Introduction to Western Civilization to the Scientific Revolution | 3 |
| HIST V76 | World History to 1550 | 3 |
| HIST V78 | History of Modern Middle East | 3 |
| HIST V79 | Introduction to the History of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST V82 | Introduction to Western Civilization since the Scientific Revolution | 3 |
| HIST V86 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| KIN V87 | Sport in Society | 3 |
| PHIL V10 | World Mythology | 3 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLS V02 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| POLS V03 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLS V04 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| POLS V05 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| POLS V09 | United States-Mexico Relations | 3 |
| POLS V11 | Government and Politics of Mexico | 3 |
| POLS V12 | Introduction to Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management | 3 |
| POLS V14 | Global Studies | 3 |
| POLS V17 | Introduction to American Law | 3 |
| POLS V18 | Introduction to Global Issues | 3 |
| PSY V02 | Personal Growth and Social Awareness | 3 |
| PSY V05 | Introduction to Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY V07 | Introduction to Research Methods in Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| PSY V15 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY V25 | Psychology of Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSY V29 | Introduction to Personality Psychology | 3 |
| PSY V30 | Multicultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSY V31 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY V32 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOC V01 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC V02 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC V03 | Racial and Ethnic Group Relations | 3 |
| SOC V04 | Sociology of Gender Roles | 3 |
| SOC V05 | Sociology of Relationships: Intimacy, Commitment, and Family Patterns | 3 |
| SOC V07 | Sociological Analysis | 3 |
| SOC V13 | Sociology of Deviance, Crime, and Society | 3 |
| SOC V24 | Sociology of the Chicano Community | 3 |
| SOC V31 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 |
Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences
Complete two courses with one course from Group A (Physical Science) and one course from Group B (Biological Science); at least one of the two courses must include a laboratory (Group C) (7-9 units). Each course in Group A and Group B must be at least 3 units.
5A: Physical Science - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AG V04 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| AST V01 | Elementary Astronomy | 3 |
| CHEM V101 | Elementary Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM V102 | Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | 5 |
| CHEM V104 | Foundations of General, Organic, and Biochemistry | 5 |
| CHEM V120A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM V120B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM V160A | General Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM V160B | General Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| ESRM V02 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| GEOG V01 | Elements of Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG V05 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| GEOL V02 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL V03 | Historical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL V07 | Geology of National Parks | 3 |
| GEOL V09 | Earth Science with Laboratory | 4 |
| GEOL V11 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL V21 | Natural Disasters | 3 |
| PHSC V01 | Concepts in Physical Science | 4 |
| PHYS V01 | Elementary Physics | 5 |
| PHYS V02A | General Physics I: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based | 4 |
| PHYS V02B | General Physics II: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based | 4 |
| PHYS V03A | General Physics I: Calculus-Based | 4 |
| PHYS V03B | General Physics II: Calculus-Based | 4 |
| PHYS V04 | Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
| PHYS V05 | Electricity and Magnetism for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
| PHYS V06 | Optics, Heat, and Modern Physics: For Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
5B: Biological Science - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AG V06 | Introduction to Plant Science (with Laboratory) | 3 |
| AG V66 | Anatomy and Physiology of Animals | 4 |
| ANPH V01 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| ANTH V01 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| BIOL V01 | Principles of Biology | 3 |
| BIOL V03 | Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOL V04 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL V10 | Introduction to Environmental Issues | 3 |
| BIOL V12 | Human Biology | 3 |
| BIOL V14 | Field Biology: A Natural History of California | 4 |
| BIOL V18 | Human Heredity | 3 |
| BIOL V29 | Marine Biology | 3 |
| ESRM V01 | Introduction to Environmental Issues | 3 |
| ESRM V10 | Environmental Ecology | 3 |
| ESRM V14 | Conservation of Natural Resources | 3 |
| MICR V01 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| PHSO V01 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| PSY V03 | Introduction to Biological Psychology | 3 |
5C: Laboratory Science - One Course (1 unit minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AG V04 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3 |
| AG V06 | Introduction to Plant Science (with Laboratory) | 3 |
| AG V66 | Anatomy and Physiology of Animals | 4 |
| ANPH V01 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| ANTH V01L | Biological Anthropology Laboratory | 1 |
| AST V01L | Elementary Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL V01L | Principles of Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL V03 | Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOL V04 | Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| BIOL V14 | Field Biology: A Natural History of California | 4 |
| BIOL V29L | Marine Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM V101 | Elementary Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM V102 | Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | 5 |
| CHEM V104 | Foundations of General, Organic, and Biochemistry | 5 |
| CHEM V120A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM V120B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM V160A | General Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM V160B | General Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| GEOG V01L | Elements of Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL V02L | Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL V03L | Historical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL V09 | Earth Science with Laboratory | 4 |
| MICR V01 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| PHSC V01 | Concepts in Physical Science | 4 |
| PHSO V01 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| PHYS V01 | Elementary Physics | 5 |
| PHYS V02AL | General Physics I Laboratory: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based | 1 |
| PHYS V02BL | General Physics II Laboratory: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based | 1 |
| PHYS V03AL | General Physics I Laboratory: Calculus-Based | 1 |
| PHYS V03BL | General Physics II Laboratory: Calculus-Based | 1 |
| PHYS V04L | Mechanics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers | 1 |
| PHYS V05L | Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers | 1 |
| PHYS V06L | Optics, Heat, and Modern Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers | 1 |
Area 6: Ethnic Studies
Complete one course (3 units)
Ethnic Studies - One Course (3 units minimum)
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHST V01 | Introduction to Chicano Studies | 3 |
| CHST V02 | Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies Issues | 3 |
| CHST V03 | Chicana Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ETHS V01 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ETHS V02 | History of Racism in the United States | 3 |
| ETHS V14 | Introduction to Black Studies | 3 |
Cal-GETC Rules by Campus
Each UC campus, program, and major has different rules and requirements for governing Cal-GETC. Check with a counselor, the college website, the assist.org website and/or Campus guidance | UC Admissions (universityofcalifornia.edu) to obtain the most up-to-date information.
If you have completed substantial coursework from institutions outside the United States, consult a counselor to determine whether you should complete Cal-GETC or the lower-division breadth/general education requirements at the campus you plan to attend. In addition, some transfer students in some colleges or majors must follow a more prescribed lower-division curriculum than Cal-GETC allows.
UC Berkeley
- College of Chemistry: Completion of Cal-GETC is not required. However, when completed by the end of the spring term before transferring to UC Berkeley, Cal-GETC is accepted in satisfaction of the English Reading and Composition Requirement and the Foreign Language Requirement. Cal-GETC does not necessarily satisfy the entire breadth requirement.
- College of Engineering: Cal-GETC offered at California community colleges is not accepted as completion of breadth.
- College of Environmental Design (CED): Completion of the Cal-GETC will satisfy the college’s breadth requirements.
- College of Letters and Science: Either Cal-GETC or the college's requirements (reading and composition, quantitative reasoning, and language other than English) are acceptable. Completion of Cal-GETC will satisfy the college’s entire breadth requirements.
- Rausser College of Natural Resources: Cal-GETC does not fully satisfy lower-division requirements for Rausser majors. For some majors, Cal-GETC does satisfy certain breadth requirements. The focus should be on fulfilling specific major's lower-division requirements.
- Haas School of Business: Cal-GETC is not accepted.
UC Davis
- All undergraduate colleges accept Cal-GETC. However, Bachelor of Science degrees and selective majors, Cal-GETC is not recommended; students should focus instead on completing major preparation and taking UC Davis general education pattern courses as time permits.
UC Irvine
- All schools accept Cal-GETC.
UC Los Angeles
- All Schools accept Cal-GETC. However, completion of Cal-GETC is NOT required/encouraged for students applying to the School of Engineering; engineering students instead encouraged to focus on lower-division major preparation prior to transfer.
- School of Nursing and the School of Theater, Film and Television: Cal-GETC is required.
UC Merced
- School of Engineering: Cal-GETC is strongly discouraged but accepted; students are encouraged to focus on lower-division major preparation prior to transfer.
- School of Natural Sciences: Cal-GETC is not recommended but is accepted; students are encouraged to focus on lower-division major preparation prior to transfer.
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts: Cal-GETC is recommended and students are encouraged to complete as much lower-division major preparation as possible prior to transfer.
UC Riverside
- College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Education, and the School of Public Policy: Cal-GETC is recommended.
- College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Cal-GETC is not accepted.
- The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering: Cal-GETC is acceptable; some additional coursework may be required after enrollment.
UC San Diego
- John Muir, Earl Warren, Eleanor Roosevelt, Thurgood Marshall, and Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Colleges: Cal-GETC clears all lower-division GE requirements; some upper-division courses are required after enrollment.
- Revelle College: Cal-GETC does not clear all lower-division GE requirements; students with Cal-GETC are required to complete 3 courses in mathematics and 4 courses in natural science before transfer or while enrolled at UC San Diego.
UC Santa Barbara
- College of Creative Studies and College of Letters and Science: Cal-GETC is acceptable.
- College of Engineering: Students are encouraged to focus on major preparation rather than general education, but may use Cal-GETC to substitute for general education requirements.
Please note: Students planning to transfer to UCSB into a major in biological or physical sciences, economics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or psychology must be careful to complete lower-division major preparation courses to ensure competitiveness and make normal, timely progress through the major.
UC Santa Cruz
For majors in engineering and physical and biological sciences – Cal-GETC is not recommended. Students should ensure completion of lower-division courses for their intended major, as indicated in the UCSC Catalog and on assist.org.