Graduation Requirements

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1. Total Units

• 120-124 (BA)
• 120-128 (BS)
• 132 (BS Engr or BFA)

Trying to graduate in four years?

• BA/BS = 15-16 units each semester
• Engr/BFA = 16-17 units per semester.

Ask Yourself: How many units is a realistic load?
Generally, (units) x (3) + (number hours working, etc.) should total no more than 60 hours.

2. Upper Division Units

• 40 units

Which courses are upper division?
Upper division courses are ≥ 300.
Tip: Courses numbered ≥300 are more advanced. Freshmen should focus on courses numbered 100-200.

3. Residence Requirement

30 units must be completed at CSU,Chico:

• 24 upper division units
• 12 major units
• 9 units of general education

Keep in mind: Non-transfer students attending CSU, Chico will automatically complete the Residence Requirement within their program. However, transfer students need to be aware of this requirement.
Tip: Transfer students can complete their 9 GE units at CSU, Chico by taking their Upper Division Breadth Pathway courses.

4. General Education Pathway Program

48 units

The General Education Pathway Program offers students an integrated learning experience across the University's academic disciplines, and the opportunity to earn an interdisciplinary minor in one of ten subjects. To learn more, visit the CSU, Chico General Education Website.

• Four components of General Education:
• Foundation = 18 units (A1: Oral Communication, A2: Written Communication, A3: Critical Thinking, A4: Quantitative Reasoning, B1: Physical Sciences, B2: Life Sciences)
• American Institutions = 6 units (U.S. History, U.S. Constitution & California State and Local Government)
• Lower Division Breadth Pathway = 15 units (C1: Arts, C2: Humanities, D1: Individual & Society, D2: Societal Institutions, E: Learning for Life)
• Upper Division Breadth Pathway = 9 units (an upper-division requirement taken junior/senior years)
• Students will also have opportunities in GE to take several Writing Intensive (WI) courses and a Capstone (C) course.

Tip: Freshmen should complete the Area A courses within their first three semesters. Transfers from community colleges may have completed most, if not all, of the lower division general education requirement. They will need to complete the Upper Division Breadth Pathway at CSU, Chico.

5. Diversity Requirement

6 units:

• US Diversity (USD) = 1 class (study of an ethnic subculture within the United States)
• Global Cultures (GC) = 1 class (study of a culture outside of Western Heritage)

Tip: Students can complete both diversity courses within general education.

6. American Institutions Requirement

• (6 units taken within general education)

Tip: Freshmen may want to include one, but not both of these courses in their first semester. Transfer students from a California community college may have taken classes for this requirement that also count for general education.

7. Skills Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for the following GE requirements (Core):

• A1: Oral Communication = 1 class
• A2: Written Communication* = 1 class
• A3: Critical Thinking = 1 class
• A4: Quantitative Reasoning* = 1 class

*If not exempt, your required Entry Level Math Exam (ELM) and English Placement Test (EPT) scores, will determine your student's placement in A2 and A4 courses.

8. Major

Most students change their major at least once during their first year in college - that can be a sign that they are actively exploring their intellectual interests.

Tip: Declaring a major is an important decision your student will need to make. There are many ways that students can explore majors. Advisors in the office of Academic Advising Programs are available for major exploration assistance.

9. Grade Point Average (GPA)

You must attain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average, which includes both transfer and CSU, Chico work, at least a 2.0 in courses required for the major, and at least 2.0 in all work taken at CSU, Chico. See major department for additional GPA requirements

Tip: Attending college is a big transition for most students; 16-18 percent of new students earn a GPA less than 2.0 in their first semester in college. Academic probation is not something to be taken lightly, and is a signal that it's time to meet with an Advisor!