Academic Planning & Advising

Graduation Requirements

Understanding CSU, Chico’s nine graduation requirements is essential for selecting appropriate courses. Advisors in the Office of Advising and Orientation can help students understand the requirements and monitor their academic progress. Here is a brief explanation of each requirement and a few specific tips about how to pick classes (particularly for a student’s first semester).
Note: See page 122 in the 2007-2009 University Catalog for more details.

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, including:
   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 Theme courses.

4. General Education
   48 units.

   Three components of General Education:
   Core = 4 classes (speech, composition, critical thinking, mathematics)
   Breadth = 9 classes (science, humanities, social sciences, lifelong learning)
   Theme = 3 classes (an upper-division requirement taken junior/senior years)

   Tip: Freshmen should complete the four Core classes during their first two semesters. Transfers from community colleges may have completed the entire Core and Breadth requirement, but will need to complete the Upper-Division Theme at CSU, Chico.

5. Cultural Diversity Requirement
   6 units
   Ethnic Studies (E) = 1 class (study of an American subculture)
   Non-Western Studies (NW) = 1 class (study of a culture outside of Western Heritage)

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

6. American Institutions Requirement
   6 units
   U.S. History (HIST 130, 130H) = 1 class
   U.S. Constitution and State/Local Government (POLS 155, 155H, 355) = 1 class

   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):
   Oral Communication = 1 class
   Written Communication = 1 class
   Critical Thinking = 1 class
   Mathematics = 1 class

   Students must be placed into the appropriate levels of math and English by taking the Entry Level Math Exam (ELM) and English Placement Test (EPT). Students must take (or be exempt from) these exams prior to registration.

   Tip: Tell your students to take these tests seriously because their scores determine if they need remedial classes

8. Major
   Remember that 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 Advising and Orientation can help.

9. Grade Point Average (GPA)
   Minimum 2.0, or a “C” average

   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. Advisors in the Office of Advising and Orientation can help.