Courses Required for California Public University
Courses required for California State University and University of California admission.The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) systems have established a uniform minimum set of courses required for admission as a freshman. The UC
maintains public “A–G” course lists
that provide complete information about the high school courses approved for admission to the university. In addition to the required courses, California public universities have other requirements
for admission as a freshman.
| High School Subject Area | UC Requirements for Freshman Admissions | CSU Requirements for Freshman Admissions |
|---|---|---|
|
English |
Four years of approved courses |
Four years of approved courses |
|
Mathematics |
Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry; a fourth year of math is strongly recommended. A geometry course or an integrated math course with a sufficient amount of geometry content must be completed. Four years recommended. |
Three years, including algebra, intermediate algebra, and geometry. |
| Social Studies/Science | Two years of history/social science, including one year of U.S. history or one-half year of United States (U.S.) history and one-half year of civics or American government; and one year of world history, cultures, and geography. | Two years, including one year of U.S. history or U.S. history and government and one year of other approved social science. |
| Science | Two years of college-preparatory science, in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet
one year of the requirement. Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional science. Three years recommended. |
Two years, including one year of biological and one year of physical science with lab. |
| World Language | Two years in same language required. |
Two years in same language required. |
| Visual and Performing Arts | One year of visual and performing arts chosen from the following: dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art. | One year of visual and performing arts chosen from the following: dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art. |
| Electives | One year* | One year* |
|
Total |
15 college preparatory courses (A-G courses) with a grade of “C” or better |
15 |
* Must be chosen from approved academic courses in history/social science, English, advanced mathematics, lab science, foreign language, social science, or
visual and performing arts. See UC's public “A–G” course lists
for approved courses at your high school.