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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 External link opens in new window or tab. 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 External link opens in new window or tab. 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, including algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra.

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 with lab required, chosen from biology, chemistry, and physics.

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.

Three years recommended.

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
(7 in the last two years of high school)

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 External link opens in new window or tab. for approved courses at your high school.

Questions:   High School Innovations and Initiatives Office | HSIIO@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0893
Last Reviewed: Monday, October 30, 2023