General Education Requirements: Cal-GETC

California General Education Transfer Curriculum

Cal-GETC

The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) 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).

AREA 1 - English Communication

Select three courses: one course from English Composition, one course from Critical Thinking and Composition, and one course from Oral Communication. 9 semester or 12 quarter units.

Course Title Credits
1A. English Composition: Select one course, 3 semester/ 4 quarter units
English
ENGL-C1000Academic Reading and Writing3
ENGL-C1000HAcademic Reading and Writing - Honors3
1B. Critical Thinking- English Composition: Select one course, 3 semester/ 4 quarter units
English
ENGL-C1001Critical Thinking and Writing3
ENGL-C1001HCritical Thinking and Writing - Honors3
Philosophy
PHIL-112Critical Thinking and Composition3
1C. Oral Communication: Select one course, 3 semester/ 4 quarter units
Communication
COMM-C1000Introduction to Public Speaking3
COMM-C1000HIntroduction to Public Speaking - Honors3

AREA 2 - Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

Select one course: 3 semester or 4 quarter units.

Course Title Credits
Computer Science
CSIS-213Discrete Structures3
Mathematics
MATH-105College Algebra4
MATH-105HHonors College Algebra4
MATH-110Pre-Calculus4
MATH-115Ideas of Mathematics3
MATH-135Calculus for Social Science and Business3
MATH-211Analytic Geometry and Calculus I4
MATH-211HHonors Analytic Geometry and Calculus I4
MATH-212Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH-212HHonors Analytic Geometry and Calculus II4
MATH-213Analytic Geometry and Calculus III5
MATH-213HHonors Analytic Geometry and Calculus III5
MATH-215Differential Equations4
MATH-215HHonors Differential Equations4
MATH-218Linear Algebra3
Psychology/Sociology
PSYC-121Statistics for Behavioral Sciences3
Statistics
STAT-C1000Introduction to Statistics3
STAT-C1000HIntroduction to Statistics - Honors3

AREA 3 - Arts and Humanities

Select two courses: one course from the Arts and one course from Humanities. 6 semester or 8 quarter units.

Course Title Credits
3A. Arts
Art
ART-100Art Appreciation3
ART-101Art History: Prehistoric Through Medieval Art3
ART-101HHonors Art History: Prehistoric Through Medieval Art3
ART-102Art History: Renaissance to 21st Century (formerly Art History: Renaissance to 20th Century Art)3
ART-102HHonors Art History: Renaissance to 21st Century (formerly Art History: Renaissance to 20th Century Art)3
ART-103Introduction to Modernism3
ART-103HHonors Introduction to Modernism3
ART-104World Art3
ART-104HHonors World Art3
Dance
DAN-100/HIST-151History and Appreciation of Dance3
DAN-125Choreography I3
DAN-133History of Popular Dance in the United States3
DAN-225Choreography II3
History
HIST-151/DAN-100History and Appreciation of Dance3
HIST-165/THA-155Musical Theater History3
Music
MUS-100Introduction and Appreciation of Music3
MUS-100HHonors Introduction and Appreciation of Music3
MUS-106History of Rock & Roll3
MUS-107Introduction and Appreciation of American Music3
MUS-107HHonors Introduction and Appreciation of American Music3
MUS-108History of Jazz and Blues3
MUS-108HHonors History of Jazz and Blues3
MUS-109World Music3
Theater Arts
THA-101Introduction to Theater3
THA-101HHonors Introduction to Theater3
THA-137Introduction to World Cinema3
THA-137HHonors Introduction to World Cinema3
THA-155/HIST-165Musical Theater History3
3B. Humanities
American Sign Language
ASL-101American Sign Language II4
ASL-110Deaf Culture and Community3
ASL-201American Sign Language III (formerly ASL-103)4
ASL-202American Sign Language IV (formerly ASL-104)4
Anthropology
ANTH-145Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology (formerly Introduction to Language and Linguistics)3
ANTH-145HHonors Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology (formerly Introduction to Language and Linguistics)3
Dance
DAN-100/HIST-151History and Appreciation of Dance3
Education
ED-132Adolescent Literature3
ED-132HHonors Adolescent Literature3
Ethnic Studies
ETHS/LIT-240American Indian Literature3
ETHS/LIT-240HHonors American Indian Literature3
ETHS/LIT-275Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
ETHS/LIT-275HHonors Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
ETHS/LIT-280Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280)3
ETHS/LIT-280HHonors Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280H)3
French
FREN-102Elementary French II4
FREN-201Intermediate French I4
History
HIST-101Western Civilization to 1650 (formerly Western Civilization I: to 1500)3
HIST-101HHonors Western Civilization to 1650 (formerly Western Civilization I: to 1500)3
HIST-102Western Civilization Since 16503
HIST-102HHonors Western Civilization Since 16503
HIST-103World History to 15003
HIST-103HHonors World History to 15003
HIST-104World History Since 15003
HIST-104HHonors World History Since 15003
HIST-106The World Since 19003
HIST-106HHonors The World Since 19003
HIST-107The History of East Asia Before 16003
HIST-107HHonors the History of East Asia Before 16003
HIST-108The History of East Asia Since 16003
HIST-108HHonors the History of East Asia Since 16003
HIST-111HHonors U.S. History to 18773
HIST-112HHonors U.S. History Since 18653
HIST-117History of India3
HIST-117HHonors History of India3
HIST-118History of World Religions (formerly HUM-104 World Religions)3
HIST/THA-136Cultural History of American Motion Pictures3
HIST-140History of Mexico3
HIST-151/DAN-100History and Appreciation of Dance3
HIST-154/THA-102Theater History3
Literature
LIT-106Introduction to Literature (formerly ENGL-106)3
LIT-106HHonors Introduction to Literature (formerly ENGL-106H)3
LIT-131Children's Literature3
LIT-131HHonors Children's Literature3
LIT/ED-132Adolescent Literature3
LIT/ED-132HHonors Adolescent Literature3
LIT-205World Mythology and Folklore3
LIT-205HHonors World Mythology and Folklore3
LIT-207American Literature: Pre-Colonial to 18653
LIT-207HHonors American Literature: Pre-Colonial to 18653
LIT-208American Literature: 1865 to Present3
LIT-208HHonors American Literature: 1865 to Present3
LIT-225Film and Literature (formerly ENGL-225)3
LIT-225HHonors Film and Literature (formerly ENGL-225H)3
LIT-230English Literature to 17753
LIT-230HHonors English Literature to 17753
LIT-231English Literature: 1775 to Present (formerly ENGL-231)3
LIT-231HHonors English Literature: 1775 to Present (formerly ENGL-231H)3
LIT/ETHS-240American Indian Literature (formerly ENGL-240)3
LIT/ETHS-240HHonors American Indian Literature (formerly ENGL-240H)3
LIT-255Gender and Sexuality in Literature3
LIT-255HHonors Gender and Sexuality in Literature3
LIT-260Introduction to African American Literature (formerly ENGL-260)3
LIT-260HHonors Introduction to African American Literature (formerly ENGL-260H)3
LIT/ETHS-275Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
LIT/ETHS-275HHonors Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
LIT/ETHS-280Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280)3
LIT-280H/280HHonors Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280H)3
Philosophy
PHIL-101Introduction to Philosophy I3
PHIL-101HHonors Introduction to Philosophy I3
PHIL-105Introduction to Ethics3
PHIL-109Ancient and Medieval Philosophy3
PHIL-110Modern and Contemporary Philosophy (formerly Renaissance and Modern Philosophy)3
Spanish
SPAN-102Elementary Spanish II4
SPAN-141Spanish through Film (formerly SPAN-240)3
SPAN-201Intermediate Spanish I4
SPAN-202Intermediate Spanish II4
SPAN-203Spanish for Native Speakers I4
SPAN-204Spanish for Native Speakers II4
SPAN-251Intermediate Spanish Conversation I3
SPAN-252Intermediate Spanish Conversation II3
Theater Arts
THA-102/HIST-154Theater History3
THA-135Introduction to Film3
THA/HIST-136Cultural History of American Motion Pictures3

AREA 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Select two courses from two disciplines. 6 semester or 8 quarter units.

Course Title Credits
Administration of Justice
AJ-102Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Anthropology
ANTH-102Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH-102HHonors Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH-104World Prehistory3
ANTH-104HHonors World Prehistory3
ANTH-105North American Indians (formerly ANTH-103A)3
ANTH-107Indigenous People of Latin America (formerly ANTH-103D Latin American Cultures)3
ANTH-115Introduction to Archaeology3
ANTH-115HHonors Introduction to Archaeology3
ANTH/HIST-121Indigenous Peoples of California3
ANTH-125Magic, Witchcraft and Religion3
ANTH-125HHonors Magic, Witchcraft and Religion3
Biology
BIOL/HIST-128History of Science3
BIOL/HIST-128HHonors History of Science3
Child Development & Education
CDE-110Child Development3
CDE-110HHonors Child Development3
Communication
COMM-108Intercultural Communication3
COMM-108HHonors Intercultural Communication3
COMM-516Gender and Communication (formerly COMM-116)3
Economics
ECON-201Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON-201HHonors Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON-202Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON-202HHonors Principles of Microeconomics3
Ethnic Studies
ETHS/PS-103Ethnic Politics in America3
ETHS/PS-103HHonors Ethnic Politics in America3
ETHS-112Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies3
ETHS/SJS-113Introduction to Black Studies3
ETHS/SJS-113HHonors Introduction to Black Studies3
ETHS/HIST-160Black History in the American Context3
ETHS/HIST-160HHonors Black History in the American Context3
Geography
GEOG-102Cultural Geography3
GEOG-107Urban Geography3
GEOG-108World Regional Geography3
GEOG-111Geography of California3
History
HIST-101Western Civilization to 1650 (formerly Western Civilization I: to 1500)3
HIST-101HHonors Western Civilization to 1650 (formerly Western Civilization I: to 1500)3
HIST-102Western Civilization Since 16503
HIST-102HHonors Western Civilization Since 16503
HIST-103World History to 15003
HIST-103HHonors World History to 15003
HIST-104World History Since 15003
HIST-104HHonors World History Since 15003
HIST-106The World Since 19003
HIST-106HHonors The World Since 19003
HIST-107The History of East Asia Before 16003
HIST-107HHonors the History of East Asia Before 16003
HIST-108The History of East Asia Since 16003
HIST-108HHonors the History of East Asia Since 16003
HIST-111U.S. History to 18773
HIST-111HHonors U.S. History to 18773
HIST-112U.S. History Since 18653
HIST-112HHonors U.S. History Since 18653
HIST-115Women in United States History3
HIST-115HHonors Women in United States History3
HIST-117History of India3
HIST-117HHonors History of India3
HIST-120California History3
HIST-120HHonors California History3
HIST/ANTH-121Indigenous Peoples of California3
HIST-124Recent America: The U.S. Since 19453
HIST-124HHonors Recent America: The U.S. Since 19453
HIST-125Military History of the United States3
HIST/BIOL-128History of Science3
HIST/BIOL-128HHonors History of Science3
HIST/THA-136Cultural History of American Motion Pictures3
HIST-140History of Mexico3
HIST-140HHonors History of Mexico3
HIST-141History of Latin America to 18203
HIST-142History of Latin America Since 18203
HIST/ETHS-160Black History in the American Context3
HIST/ETHS-160HHonors Black History in the American Context3
Physical Education
PE-126Sport Psychology3
Political Science
POLS-C1000American Government and Politics3
POLS-C1000HAmerican Government and Politics - Honors3
PS-102Comparative Politics and Government3
PS-102HHonors Comparative Politics and Government3
PS/ETHS-103Ethnic Politics in America3
PS/ETHS-103HHonors Ethnic Politics in America3
PS-105Introduction to Political Theory3
PS-105HHonors Introduction to Political Theory3
PS-106Introduction to International Relations3
PS-106HHonors Introduction to International Relations3
PS-120California Government3
PS-120HHonors California Government3
Psycology
PSYC-C1000Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC-C1000HIntroduction to Psychology - Honors3
PSYC-102Personal Growth3
PSYC-103Human Development3
PSYC-103HHonors Human Development3
PSYC-104Psychology of Gender3
PSYC-104HHonors Psychology of Gender3
PSYC/SOCI-105Social Psychology3
PSYC/SOCI-105HHonors Social Psychology3
PSYC-107Psychobiology3
PSYC-107HHonors Psychobiology3
PSYC-108Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC-108HHonors Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC/SOCI-112Gender and Social Interaction3
PSYC-124Social Research Methodology With Lab4
PSYC-124HHonors Social Research Methodology With Lab4
Social Justice Studies
SJS-101Introduction to Social Justice Studies3
SJS-101HHonors Introduction to Social Justice Studies3
SJS/ETHS-113Introduction to Black Studies3
SJS/ETHS-113HHonors Introduction to Black Studies3
SJS-130Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies3
Sociology
SOCI-101Principles of Sociology3
SOCI-101HHonors Principles of Sociology3
SOCI-102Contemporary Social Problems3
SOCI-103Marriage and the Family3
SOCI/PSYC-105Social Psychology3
SOCI/PSYC-105HHonors Social Psychology3
SOCI-106Intercultural Relations3
SOCI-108Human Sexuality3
SOCI-110Media and Society3
SOCI/PSYC-112Gender and Social Interaction3
SOCI-115Contemporary Chicano in Society3
SOCI-125Crime and Society3
Theater Arts
THA/HIST-136Cultural History of American Motion Pictures3

AREA 5 - Physical and Biological Sciences

Select two courses: one course from Physical Science and one course from Biological Science. One of the two courses must contain a laboratory component. 7 semester units or 9 quarter units.

Course Title Credits
5A. Physical Science
Astronomy
ASTR-101Introduction to Astronomy4
ASTR/GEOL-111Planetary Astronomy3
Chemistry
CHEM-100Introduction to Chemistry4
CHEM-101General Chemistry I5
CHEM-101HHonors General Chemistry I5
CHEM-102General Chemistry II5
CHEM-107Chemistry of Life5
CHEM-112Organic Chemistry I5
CHEM-113Organic Chemistry II5
CHEM-113HHonors Organic Chemistry II5
Environmental Studies
ENVS-100Humans and Scientific Inquiry3
ENVS-100HHonors Humans and Scientific Inquiry3
ENVS-101Environmental Science3
ENVS-101HHonors Environmental Science3
Geography
GEOG-101Physical Geography3
GEOG-106Introduction to Weather and Climate3
Geology
GEOL-100Physical Geology4
GEOL-103Environmental Geology3
GEOL-105Historical Geology4
GEOL-106Earth Science4
GEOL-109Geology of National Parks3
GEOL-110Oceanography4
GEOL/ASTR-111Planetary Astronomy3
Physics
PHY-100Physical Science in Modern Society (formerly Conceptual Physics)3
PHY-101Basic Physics: Energy and Motion4
PHY-102Basic Electricity and Modern Physics4
PHY-201Mechanics and Wave Motion4
PHY-202Electricity and Magnetism4
PHY-202HHonors Electricity and Magnetism4
PHY-203Optics and Modern Physics4
5B. Biological Science
Anatomy & Physiology
ANAT-101Human Anatomy & Physiology I4
ANAT-102Human Anatomy & Physiology II4
Anthropology
ANTH-101Biological Anthropology3
ANTH-101HHonors Biological Anthropology3
Biology
BIOL-100Human Biology4
BIOL-100HHonors Human Biology4
BIOL-115Introductory Topics in Biology: Cells to Ecosystems (formerly Topics in Biology)4
BIOL-115HHonors Introductory Topics in Biology: Cells to Ecosystems (formerly Honors Topics in Biology)4
BIOL-117Conservation Biology3
BIOL-125Microbiology4
BIOL-125HHonors Microbiology4
BIOL-130Marine Biology4
BIOL-131Genes and Biotechnology in Society4
BIOL-131HHonors Genes and Biotechnology in Society4
BIOL-134Human Heredity and Evolution3
BIOL-140Ecology4
BIOL-144Plant Biology4
BIOL-144HHonors Plant Biology4
BIOL-146Biodiversity3
BIOL-150General Biology I4
BIOL-150HHonors General Biology I4
BIOL-151General Biology II4
BIOL-151HHonors General Biology II4
5C. Laboratory
Select one lab activity associated with a course in 5A or 5B.
Anthropology
ANTH-111Biological Anthropology Lab1
Environmental Studies
ENVS-102Environmental Science Laboratory1
ENVS-102HHonors Environmental Science Laboratory1
Geography
GEOG-104Physical Geography Lab1

AREA 6 – Ethnic Studies

Select one course: 3 semester units or 4 quarter units. This course must be in Ethnic Studies or in a similar field provided that the course is cross-listed with Ethnic Studies. 

Course Title Credits
Ethnic Studies
ETHS/PS-103Ethnic Politics in America3
ETHS/PS-103HHonors Ethnic Politics in America3
ETHS-112Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies3
ETHS/HIST-160Black History in the American Context3
ETHS/HIST-160HHonors Black History in the American Context3
ETHS/LIT-240American Indian Literature3
ETHS/LIT-240HHonors American Indian Literature3
ETHS/LIT-275Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
ETHS/LIT-275HHonors Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
ETHS/LIT-280Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280)3
ETHS/LIT-280HHonors Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280H)3
History
HIST/ETHS-160Black History in the American Context3
HIST/ETHS-160HHonors Black History in the American Context3
Literature
LIT/ETHS-240American Indian Literature (formerly ENGL-240)3
LIT/ETHS-240HHonors American Indian Literature (formerly ENGL-240H)3
LIT/ETHS-275Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
LIT/ETHS-275HHonors Latinx/Chicanx Literature3
LIT/ETHS-280Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280)3
LIT/ETHS-280HHonors Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280H)3
Political Science
PS/ETHS-103Ethnic Politics in America3
PS-103H/ETHS-103Honors Ethnic Politics in America3

CSU American Institutions 

The CSU U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals (AI) graduation requirement is not part of Cal-GETC. Courses used to satisfy this requirement may also be listed and applied to Cal-GETC Subject Areas (Area 4). CCCs can certify completion of this requirement.  

 

UC Languages Other Than English (LOTE) 

The LOTE requirement is included as optional on Cal-GETC certification forms but is not part of Cal-GETC and not required for full Cal-GETC certification or UC transfer eligibility. UC’s LOTE requirement is a graduation requirement for many UC degrees. The equivalent of 2 years of high school language instruction will satisfy the LOTE requirement.   

 

Cal-GETC Certification vs. Admission Requirements 

MSJC Counselors can help students choose the most efficient way to complete their general education requirements. Students should remember that any kind of general education certification before transfer is separate from – and does not guarantee – admission: certification recognizes completed coursework, not eligibility to enroll at an institution. 

For CSU, see the CSU Admission Handbook 

 

Certification via Completion of an Approved Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) 

For CSU: CCC students are considered fully certified for lower-division general education if they successfully completed Cal-GETC requirements and are awarded an ADT. 

For UC: completing Cal-GETC may satisfy the seven-course pattern requirement and earning an ADT may be considered by some campuses in the comprehensive review process. The UC Admissions website provides additional information for transfer students. 

STEM Majors 

Completion of the Cal-GETC may not be appropriate for some engineering, math, or science students or for students completing majors that have a high number of lower-division unit requirements (especially those without a similar ADT). STEM students may be 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). Students completing the 7-course pattern would not be Cal-GETC certified prior to transfer (Cal-GETC Standards)