General Education Requirements

At CSULB, General Education (GE) courses play a significant role in the undergraduate academic experience, providing students the opportunity to build upon foundational life skills. As outlined by the CSU, all students are required to complete a series of lower- and upper-division GE courses to graduate.
 

Remember to regularly view your Academic Requirements Report (ARR) and meet with your academic advisor to make sure you are fulfilling the appropriate GE course requirements, especially as you approach graduation. 

Explore GE Requirements and Courses Below:

F25 GE Categories

Fall 2025+ GE Courses and Categories
Requirements for Lower-Division and
Upper-Division GE as of Fall 2025.

Prior to F25 GE Categories

Prior to Fall 2025 GE Requirements
GE requirements may vary if you were admitted
to CSULB prior to Fall 2025.

Additional Support with GE Requirements:

  • Only courses approved for GE at the time the student takes the course may count for a GE requirement.
  • A cross-categorized course may be counted (at the student's option) in any one of the approved categories, but not in more than one. 
  • Where articulation agreements exist, lower-division GE requirements may be met by external examinations, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams. See the University Catalog for details.
  • Students are expected to complete all Upper-Division GE requirements at CSULB. 
    • Students may transfer upper-division GE credit from another CSU campus if the credit is approved at the campus offering the course.
    • Students who transfer from institutions that are not part of the CSU system may petition to have one or more such courses accepted toward the requirement.

Students should regularly check their Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MyCSULB Student Center to see their progress toward fulfilling all course requirements necessary to graduate. This report is considered a student’s official degree audit. Should any requirements go unfulfilled, it may impact a student’s opportunity to graduate.

Learn more about the Academic Requirements Report (ARR).

Students are eligible to follow the GE pattern in effect at the time your continuous enrollment began at CSULB, another CSU or California Community College, or at the time of graduation from CSULB. Connect with your academic advisor for next steps.

In addition to the course listings available on this website, students may find courses that meet GE requirements by:

For support in planning your GE course pathway, connect with your academic advisor. 

Tip: On the right-side of your MyCSULB Student Center, find your academic advisor information listed anytime.