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The University of California and California State University G.E. Breadth agreements indicate a series of lower division coursework that a student can complete at GWC to satisfy the lower-division general education requirements at the transfer campus.

What is the CSU General Education Breadth Requirements?

This agreement describes the coursework that students must take to fulfill the lower division G.E. requirements for the CSU campuses. www.goldenwestcollege.edu/transfer-center/overview/

What is IGETC?

It is a program which community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU or UC campus. (Note: On some UC campuses, IGETC is not recommended for some majors.) www.goldenwestcollege.edu/transfer-center/overview/

What is a Major?

It is the principal field of study for a University student. All students are required to designate a major when transferring to the University. This lower division/prerequisite coursework can be completed at the community college prior to transfer.

What is an Articulation agreement?

It is a formal agreement between two campuses. They define how courses taken at one college or university campus can be used to satisfy a subject matter requirement at another college or university campus.

What is General Education Certification?

Certification is an indication of the completion of the entire pattern of general education for the California State University, (CSU GE Breadth), and/ or University of California, (IGETC), campuses. Certification allows students to satisfy their lower division GE requirements by following the approved community college curriculum rather than the university's lower division GE pattern.

Is completion of IGETC/CSU Breadth required for admission to the UC or CSU?

No. Students are not guaranteed admission to any campus on the basis of completing general education coursework. Completion of the lower- division breadth requirements may improve a transfer applicants chances of admission to a competitive campus and/or program.

Can a course be used to satisfy both General Education and Major requirements?

Yes. A single course can meet the requirement for both general education and major requirements. See a Counselor for exceptions.

Can a course be used to satisfy more than one GE Category?

No. While a course may appear in more than one general education category, it can only be used to satisfy the requirement in one area.

Is there a GPA requirement for the IGETC Pattern?

Yes. IGETC coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better. Grades of Pass or Credit will be accepted when a passing grade is equivalent to a C or better. C- and D grades are not acceptable.

What about the CSU Breadth Pattern?

The CSU GE Breadth requirements stipulate that grades of C or better must be achieved in areas A and B4, as well as coursework in 30 of the 39 units of the general education pattern. Grades of Pass or Credit will be accepted when a passing grade is equivalent to a C or better.

Can I use Advanced Placement scores for IGETC or CSU Breadth?

Yes. Official Advanced Placement scores must be received from College Board for these to be used in either general education pattern. In most instances, scores of 3 or better will be granted course/subject or unit credit. See GWC Catalog for a listing of AP tests, scores, and approved credit.

Which General Education Pattern should I choose?

It depends on If you are planning on applying to both the UC and CSU, then the IGETC is an appropriate pattern as it meets the requirements for both systems. If you are only seeking transfer to the CSU, then you can follow the CSU GE Breadth requirements.

Are there exceptions to who will accept IGETC?

Yes. UC Berkeley's Hass School of Business and UC San Diego's Revelle and Roosevelt Colleges will not accept IGETC. It is also often not advisable to use IGETC for most high-unit majors. Please see a Counselor regarding the general education requirements for these campuses.

Can I use coursework from any college to meet the IGETC or CSU GE Breadth requirements?

Yes. A community college can include courses from regionally accredited colleges and universities to meet IGETC requirements if the coursework is evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to that of the community college course.

Is IGETC Certification or CSU GE-Breadth Certification automatic?

No. A student must request certification. At Golden West College, this request for certification is located on the transcript request form in the Admissions and Records office.

Can any student complete IGETC or CSU Breadth at the Community College?

Not all students can use IGETC or CSU GE Breadth to satisfy their general education requirements. A student who entered a UC or CSU as a freshman is now attending the community college, and plans to return to that same institution may not be eligible for the IGETC or CSU GE Breadth.