California State University
Transferring to a CSU
For students interested in applying to a California State University (CSU), it is important to understand how the transfer process works. Students transferring from a California Community College are generally expected to complete their freshman and sophomore (lower-division) coursework before transferring.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor and use tools like to ensure the correct courses are completed for their major and desired CSU campus.
To be eligible to transfer into a California State University (CSU) as an upper-division transfer student, applicants must complete the following minimum requirements:
- 60 CSU-transferable semester units (90 quarter units)
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in CSU-transferable coursework
(Note: Some CSU campuses and majors may require a higher GPA.)
These must include:
- 39 units of General Education (GE) completed through one of the following approved patterns:
- California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
- The CSU 鈥淕olden Four鈥� courses, each with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or better:
- Oral Communication (Speech/Communication Studies)
-
Written Communication (English Composition)
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
To be eligible to transfer into a California State University (CSU) as a lower-division transfer student, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- 59 or fewer CSU-transferable semester units
- High school diploma or General Educational Development, or GED, certificate
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in CSU-transferable coursework
(Note: Some CSU campuses and majors may require a higher GPA.) - Completion of required high school coursework (A鈥揋 requirements)
Students must complete:
- The following courses, each with a grade of 鈥淐鈥� or better:
-
- English composition (written communication. (CAL-GETC Area 1A; CSU Area A2)
- Mathematics / Quantitative Reasoning (CAL-GETC Area 2; CSU Area B4)
GPA Requirement: A minimum 2.0 GPA in CSU-transferable coursework (higher for competitive or impacted campuses/majors).
Major Preparation: Some campuses and programs require specific lower-division major preparation courses in addition to the GE pattern.
Deadlines: All minimum transfer requirements must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to fall admission (or the end of summer for spring admission, if available).
Advising: Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with a counselor and use to verify major requirements for their intended CSU campus.
The is a structured transfer program designed to support students who are beginning their college journey and planning to transfer to a participating California State University (CSU).
Eligibility:
- Newly graduated high school students
- Incoming students who have not taken college courses after high school
- Students who completed dual enrollment coursework in high school
- Students who have taken summer courses only
Transfer Agreements:
- TSP agreements are typically available August through October
- Once a student enters a TSP agreement, students are allowed up to three years to finish at the community college, depending on course load and individual circumstances.
- Program requirements and guarantees vary by CSU campus and academic program
Explore Participating CSU and Majors