Do CSU’s require completion of a College Preparatory Program?
Below are the minimum CSU course requirements. For the more competitive CSU’s, you want to take courses above the minimum:
The CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses for admission as a first-time freshman. Each unit is equal to a year of study in a subject area. A grade of C or better is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement.
Area Subject
a. History and Social Science (including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of civics or American government AND 1 year of social science) - 2 years
b. English (4 years of college preparatory English composition and literature)- 4 years
c. Math (4 years recommended) including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or higher mathematics- 3 years
d. Laboratory Science (including 1 biological science and 1 physical science)- 2 years
e. Language Other than English (2 years of the same language; American Sign Language is applicable - See below about a possible waiver of this requirement)- 2 years
f. Visual and Performing Arts (dance, drama or theater, music, or visual art)- 1 year
g. College Preparatory Elective (additional year chosen from the University of California “a-g” list) - 1 year
Total Required Courses 15
There are career and technical education (CTE) courses that can be used to meet any of the subject area requirements listed above. Please refer to https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/all for the entire listing of approved courses.
If you attend a California HS, your HS courses should fulfill these requirements and most likely parallel your HS graduation requirements.