General Education
California State University, Chico’s innovative and nationally recognized General Education (GE) program organizes courses into thematic pathways and allows the opportunity to earn an interdisciplinary minor that will enhance the resume of students in any major.
GE courses don’t prepare you for a specific job; they prepare you for any job, by teaching you how to think critically, how to write effectively, how to problem solve, and how to build just societies and restore a sustainable planet.
GE Minors
Students can earn a GE minor by taking six courses from different GE areas that explore a common theme. The GE minors are designed to ensure that students who complete the minor will meet the University’s US Diversity (USD) and Global Cultures (GC) requirements, as well as at least one upper-division Writing (W) course.
- Agriculture, Food, and the Environment GE Minor
- California Studies GE Minor
- Equity, Ethics, and Policy GE Minor
- Gender and Sexuality GE Minor
- Global Studies GE Minor
- Health and Wellness GE Minor
- Innovation, Design, and the Arts GE Minor
- Race, Ethnicity, and Sovereignty GE Minor
- Science, Technology, and Society GE Minor
- Sustainability and Climate Change GE Minor
Honors in GE
To graduate with Honors in General Education, students achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA in General Education courses and complete eight GE areas with Honors (HNRS) courses.
General Education Course Requirements
General Education at California State University, Chico is outlined in Executive Memorandum 21-023.
Students who are admitted and enroll (matriculate) as first-time freshman beginning in fall 2022 or thereafter, either at Chico State or at any other institution of higher education, follow the current GE program described below.
Students who are admitted and enroll (matriculate) as first-time freshman before fall 2022, either at Chico State or at any other institution of higher education, follow the GE program described under Pre-F22 GE Requirements.
Please refer to your Degree Progress Report, which is accessible through your Student Center in the Portal to see your specific GE requirements.
Students must complete 48 units selected from designated General Education categories and courses. If you are enrolled in or are considering one of our high-unit majors, such as engineering, computer science, or liberal studies, carefully review the GE changes outlined under Majors with Modifications.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
- Take a minimum of 39 units from Lower-Division courses
- Three units each with a grade of C- or higher (12 total units):
- Three units each (27 total units):
- Physical Science (B1)
- Life Science (B2)
- a laboratory (B3) component is embedded in most listed B1 and B2 courses
- Arts (C1)
- Humanities (C2)
- Arts and Humanities (C) - American Institution: U.S. History (US-1)
- Social Sciences (D) - American Institution: U.S. Constitution, California State, and Local Government (US-2 and US-3)
- Social Sciences (D)
- Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E)
- Ethnic Studies (F)
- Take nine units from within a single Upper-Division Pathway:
- Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B)
- Arts and Humanities (UD-C)
- Social Sciences (UD-D)
Important Notes for General Education Planning
- You can view your progress toward completing your GE, as well as all other graduation requirements, in your Degree Progress Report (DPR) via your Portal. If you need assistance accessing or interpreting your DPR, meet with an advisor in Academic Advising Programs, SSC 220. Your DPR serves as your official graduation evaluation; once you have applied for graduation, meet with a graduation advisor in Graduation Advising in the Office of the Registrar, SSC 110 if you have questions about your remaining graduation requirements.
- Enroll in Written Communication (A2) and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) courses during the first academic year, unless the requirement has been completed prior to entering the University.
- 45 semester units including Oral Communication (A1), Written Communication (A2), Critical Thinking (A3), and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements must be completed before the 9 units of upper-division coursework in a Pathway may be taken.
- A minimum of 9 out of the 48 GE units must be taken at Chico State.
- GE courses are periodically reviewed and may be added to or deleted from the list.
- Many courses which meet either the U.S. Diversity or the Global Cultures Studies graduation requirement also meet specific GE Area requirements. These courses are identified both in the following GE program and on the U.S. Diversity and Global Cultures course lists. Other U.S. Diversity and Global Cultures courses not currently approved for GE are also listed.
- Several majors require you to take specific GE courses and/or recommend certain GE courses as elective credit for the major. In a few high-unit majors, modifications in the GE requirements have been made in order to reduce the total number of units required to complete the program. It is very important that you review the description of your major with your advisor. You must determine whether specific GE courses are recommended or required, or if there are modifications which you should consider for your major. See the Majors with Modifications page for a summary of majors and courses.
- Passing scores on some Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams can fulfill GE requirements. See Credit By External Exam and a graduation advisor in Graduation Advising, SSC 110, or an advisor in Academic Advising Programs, SSC 220, for specifics.
Transfer Students
- No more than 39 semester units (or quarter equivalent) of GE credit may be certified by other institutions to apply toward GE requirements at Chico State.
- If you are a transfer student from a California Community College who has full GE certification, you will not be held to additional lower-division GE requirements. However, you must complete Chico State U.S. Diversity and Global Cultures requirements, if these courses were not taken prior to transfer. If the U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement was not completed prior to transfer, this requirement must be completed at Chico State. All students transferring with full GE certification must complete the nine units of upper-division coursework in an upper-division pathway at Chico State.
- If, by virtue of transferring or readmission after an extended absence, you are required to switch from an earlier GE pattern, Chico State will grant as much GE credit as possible for courses previously taken.
- If you transfer to another CSU campus, Chico State will certify a maximum of 39 GE units. The remaining nine units must be completed at the campus awarding your degree.
Which Requirements Do You Follow?
Students who are admitted and enroll (matriculate) as first-time freshman beginning in fall 2022 or thereafter, either at California State University, Chico or at any other institution of higher education, follow the current GE program described below.
Students who are admitted and enroll (matriculate) as first-time freshman before fall 2022, either at Chico State or at any other institution of higher education, follow the GE program described under Pre-F22 GE Requirements.
Please refer to your Degree Progress Report, which is accessible through your Student Center in the Portal to see your specific GE requirements.
- Oral Communication (A1)
- Written Communication (A2)
- Critical Thinking (A3)
- Physical Science (B1)
- Life Science (B2)
- Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4)
- Arts (C1)
- Humanities (C2)
- American Institution: US History (C)
- American Institution: US Constitution, California State, and Local Government (D)
- Social Sciences (D)
- Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E)
- Ethnic Studies (F)
- Upper-Division Pathways
- Agriculture, Food, and Environment Pathway
- California Studies Pathway
- Equity, Ethics, and Policy Pathway
- Gender and Sexuality Pathway
- Global Studies Pathway
- Health and Wellness Pathway
- Innovation, Design, and the Arts Pathway
- Race, Ethnicity, and Sovereignty Pathway
- Science, Technology, and Society Pathway
- Sustainability and Climate Change Pathway
Oral Communication (A1)
A grade of C- or higher is required to fulfill this requirement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Speech Communication Fundamentals | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication and Social Change | ||
Written Communication (A2)
A grade of C- or higher is required to fulfill this requirement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Academic Writing - ESL (W) | ||
| Academic Writing (W) | ||
| Academic Writing (W) | ||
| Professional Writing for Public Audiences (W) | ||
Critical Thinking (A3)
A grade of C- or higher is required to fulfill this requirement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Argumentation and Debate | ||
| Inquiry into the Science of Climate Change | ||
| Logic and Critical Thinking | ||
| Logic and Critical Thinking -- ESL | ||
| Applications of Critical Thinking and Decision Making | ||
Physical Science (B1)
A laboratory (B3) component is embedded in most Physical Science (B1) courses.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Chemistry and Current Issues | ||
| Basic Electricity and Instruments | ||
| Smart Electronics | ||
| Our Changing Planet | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
| Earth Systems and Physical Geography | ||
| Physical Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Astronomy: Survey of the Cosmos | ||
| Introduction to Earth System Science | ||
| One of the following advanced courses may be substituted for the requirement above: | ||
| General Chemistry for Applied Sciences | ||
| Organic Chemistry for Applied Sciences | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| Physics for Students of Science and Engineering: Mechanics | ||
Life Science (B2)
A laboratory (B3) component is embedded in each Life Science (B2) course.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Biological Anthropology | ||
| Introduction to Living Systems | ||
| Human Anatomy | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Food, Fiber, and Drugs | ||
| Biological Processes in Environmental Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Plant Science | ||
| Introduction to Living Systems | ||
| One of the following advanced courses may be substituted for the requirement above: | ||
| Principles of Ecological, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology | ||
| Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
| Principles of Physiology and Development | ||
Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4)
A grade of C- or higher is required to fulfill this requirement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Data Literacy | ||
| Personal Financial Literacy | ||
| Patterns of Mathematical Thought | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Data Analytics for Social Good | ||
| One of the following advanced courses may be substituted for the requirement above: | ||
| Finite Mathematics for Business | ||
| Statistics of Business and Economics | ||
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Concepts and Structures of Mathematics | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Precalculus Mathematics | ||
| Analytic Geometry and Calculus | ||
Arts (C1)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation: Multicultural Perspectives | ||
| Art History Survey: Prehistory to Medieval | ||
| Art History Survey: Renaissance to 1800 | ||
| Art History Survey: 1800 to the Present | ||
| Survey of Arts of the Americas, Oceania, and Africa | ||
| Computer-Assisted Art I | ||
| Chicana/o Arts and Ideas | ||
| Architectural History (W) | ||
| Global Adaptations of Shakespeare in Film | ||
| Introduction to Comics and Graphic Novels | ||
| Visualizing Local Landscapes | ||
| Arts | ||
| Ancient and Medieval Art and Literature | ||
| Arts and Ideas: Renaissance to the Present | ||
| Arts and Ideas: Renaissance to the Present (W) | ||
| Chicana/o Arts and Ideas | ||
| Food and Film | ||
| Food and Film (W) | ||
| Introduction to Dance | ||
| Chicana/o Arts and Ideas | ||
| Social Media Photography | ||
| Social Media Storytelling | ||
| World Music | ||
| American Music: Its History and International Influence | ||
| The Appreciation of Music | ||
| History of Rock Music | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Arts | ||
| Introduction to Acting | ||
| World Theatre | ||
| History of the American Musical: Oklahoma! to Hamilton | ||
Humanities (C2)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| African American History | ||
| American Indian Histories Past and Present | ||
| American Indian Literature | ||
| Beginning Arabic I | ||
| Beginning Arabic II | ||
| Intermediate Arabic I | ||
| Intermediate Arabic II | ||
| Language and Culture of Deaf Americans | ||
| Gender and Communication | ||
| English as a Foreign Language | ||
| Beginning Creative Writing (W) | ||
| American Indian Literature | ||
| World Literature (W) | ||
| Great Books (W) | ||
| Women Writers (W) | ||
| American Ethnic and Regional Writers (W) | ||
| Beginning French I | ||
| Beginning French II | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| Beginning German I | ||
| Beginning German II | ||
| Intermediate German I | ||
| Intermediate German II | ||
| American Indian Histories Past and Present | ||
| African American History | ||
| Islam and the World | ||
| Humanities (W) | ||
| Asian Film and Literature (W) | ||
| Beginning Italian I | ||
| Beginning Italian II | ||
| Intermediate Italian I | ||
| Intermediate Italian II | ||
| Lifestyles and Livelihoods in the Italian Renaissance | ||
| Lifestyles and Livelihoods in the Italian Renaissance (W) | ||
| Beginning Japanese I | ||
| Beginning Japanese II | ||
| Intermediate Japanese I | ||
| Intermediate Japanese II | ||
| Latin American Film and Culture | ||
| Religion and Ethnic Diversity in America | ||
| Religion and Ethnic Diversity in America (W) | ||
| Islam and the World | ||
| The Stories of Judaism (W) | ||
| Antisemitism and Islamophobia | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| The Good Life | ||
| Ethics of Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Philosophy and Video Games | ||
| Introduction to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam | ||
| Introduction to Spiritual Traditions of Asia | ||
| Introduction to Spirituality and Religion in California | ||
| Islam and the World | ||
| The Stories of Judaism (W) | ||
| Antisemitism and Islamophobia | ||
| Religion and Ethnic Diversity in America | ||
| Religion and Ethnic Diversity in America (W) | ||
| Religion, Ethics, and Ecology (W) | ||
| Women and Religion | ||
| Women and Religion (W) | ||
| Beginning Spanish I | ||
| Beginning Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish for Business | ||
| Intermediate Spanish for Healthcare | ||
| Intermediate Spanish II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers | ||
| Science Fiction | ||
| Women and Religion | ||
| Women and Religion (W) | ||
American Institution: US History (C)
At Chico State, the US History requirement (US-1) fulfills three units of Area C.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 130 | United States History | 3 |
American Institution: US Constitution, California State, and Local Government (D)
At Chico State, the US Constitution requirement (US-2) and California State, and Local Government requirement (US-3) fulfills three units of Area D.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 155 | American Government: National, State, and Local | 3 |
Social Sciences (D)
Social Sciences (D) courses shall be completed from at least two different disciplines
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics | ||
| Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | ||
| Introduction to Archaeology | ||
| Human Cultural Diversity | ||
| Power, Violence, and Inequality | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion | ||
| Asia Today and Tomorrow | ||
| Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | ||
| Asia Today and Tomorrow | ||
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | ||
| Introduction to Economics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomic Analysis | ||
| Principles of Microeconomic Analysis | ||
| Peoples, Places, and Environments | ||
| California Cultural Landscapes | ||
| American West Decolonized | ||
| World History to 1400 | ||
| World History since 1400 | ||
| Global Environmental History (W) | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| Pop Culture and Media Innovation | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in Media | ||
| Latin America Today | ||
| Law, Politics, and Justice | ||
| Food Justice | ||
| Health at Every Size: A Non-Diet Approach to Wellness | ||
| Health at Every Size: A Non-Diet Approach to Wellness (W) | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Vital Political Problems | ||
| Socio-Cultural Context of Psychological Development | ||
| Developmental Wellness | ||
| Diversity in Public Lands | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Sociology of Popular Culture | ||
| Women in Contemporary Societies | ||
| Food Justice | ||
| Social Welfare Institutions: A Response to Power and Scarcity | ||
| Invention and Innovation | ||
| Introduction to Women's Studies | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in Media | ||
| Women in Contemporary Societies | ||
| Women Internationally | ||
Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Child Development | ||
| Marriage and Family Relationships | ||
| Children in a Changing World | ||
| Intercultural Communication Theories and Practice | ||
| Living With Technology | ||
| Literature for Life | ||
| Environmental Literacy | ||
| Environmental Literacy (W) | ||
| Introduction to International Engagement | ||
| Introduction to International Engagement (W) | ||
| Digital Literacy and Media Technology | ||
| Digital Literacy and Media Technology (W) | ||
| Physical Activity and Wellness: A Way of Life | ||
| World Sports and Games | ||
| Disability and Physical Activity in the Media | ||
| Introduction to Undergraduate Research | ||
| Design Thinking | ||
| Basic Nutrition | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Ethics for College Life and Beyond | ||
| The Meaning of Life | ||
| Principles of Psychology | ||
| Dying, Death, and Afterlife | ||
| Dying, Death, and Afterlife (W) | ||
| Leisure and Life | ||
| Food and Beverage Tourism | ||
| Sociology of Sexuality | ||
| Introduction to University Life | ||
| Self, Identity, and Sustainability (W) | ||
Ethnic Studies (F)
Ethnic Studies (F) courses do not fulfill the US Diversity Graduation Requirement.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Asian Studies (W) | ||
| Introduction to the Asian American Experience | ||
| Introduction to Critical HMoob Studies | ||
| Introduction to Black/African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to American Indian/US Native American Studies | ||
| American Indian Storytelling/Oral Narrative | ||
| Introduction to Asian Studies (W) | ||
| Introduction to Critical HMoob Studies | ||
| Introduction to Latinx | ||
| Mexican American History | ||
| Latino Politics | ||
| Mexican American History | ||
| Honors Ethnic Studies Methodologies | ||
| Learning from Men of Color in Leadership | ||
| Learning from Women of Color in Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Intersectional Ethnic Studies | ||
| Introduction to Intersectional Ethnic Studies (W) | ||
| Honors Ethnic Studies Methodologies | ||
| Latino Politics | ||
Upper-Division Pathways
Students take three upper-division courses, one from each area. At Chico State, students must choose one upper-division pathway for the completion of these requirements. An upper-division pathway connects courses in an intellectually cohesive course of study that explores an issue or subject from multidisciplinary perspectives. Normally, upper-division GE courses are designed to be taken after students have completed 60 units, including lower-division GE courses in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and mathematics/quantitative reasoning.
Agriculture, Food, and Environment Pathway
Agriculture, Food, and the Environment explores the importance of food through agricultural, environmental, economic, and cultural lenses. By critically thinking about the role of foodways in our everyday lives, students engage in scientific inquiry, explore equitable practices in communities, develop skills related to their field, and produce effective writing and multimedia projects.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Agriculture, Food, and the Environment GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Geology of Food and Health | ||
| Global Nutrition | ||
| Food Forever: Comparisons of Sustainable Food Production Systems | ||
| World Food and Fiber Systems | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Rhetoric (W) | ||
| American Environment | ||
or HIST 341W | American Environment (W) | |
| American Indian Environmental Philosophies | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice (W) | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice (W) | ||
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| World Food and Hunger Issues | ||
| Nature, Culture, Environment | ||
| Anthropology of Food | ||
or ANTH 340W | Anthropology of Food (W) | |
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Global Economic Geography (W) | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
California Studies Pathway
California Studies takes part in an honest exploration of the diverse ethnic, religious, linguistic, and environmental composition of California in order to navigate trends in current and future culture and industry.
Some of these courses may be used toward the California Studies GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| California Wild Foraging | ||
| Conservation Ecology | ||
| Natural Disasters | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Modern Mexico | ||
| Modern Mexico (W) | ||
| Bilingualism in North America | ||
| Modern Mexico | ||
| Modern Mexico (W) | ||
| American Indian Environmental Philosophies | ||
| End of the World | ||
or RELS 357W | End of the World (W) | |
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| California Indians (W) | ||
| California Indians (W) | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Socio-Economic Innovation in Far-Northern California (W) | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Temporal Concepts: California Ethnic History | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Equity, Ethics, and Policy Pathway
In Equity, Ethics and Policy, students explore power structures and the ways people can reclaim the power to shape decisions locally, regionally, and nationally. Examine the ethical complexities involved in balancing the needs and desires of humans in community and develop strategies to reimagine a more equitable world.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Equity, Ethics, and Policy GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Human Genetics | ||
| Science and Human Values (W) | ||
| Water Equity and Power | ||
| Physics for Future World Leaders (W) | ||
| Undergraduate Research in College Equity and Success | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Bible, Literature, and Culture | ||
| Literature, Politics, and Activism | ||
| Conservatives and Liberals | ||
or HUMN 300W | Conservatives and Liberals (W) | |
| Moral Issues in Parenting | ||
or PHIL 323W | Moral Issues in Parenting (W) | |
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice (W) | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice | ||
| Confronting the Animal: Theory, Culture, and Practice (W) | ||
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Work, Wealth, and Income Distribution (W) | ||
| Global Economic Geography (W) | ||
| The United States | ||
| Theories, Practices, and Administration of Justice (W) | ||
| Women, Work, and Family | ||
| Great Books and Ideas in the Social Sciences | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Gender and Sexuality Pathway
Be empowered to engage in self-exploration with real-life gender and sexuality issues, in order to develop greater open-mindedness, awareness, empathy and investment in our diverse world. Through a lens of inclusivity and equity, students think critically about the societal, cultural, political, biological and evolutionary systems that shape gender and sexuality.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Gender and Sexuality GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Biology of Sex | ||
| Gender and Sexuality Perspectives on Disease (W) | ||
| Gender and Sexuality Perspectives on Disease (W) | ||
| Women's Health | ||
| Women's Health | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Gender and Sexuality in Modern European History | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in American History | ||
| Performance of Identity | ||
| Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Issues and Identities | ||
or QTST 310W | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Issues and Identities (W) | |
| Performance of Identity | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in Modern European History | ||
| Gender and Sexuality in American History | ||
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Children's Gender and Sexuality Development (W) | ||
| Sexual Minorities Law/Politics (W) | ||
| Sexual Minorities Law/Politics (W) | ||
| Women and Politics (W) | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Women, Work, and Family | ||
| Women and Politics (W) | ||
| Cultural Images of Women | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Global Studies Pathway
Global Studies expands your worldview through increased awareness of the art, science, politics, foodways, religions, and economic systems of the world. Learn to communicate across cultures and appreciate the challenges posed by unequal regional development.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Global Studies GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Global Nutrition | ||
| Physics for Future World Leaders (W) | ||
| Food Forever: Comparisons of Sustainable Food Production Systems | ||
| World Food and Fiber Systems | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Multicultural Literature: Issues and Themes | ||
| Catastrophe, Memory, and Society | ||
| Middle Eastern Empires | ||
| Middle Eastern Empires (W) | ||
| The Modern Middle East | ||
| World Literature in Translation (W) | ||
| Language and Culture in Film | ||
| Middle Eastern Empires | ||
| Middle Eastern Empires (W) | ||
| The Modern Middle East | ||
| Justice and Global Issues | ||
or PHIL 341W | Justice and Global Issues (W) | |
| World Religions and Global Issues | ||
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| World Food and Hunger Issues | ||
| Africa: Continuity and Change (W) | ||
| Africa: Continuity and Change (W) | ||
| The Islamic World | ||
or ANTH 377W | The Islamic World (W) | |
| Geography and World Affairs | ||
| Lands and Peoples of Latin America | ||
| Lands and Peoples of Latin America | ||
| International Health | ||
| Global Perspectives on Ethnicity and Nationalism | ||
| Population and Migration | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Health and Wellness Pathway
Learn how to empower yourself and others to thrive in all aspects of wellness to enjoy a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life. In Health and Wellness, students explore ways to enhance their physical and mental health.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Health and Wellness GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Pandemics, Germs, and Society (W) | ||
| Biology of Childhood | ||
| Health and Lifestyle Diseases | ||
| Gender and Sexuality Perspectives on Disease (W) | ||
| Nutrition and Physical Fitness | ||
| Gender and Sexuality Perspectives on Disease (W) | ||
| Women's Health | ||
| Women's Health | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Literature of the Child (W) | ||
| Catastrophe, Memory, and Society | ||
| Health Ethics | ||
or PHIL 327W | Health Ethics (W) | |
| Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Issues and Identities | ||
or QTST 310W | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Issues and Identities (W) | |
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Risk and Resilience in Development | ||
| Social-Emotional Intelligence: Development and Learning | ||
| Medical Economics | ||
| Drugs in Our Society | ||
| Brain, Mind, and Behavior | ||
| Sociology of Human Stress | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Innovation, Design, and the Arts Pathway
Innovation, Design, and the Arts is hands-on where technology and aesthetics converge. Coursework centers on historical, cultural, technological, and artistic ideas and skills essential to expanding your creative and innovative potential.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Innovation, Design, and the Arts GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Science and Human Values (W) | ||
| Physics of Music | ||
| Scientific Innovations Behind Modern Technology (W) | ||
| Inventing the Future (W) | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Technical Writing (W) | ||
| The Scientific Revolution | ||
| World Literature in Translation (W) | ||
| Language and Culture in Film | ||
| Performance of Identity | ||
| Performance of Identity | ||
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Usability Engineering (W) | ||
| Mobile, Wired, and Tracked: Our Digital Planet | ||
| Technology and Communication | ||
| Great Books and Ideas in the Social Sciences | ||
| Cultural Images of Women | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Race, Ethnicity, and Sovereignty Pathway
Race, Ethnicity, and Sovereignty allows you to identify the conditions that shape the lived experiences of Black, Latinx/e, Asian, Indigenous, Native American, and/or other communities of color with a particular emphasis on but not exclusive to the United States.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Race, Ethnicity, and Sovereignty GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Evolution | ||
or BIOL 302W | Evolution (W) | |
| Biology of Sex | ||
| Water Equity and Power | ||
| Undergraduate Research in College Equity and Success | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Multicultural Literature: Issues and Themes | ||
| American Ethnic and Regional Literature in Focus (W) | ||
| Modern Mexico | ||
| Modern Mexico (W) | ||
| Bilingualism in North America | ||
| Modern Mexico | ||
| Modern Mexico (W) | ||
| Philosophy of Race | ||
or PHIL 337W | Philosophy of Race (W) | |
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Lands and Peoples of Latin America | ||
| Lands and Peoples of Latin America | ||
| Issues in Racial and Ethnic Equity | ||
| Psychology of Prejudice, Hate, and Violence | ||
| Population and Migration | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Science, Technology, and Society Pathway
Emerging technologies and unexpected discoveries shape your everyday life. From scientific revolutions and artistic evolutions to social media and gaming environments, examine the ideas we create and content we consume that define who we are, where we're going, and why we matter.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Science, Technology, and Society GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Evolution | ||
or BIOL 302W | Evolution (W) | |
| Human Genetics | ||
| Physics of Music | ||
| Scientific Innovations Behind Modern Technology (W) | ||
| Inventing the Future (W) | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Science, Technology and the Literature of Cultural Change (W) | ||
| The Scientific Revolution | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
or PHIL 370W | Philosophy of Science (W) | |
| End of the World | ||
or RELS 357W | End of the World (W) | |
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Geography and World Affairs | ||
| Mobile, Wired, and Tracked: Our Digital Planet | ||
| Technology and Communication | ||
| Brain, Mind, and Behavior | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Science, Technology, and Religion | ||
| Science, Technology, and Religion | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Sustainability and Climate Change Pathway
Climate change and environmental inequality will affect every part of our lives and those of families, and communities. Sustainability and Climate Change brings together ethics, history, and the natural and social sciences to collectively imagine and design the solutions our society needs.
Some of these courses may be used toward the Sustainability and Climate Change GE Minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Science and Human Values (W) | ||
| Conservation Ecology | ||
| Sustainability and the Built Environment (W) | ||
| Environmental Science | ||
or ERTH 330W | Environmental Science (W) | |
| Sustainability of Marine Environments: The Fate between People and the Sea | ||
| Natural Disasters | ||
| Arts and Humanities (UD-C) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Classical Literature | ||
| American Environment | ||
or HIST 341W | American Environment (W) | |
| American Indian Environmental Philosophies | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
or PHIL 370W | Philosophy of Science (W) | |
| End of the World | ||
or RELS 357W | End of the World (W) | |
| Social Sciences (UD-D) 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Nature, Culture, Environment | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Sustainability and Resilience | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
- 1
Area D courses shall be completed from at least two different disciplines
Majors with Modifications to General Education Requirements
Following is a list of all majors in which GE requirements have been modified. These modifications include special approval for various required non-GE courses to count in the GE areas indicated.
Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Robotics BS
- Take one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- AMAR 440B is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- AMAR 360 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- ANSC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Life Science (B2).
- AGRI 482W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
These modifications apply to the option in Agricultural Science and Education only.
- EDTE 451 is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- ENGL 471 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
- ANSC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Life Science (B2).
- AGRI 482W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
- ANSC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Life Science (B2).
- AGRI 482W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
- CHEM 401W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- BIOL 360 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- BIOL 360 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- BSIS 308 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
Business Administration BS Online
- BSIS 308 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
Business Information Systems BS
- BSIS 308 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- CHEM 401W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- CHEM 401W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- Take CMST 131 for Oral Communication (A1).
- Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
- Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- CIVL 302W fulfills Social Sciences (D).
- CIVL 495 fulfills Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- CIVL 461 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- ANTH 283 is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
- Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
- PHYS 204B fulfills Life Science (B2).
- Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- EECE 490B is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
- EECE 490AW is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- EECE 311 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
Computer Information Systems BS
- CSCI 217/MATH 217 is an approved major course substitution for Critical Thinking (A3).
- CSCI 301W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
- CSCI 217/MATH 217 is an approved major course substitution for Critical Thinking (A3).
- CSCI 551 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- CSCI 301W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
Concrete Industry Management BS
- CIMT 363W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- CMGT 330 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
Electrical/Electronic Engineering BS
- Take CMST 131 for Oral Communication (A1).
- Take ENGL 130W for Written Communication (A2).
- Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
- Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- EECE 490B is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
- EECE 490AW is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- EECE 311 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- ERTH 370W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- ERTH 572W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- JOUR 460W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
- SCED 141 is an approved major course substitution for Physical Science (B1).
- SCED 142 is an approved major course substitution for Life Science (B2).
- SCED 343 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- ENGL 341 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
- HIST 333 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
- MATH 217 is an approved major course substitution for Critical Thinking (A3).
- MATH 330W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
These modifications apply to the option in Mathematics Education Credential Path only.
- EDTE 451 fulfills Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- EDTE 302, ENGL 471, and MATH 333 fulfill the Upper-Division Pathway requirement.
- Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
- Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- MECH 340W is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
- MECH 440B is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- MECH 332 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- Critical Thinking (A3) is waived.
- Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
- MECH 340W is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
- MECA 440B is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- EECE 311 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- BIOL 360 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
- MUSC 304 is an approved major course substitution for Arts (C1).
This modification applies to the option in Music Education only.
- MUSC 302W is an approved major course substitution for Humanities (C2)
- THEA 150 is an approved major course substitution for Arts (C1).
- THEA 352 is an approved major course substitution for Humanities (C2).
- THEA 160 is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
- THEA 354 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Arts and Humanities (UD-C).
- PSYC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
- NURS 342W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
This modification applies to the General Option only.
- NURS 475 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
This modification applies to the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN only.
- NURS 477 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences (UD-D).
- PHYS 492W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
Pre-F22 General Education Requirements
Students who are admitted and enroll (matriculate) as first-time freshman before fall 2022, either at California State University, Chico or at any other institution of higher education, follow the GE program described under GE Requirements. Students who were matriculated and completed college credit before fall 2021, either at Chico State or at another institution in the California State University or California Community College systems, and have since maintained continuous enrollment, will not be held to the Ethnic Studies requirements of the current GE program.
Pre-F22 GE Program Requirements
Students must complete 48 units selected from designated General Education categories and courses. If you are enrolled in or are considering one of our high-unit majors, such as engineering, computer science, or liberal studies, carefully review the GE changes outlined in Majors with Modifications. Courses may differ from previous catalogs due to courses being added or removed from GE. Please refer to your Degree Progress Report (DPR), which is accessible through your Student Center in the Portal, to see your specific GE requirements.
Note the following general guidelines:
- Courses must be selected according to the following pattern of General Education:
- 18 units from the Foundation;
- 3 units each from Oral Communication (A1), Written Communication (A2), and Critical Thinking (A3) with a grade of C- or higher and
- 3 units each from Physical Science (B1) and Life Science (B2); a laboratory component (B3 which is embedded in listed B1 and B2 courses), and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) with a grade of C- or higher.
- 6 units of American Institutions coursework (double counting for 3 units in C2 and 3 units in D), and
- 3 units of Ethnic Studies (F)1 coursework, and
- 21 units from the Pathways;
- 12 lower division units: 3 units each from Arts (C1), Humanities (C2), Social Sciences (D), and Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E) and
- 9 upper-division units within a single Pathway from the three major disciplinary areas of the Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B), Arts and Humanities (UD-C) and Social Sciences (UD-D).
- 18 units from the Foundation;
- 45 semester units including Oral Communication (A1), Written Communication (A2), Critical Thinking (A3), and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) requirements must be completed before the 9 units of upper-division coursework in a Pathway may be taken.
- A minimum of 9 out of the 48 GE units must be taken at Chico State.
- 1
Students who were matriculated and completed college credit before fall 2021, either at Chico State or at another institution in the California State University or California Community College systems, and have since maintained continuous enrollment, will not be held to the Ethnic Studies requirement of the current GE program.
Upper-Division GE Pathways: 9 units
All nine upper-division units must be taken from one Pathway.
See the 2022/23 University Catalog Pre-F22 GE Requirements for Pathway course lists.
Please refer to your Degree Progress Report (DPR), which is accessible through your Student Center in the Portal, to see your specific GE requirements.