Cal-GETC (California General Education Transfer Curriculum) – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cal-GETC?
Cal-GETC is a unified general education pathway designed for California Community College (CCC) students. It fulfills lower-division general education requirements necessary for transfer and admission to both the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) systems.
2. How does Cal-GETC work?
By completing Cal-GETC, students can transfer from a CCC to a CSU or UC campus without the need to take additional lower-division general education courses after transfer. This facilitates a smoother transition and can expedite degree completion.
3. Is Cal-GETC required for transfer?
No, Cal-GETC is not a mandatory requirement for transfer admission to CSU or UC. However, it may be required for certain programs, such as those involving an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT).
4. Do all areas on Cal-GETC need to be completed for certification?
Yes, students must complete all areas of Cal-GETC to receive full certification. Partial certification is not permitted.
5. What is the minimum grade required for Cal-GETC courses?
A minimum grade of "C" (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) is required in each course. Grades below this threshold, such as a "C-", do not meet the certification criteria.
6. What is the unit requirement for each Cal-GETC course?
Each course must be a minimum of 3.0 semester units or 4.0 quarter units to qualify for Cal-GETC certification.
7. How do IGETC courses apply toward Cal-GETC?
Courses completed under the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) prior to Fall 2025 may be applied to Cal-GETC certification if they align with the corresponding Cal-GETC areas.
8. How do Cal-GETC courses apply toward IGETC?
Courses taken under Cal-GETC starting Fall 2025 or later may be applied toward IGETC certification if they are approved for the corresponding IGETC areas.
9. How does Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) apply toward Cal-GETC?
Approved forms of CPL for Cal-GETC include credit by exam, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB). Other forms, such as portfolio assessments, industry certifications, and military credit, are not accepted for Cal-GETC certification.
10. How do courses from private and out-of-state universities count toward Cal-GETC?
Courses from U.S. institutions accredited by agencies recognized by Cal-GETC may be considered for certification, especially in areas like humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and natural sciences. However, caution is advised when evaluating courses for specific areas like Critical Thinking and Composition, Oral Communication, and Ethnic Studies, as they have stringent requirements.
11. What are the catalog rights and continuous enrollment requirements for Cal-GETC?
- Students who began at a CCC prior to Fall 2025: They may follow the IGETC pattern applicable at the time of their enrollment.
- Students who begin at a CCC in Fall 2025 or later: They may opt for Cal-GETC certification.
Note: Cal-GETC certification is not mandatory for students with continuous enrollment prior to Fall 2025, those with official transcripts indicating GE certification, or for the conferral of an ADT.
12. Do dual-enrolled students have catalog rights to IGETC or CSU GE Breadth certification?
- California State University (CSU): No, dual-enrolled students who complete CCC coursework before high school graduation are considered first-year students, and their catalog rights begin at the first regular semester term of enrollment after high school graduation.
- University of California (UC): The UC system does not have a systemwide catalog rights policy. However, UC campuses will continue to accept appropriate CCC certifications of IGETC and Cal-GETC for incoming students.