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General Education Program
If you need assistance understanding General Education requirements, feel free to come to our office to schedule an appointment with one of our advisors. You can also call us at (909) 537-5034 or (909) 537-5035.
Understanding CSUSB General Education
General Education courses at CSUSB apply to all students of every major. (Except Liberal Studies and those who have transferred from a California Community College and have completed the CSU Transfer Pattern.) Please take some time to familiarize yourself with the requirements listed. You will see these same requirements in your PAWS (Program Advising Worksheet) as well as in the campus catalog.
Accessing Your Program Advising WorkSheet (PAWS)
- Log into your MyCoyote account.
- Just below the Student Center link is the link for PAWS. Click that option.
- This screen will provide you with your name, Coyote ID number and the major the campus has on file for you. Click the yellow "Submit Request" button.
- You will receive a pop-up. Click "OK".
- This will automatically take you to the next screen. Click the "Refresh" button until you see a "View Web" hyper link. Click this link.
- Click "Expand All" in the top left hand corner and proceed by scrolling down. You can now view your personal Program Advising Worksheet.
- Be sure to print this for your records and refer back regularly.
- It is important to bring your most recent and up to date PAWS with you to each advising session.
Category A: Basic Skills (12 Units)
1. Written Communication
All new students who are not exempt must take the English Placement Test (EPT). After which you are also encouraged to complete the Directed Self Placement with the English department. The DSP will help you choose your Written composition course sequence. Students may select the one quarter, two quarter or three quarter sequence:
- ENG 102A-103A-104A
- ENG 102B-103B-104B
- ENG 105-106
- ENG 107
- ENG 104A. Stretch Composition III (4)
- ENG 104B. Stretch Composition III for Multilingual Students (4)
- ENG 106. Accelerated Stretch Composition II (4)
- ENG 107. Advanced First-Year Composition (4)
2. Oral Communication
Four units chosen from:
- COMM 120. Oral Communication (4)
- HON 104C.* Language and Meaning: Oral Communication (4)*
3. Critical Thinking
The best way to choose a Critical Thinking course would be to choose the discipline that interests you most. If Math is your niche then choose the Math 180, if you are interested in Social Problems then consider Soc 180. The choice is yours. You are only required to complete one.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- COMM 180. Critical Thinking Through Argumentation (4)
- HON 104A.* Language and Meaning: Critical Thinking (4)*
- MATH 180. Critical Thinking Through Applications of Mathematical Logic (4)
- PHIL 105. Critical Thinking Through Argument Analysis (4)
- PHIL 200. Critical Thinking Through Symbolic Logic (4)
- PSYC 105. Critical Thinking Through Problems Analysis (4)
- SOC 180. Critical Thinking About Social Problems (4)
Category B: Natural Sciences Breadth Area (20 Units)
1. Mathematics
All new students who are not exempt must take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test before registering for their first quarter of attendance. The score for this exam will instruct you on which Math course you are required to begin with. The General Education math requirement can be completed with either of the courses listed here. Be sure to check your major requirements to see if they prefer/require one in particular.
MATH 110, 115, and 120 must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better
Four units chosen from:
MATH 110, 115, and 120 must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better
Four units chosen from:
- MATH 110**. College Algebra (4)**
- MATH 115. The Ideas of Mathematics (4)
- MATH 120. Pre-Calculus Mathematics (4)
- MATH 192. Methods of Calculus (4)
- MATH 211. Basic Concepts of Calculus (4)
2. Life Sciences
Each of these courses require that students complete a lab. Please be sure to register for the lecture and the lab. Do not forget to check your major requirements to see if they prefer/require one life science course over the others.
Five units chosen from:
Five units chosen from:
- BIOL 100**. Topics in Biology (5)**
- BIOL 202. Biology of Populations (5)
- HSCI 120. Health and Society: An Ecological Approach (5)
3. Physical Sciences
Each of these courses require that students complete a lab. Please be sure to register for the lecture and the lab. Do not forget to check your major requirements to see if they prefer one physical science course over the others.
A minimum of five units chosen from:
A minimum of five units chosen from:
- ASTR 103. Descriptive Astronomy (5)
- CHEM 100. Chemistry in the Modern World (5)
- CHEM 205. Fundamentals of Chemistry I: General Chemistry (5)
-
CHEM 215. General Chemistry I: Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding (6)
- This course has three parts. Lecture, lab and recitation. Be sure to register for all three.
- GEOG 103. Physical Geography (5)
- GEOL 101. Introductory Geology (5)
- PHYS 100. Physics in the Modern World (5)
- PHYS 121. Basic Concepts of Physics I (5)
- PHYS 221. General Physics I (5)
4. Special Topics in Science and Technology
This area does not require that students complete a lab. Feel free to choose a topic of interest to you.
Two units chosen from:
Two units chosen from:
- BIOL 216. Genetics and Society (2)
- BIOL 217. Biology of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (2)
- CHEM 105. Chemicals in Our Environment (2)
- CSE 122. Bioinformatics (2)
- CSE 129. Science, Computing and Society (2)
- GEOL 205. Volcanic Hazards, Surveillance and Prediction (2)
- GEOL 210. Earthquakes: Science and Public Policy (2)
5. Integrative Capstone in the Natural Sciences
Once you have earned 90 quarter units you can register for one of these courses. NSCI 325 will satisfy your Natural Science Capstone and your Multicultural and Gender Requirement.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- NSCI 300. Science and Technology (4)
- NSCI 310. The Environment and Human Survival (4)
- NSCI 314. Life in the Cosmos (4)
- NSCI 315. Natural Disasters (4)
- NSCI 320. Energy (4)
- NSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender (also counts in category G1) (4)
- NSCI 351. Health and Human Ecology (4)
- NSCI 360. Legacy of Life (4)
- HUM 325. Perspectives on Gender
- NSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender
- SSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses:
Category C: Humanities Breadth Area (20 Units)
1. Arts
Feel free to choose a topic of interest to you. Only one course is required.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- ART 200. Studies in Art (4)
- HUM 180. The Art of Film (4)
- MUS 180. Studies in Music (4)
- TA 260. Introduction to Theatre (4)
2. Literature
In order to register for this course you must have completed your Written Communication requirement. Feel free to choose a topic of interest to you.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- ENG 110. World Literature I (4)
- ENG 111. World Literature II (4)
- ENG 160. World Drama (4)
- ENG 170. Studies in Literature (4)
- TA 160. World Drama (4)
- TA 212. Oral Interpretation of Literature (4)
3. Foreign Language or Literature in Translation
To complete your Foreign Language requirement you have the option of choosing to learn the language or learning about the culture through literature (the literature is translated into English). If you choose to learn the language then you must either complete 101, 102 and the 103 or take a placement exam (For Placement Exam information please contact the department of World Languages) to place into the 103 which completes your Foreign Language requirement. If you choose to learn about the culture then you can complete 290 without a prerequisite and satisfy the area with one course.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- ARAB 103. College Arabic III (4)
- ARAB 201. Intermediate Arabic I (4)
- ARAB 202. Intermediate Arabic II (4)
- ARAB 203 Intermediate Arabic III (4)
- ARAB 214. Conversation in Arabic (4)
- ARAB 290. Arabic Literature in Translation (4)
- ASL 103. American Sign Language III (4)
- ASL 201 American Sign Language IV (4)
- ASL 202 American Sign Language V (4)
- ASL 203 American Sign Language VI (4)
- CHIN 103. College Chinese III (4)
- CHIN 201 Second Year College Chinese I (4)
- CHIN 202 Second Year College Chinese II (4)
- CHIN 203 Second Year College Chinese III (4)
- CHIN 214. Conversation in Chinese (4)
- CHIN 290. Mandarin Literature in Translation (4)
- FLAN 103. Language Study III (4)
- FREN 103. College French III (4)
- FREN 200. Culture and Communication (4)
- FREN 201. Culture and Communication II (4)
- FREN 202. Culture and Communication III (4)
- FREN 290. French Literature in English (4)
- GER 103. College German III (4)
- GER 212. Composition (4)
- GER 214. Conversation (4)
- GER 216. Introduction to Literary Texts (4)
- GER 290. German Literature in English (4)
- JAPN 103. College Japanese III (4)
- JAPN 201 Intermediate Japanese I (4)
- JAPN 202 Intermediate Japanese II (4)
- JAPN 203 Intermediate Japanese III (4)
- JAPN 214. Conversation in Japanese (4)
- JAPN 290. Japanese Literature in Translation (4)
- KOR 103. College Korean III (4)
- KOR 201 Second Year College Korean I (4)
- KOR 202 Second Year College Korean II (4)
- KOR 203 Second Year College Korean III (4)
- KOR 214. Conversation in Korean (4)
- SPAN 103. College Spanish III (4)
- SPAN 155. Intermediate Spanish for Heritage/Native Speakers (4)
- SPAN 212. Composition (4)
- SPAN 213. Composition for Heritage/Native Speakers (4)
- SPAN 214. Conversation (4)
- SPAN 290. Spanish and Latin American Literature in English (4)
4. Philosophy
Feel free to choose a topic of interest to you. Only one course is required.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- HON 104B.* Language and Meaning: Introduction to Philosophy (4)*
- PHIL 190. Introduction to Philosophical Issues (4)
- PHIL 191. Introduction to Ethics (4)
- PHIL 192. Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (4)
- PHIL 193. Introduction to Eastern Philosophy (4)
- PHIL 194. Introduction to Knowledge and Reality (4)
5. Integrative Capstone in the Humanities
Once you have earned 90 quarter units you can register for one of these courses. Hum 325, 328, 335, 350, 370, 375, and 380 will satisfy your Natural Science Capstone and your Multicultural and Gender Requirement.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- HUM 319. Myth, Metaphor and Symbol (4)
- HUM 325. Perspectives on Gender (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 328. Asian Cultural Traditions (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 330. Arts and Ideas (4)
- HUM 335. The Origin & Contemporary Role of Latino Culture (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 340. Interpretation and Values (4)
- HUM 344. Ideas in American Culture (4)
- HUM 350. The Cultures of American Childhood (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 370. African Heritage in the Arts (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 375. The World of Islam (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 380. Comparative Studies in the Arts: East & West (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 385. A Cultural History of Fashion (4)
- HUM 325. Perspectives on Gender
- NSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender
- SSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses:
Category D: Social and Behavioral Sciences (20 Units)
1. American History and Civilization
Feel free to choose a topic of interest to you. Only one course is required.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- HIST 146. American Civilization (4)
- HIST 200. United States History to 1877 (4)
- HIST 201. United States History, 1877 to the Present (4)
2. American Institutions
Although there is no required time frame to complete this course it is recommended that students wait until their sophomore year to complete this course.
- PSCI 203**. American Government (4)**
3. World Cultures
Four units chosen from:
- ANTH 140. World Civilizations I, the Rise of Civilization (4)
- HIST 140. World Civilizations I, the Rise of Civilization (4)
- HIST 142. World Civilizations II, the Civilizations of the East and West (4)
- HIST 144. World Civilizations III, the Expansion of Europe (4)
- SSCI 165. Regions and Peoples of the World (4)
4. Discipline Perspectives
This section allows students an opportunity to explore various subjects. Feel free to choose the course of interest to you. Check your major requirements to see if they prefer/require one course over the others.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- ANTH 100. Introduction to Anthropology: Human Evolution (4)
- ANTH 102. Introduction to Anthropology: Culture and Society (4)
- ECON 104. Economics of Social Issues (4)
- ES 100. Ethnicity and Race in America (4)
- GEOG 100. Introduction to Human Geography (4)
- GSS 100. Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies (4)
- GSS 101. Introduction to Masculinity Studies (4)
- GSS 103. Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies (4)
- PSYC 100**. Introduction to Psychology (4)**
- SOC 100. The Study of Society (4)
5. Integrative Capstone in the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Once you have earned 90 quarter units you can register for one of these courses. SBS 316, 325, 350 will satisfy your Natural Science Capstone and your Multicultural and Gender Requirement.
Four units chosen from:
Four units chosen from:
- SSCI 300. Nonwestern World (4)
- SSCI 304. Contemporary Latin America (4)
- SSCI 315. Cultural Adaptation: The Quest for Survival (4)
- SSCI 316. Race and Racism (also counts in category G1) (4)
- SSCI 320. Understanding Capitalism (4)
- SSCI 321. Urbanization and the Urban Environment (4)
- SSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender (also counts in category G1) (4)
- SSCI 345. Religious Expression in America (4)
- SSCI 350. Roots of Modern Racism in America (also counts in category G1) (4)
- HUM 325. Perspectives on Gender
- NSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender
- SSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses:
Category E: Lifelong Understanding Area (6 Units)
1. The Whole Person - Physical and Physiological Issues
- KINE 205. Foundations for Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (2)
2. The Whole Person - Social and Psychological Issues
Two units chosen from:
- FIN 101. Financial Choices in Life (2)
- PHIL 101. Moral Choices in Life (2)
- PSYC 115. Personal and Social Adjustment (2)
- SOC 110. Choices in the Life Course (2)
3. Physical Education
Two units chosen from:
- KINE 101. Individual and Dual Activities (2)
- KINE 114. Physical Fitness and Conditioning Activities (2)
- KINE 120. Somatic and Martial Arts Activities (2)
- KINE 121. Team Activities (2)
- KINE 137. Aquatic Activities (2)
- KINE 147. A Fitness Odyssey (2)
- KINE 149. Independent Activity Project (2)
- KINE 150. Dance Activities (2)
Category F: Upper-Division Writing Requirement (0-4 Units)
Once you have completed 90 quarter units you can register for one of these courses. Please check with your major to see if one course is preferred/required over the others.
This requirement can be met by completing one of the following two options:
This requirement can be met by completing one of the following two options:
1. Successfully completing one of the following upper-division expository writing courses with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better (4 units):
Although your PAWS lists that a C or better is required to complete this requirement please keep in mind that if you are planning to pursue your Master degree you will need a B or better.
- EDUC 306. Expository Writing for Education (4)
- ENG 306. Expository Writing (4)
- HON 306.* Expository Writing (4)*
- HUM 306. Expository Writing for the Humanities (4)
- MGMT 306. Expository Writing for Administration (4)
- NSCI 306. Expository Writing for the Natural Sciences (4)
- SSCI 306. Expository Writing for the Social Sciences (4)
2. Passing the Writing Requirement Exemption Exam (WREE). (0 units)
No unit credit is awarded for passing the examination. It may be necessary to take additional units to meet minimum residency and graduation unit requirements.
Category G: Multicultural/Gender Requirement
All students must take one upper-division course designated as meeting this requirement. The multicultural/gender requirement can be met by completing one of the following two options:
1. Integrative capstone course in one of the three breadth areas (categories B5, C5 or D5)
- HUM 325. Perspectives on Gender (4)
- HUM 328. Asian Cultural Traditions (4)
- HUM 335. The Origin and Contemporary Role of Latino Culture (4)
- HUM 350. The Cultures of American Childhood (4)
- HUM 370. African Heritage in the Arts (4)
- HUM 375. The World of Islam (4)
- HUM 380. Comparative Studies in the Arts: East and West (4)
- NSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender (4)
- SSCI 316. Race and Racism (4)
- SSCI 325. Perspectives on Gender (4)
- SSCI 350. Roots of Modern Racism in America (4)
OR
2. One upper-division course from the following:
- ANTH 325. Human Biological Variation and the Concept of Race (4)
- ANTH 333. Sex and Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective (4)
- COMM 304. Intercultural Communication (4)
- COMM 401. Gender, Race and Media (4)
- CJUS 451. Women and Crime (4)
- ECON 352. Political Economy of Poverty and Discrimination (4)
- ENG 314. American Indian Literature (4)
- HUM 460. Cultural Studies (4)
- MUS 308. Women in Music (4)
- MUS 309. Jazz History in America and African American Culture (4)
- MUS 350. Music of World Cultures (4)
- PA 305. Organizations in Multicultural and Diverse Societies (4)
- PHIL 364. Philosophy of Race and Ethnicity (4)
- PHIL 367. Gender and Philosophy (4)
- TA 462. African American Theatre and Drama (4)
- TA 463. Asian Theatre (4)