What is General Education (GE)?
GE or General Education is a program of courses that provides a broad educational experience. Courses are usually
introductory in nature and provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge in English, arts, humanities,
mathematics, social sciences, and physical and biological sciences.
RETURN TO TOP
What is CSU GE?
The CSU-GE pattern is a way for students who transfer to the CSU to complete the CSU lower division GE
requirements at Cuesta College prior to transfer. Completing the entire CSU-GE pattern is not a
requirement for transfer. CSU GE Certification can be full or partial. See a counselor for more information.
There is an upper division CSU GE requirement of 9 credit hours, which must be completed after transfer at the CSU
from which the bachelor's degree is granted. It is not possible to complete all of the GE needed to graduate
from a CSU at the community college.
RETURN TO TOP
What is IGETC?
IGETC or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum is a general education program that community
college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU or UC campus. The
IGETC course requirements for all areas must be completed before IGETC can be certified. All courses on IGETC
must be completed with a grade of C or better.
IGETC may not be recommended for some majors, such as engineering and science. Completing IGETC is not a
requirement for transfer to either the CSU or the UC.
Students who are planning to transfer to a CSU may want to complete the CSU GE pattern. If you have questions
about which GE pattern to complete, please see a counselor.
RETURN TO TOP
What is GE certification and why is it important for transferring students?
Certification of CSU GE or IGETC is an important step in the transfer process. The certification of GE is the
official notice to the bachelor's degree granting institution verifying that a transfer student has completed
courses satisfying lower division general education requirements.
The certification will be either on the transcript or on a separate certification form. The request for
certification of CSU GE or IGETC is done at the time you request final transcripts be sent to the university.
GE certification request forms are available at the Admission and Records office or online.
CSU GE Certification
IGETC Certification
RETURN TO TOP
