General Education Transfer Requirements at College of the Canyons

Can someone break down the general education transfer requirements at College of the Canyons? I'm trying to figure out which courses I need to prioritize before transferring to a CSU. Any advice on classes that transfer smoothly?

At College of the Canyons (COC), the general education requirements for transferring to a California State University (CSU) are outlined by the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). These requirements aim to ensure that you have a well-rounded course of study that will be acceptable to most public universities in California. Here's a brief overview of the main areas:

1. Area 1: English Communication: ensured by taking courses in English composition, critical thinking, and oral communication.

2. Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning: Established by completing at least one course in mathematics or statistics that has intermediate algebra as a prerequisite.

3. Area 3: Arts and Humanities: Courses in this field include a range of disciplines from philosophy to foreign languages to film analysis.

4. Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences: This area involves studies in psychology, sociology, history, political science, and more.

5. Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences: You'll need to take courses that include a laboratory class, with numerous options available including biology, chemistry, physics, and geology among others.

6. Area 6: Language Other Than English (LOTE): Completion of two years of high school coursework in the same foreign language, or equivalent college courses, could meet this requirement.

7. Area 7: Ethnic Studies: This new category is designed to encourage diversity of thought, and can be fulfilled through coursework in areas like African American Studies, or by studying a country other than the United States.

Before scheduling your courses, it's always beneficial to consult with an academic advisor at COC to ensure that the courses selected will meet the IGETC and will also transfer smoothly to the CSU system.

Remember also to consider courses required for your major. Some of these may overlap with your general education courses, but others may be specific to your major and may not necessarily fulfill general education requirements. Consult the transfer guide for your intended major at your target CSU school for more specific guidance.

It's also a good practice to regularly check in with academic advisors both at COC and at the CSU you intend to transfer to. They can provide up-to-date information about course equivalencies and any changes in transfer requirements.