Delta College's CSU Transfer Pattern

I'm curious about the CSU transfer pattern at Delta College. How strict are the requirements, and what should I be focusing on to make sure I can transfer smoothly to a California State University?

To transfer from Delta College to a California State University (CSU) location, you'll want to follow the CSU general education pattern, also known as CSU GE. This pattern includes several different areas of study you'll need to complete.

The areas are divided into five sections A through E:

- Area A covers English Language Communication and Critical Thinking,

- Area B covers Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning,

- Area C covers Arts and Humanities,

- Area D covers Social Sciences,

- Area E covers Lifelong Learning and Self-Development.

Each area has specific categories of classes that you'll need to take. For example, in Area A, you'll need to take one course each in oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics or quantitative reasoning.

The goal is to cover a breadth of general education so you have a strong foundational knowledge when you transition to a CSU. This means taking a balance of classes across these divisions, rather than focusing on one or two areas.

It's also important to remember that these requirements are minimums, not maximums—achieving high grades in these courses will make your transfer application more competitive.

Keep in mind that while the general education requirements are applicable across the CSU system, some universities or programs within the CSU system may have additional pre-requisite or co-requisite course requirements, so it's critical to connect with both the advising team at Delta College and the specific CSU institution you're hoping to attend.

Lastly, remember to apply for admission to the CSU of your choice in the correct application window—this tends to be approximately one year before you plan to enroll. Good luck with your transfer journey!