Transfer requirements to CSU from community college?

I'm looking to transfer from a community college to a California State University campus. Can anyone break down the requirements for me? I want to make sure I have all the necessary courses and credits before I apply.

Absolutely, and your foresight in understanding the requirements now should make the process easier down the line. As a transfer student to a California State University (CSU) campus, make sure you're aware of the following key requirements:

1. Unit Requirements: First things first, you'll need to have 60 CSU transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units) by the time of transfer. These units should typically include general education courses and major-specific courses.

2. General Education Requirement: You're required to complete the General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements. This is a pattern of units distributed across areas such as English, Maths, Arts and Humanities, and Social Sciences. Note that some institutions may have specific courses they want you to take.

3. Major Preparation: Certain programs may require specific preparation courses for your intended major. CSUs recommend but usually do not require these courses to be completed before transfer. Nevertheless, those classes will give you a firm foundation in your intended field of study, so they are highly recommended.

4. GPA: You'll need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in all CSU transferable coursework for California residents, and a 2.4 GPA for non-California residents. However, admission may be competitive, so a higher GPA could potentially increase your chances of getting into the campus of your choice.

5. Golden Four: Finally, you must have received a grade of C- or better in four specific courses known as the "Golden Four" - these are: Oral Communication (usually met by a public speaking course); Written Communication (usually met by a freshman composition course); Critical Thinking (logic or argumentation courses typically meet this requirement); and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning.

Remember, each CSU campus and each major may have more specific eligibility requirements. It's always best to check with the specific campuses to which you are applying. They may also require you to complete certain prerequisites or declare a major when you apply. Good luck!