FAQ - General Education

What is the purpose of GE and why do I have to take classes that I don't think apply to my major?

"GE is an important aspect of the baccalaureate degree and of your personal development. It is the part of your program which encourages you to develop or improve such basic life skills as self-motivation, independence, creativity, critical thinking, an understanding of values, and a general philosophy by which to make decisions throughout life." - CSULB Catalog

What is a GE pattern and how do I know which GE pattern I am following?

A GE pattern is determined by when a student enrolled in a Title 5 school and if students have broken enrollment. Currently, five GE patterns are in affect: 1979, 1989, 1985, 1993, and 1999. If you are unsure of your GE pattern, meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center.

If I've taken upper division GE courses at a sister campus, will they fit into CSULB GE patterns?

Upper division GE courses may be petitioned through the Academic Appeals Committee.