University Advising Center
General Education and Graduation Requirements
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete General Education pattern based on their catalog rights. If you have any questions about GE, see an academic counselor in the University Advising Center, Joyal Administration Building, Room 224 (559.278.1787).
Note: Liberal Studies, Engineering, and Smittcamp Honors College students follow modified GE patterns. Please see advisors in those departments for more details.
Please click on GE Patterns below
NOTE: Please make an appointment with an academic counselor in the University Advising Center to determine if you are eligible to use the 1988-89 through 1998-99 General Education Pattern.
General Education Resources
The CSU General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) program located on the ASSIST website allows California community college transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements at any CSU campus. To find this information in ASSIST, look at the CSU GE-Breadth Certification Course List for your community college, or come to the Office of Advising Services to determine if the course you plan to take is articulated with Fresno State.
Commonly Asked Questions About GE
Q. What is General Education (GE)?
A. The General Education Program is an introduction to the breadth and depth of the dynamics of human experience. It provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and prepares them for specialized study in a particular discipline or program. The overall objective of General Education is to create a context wherein basic skills are developed and strengthened, scholarship and disciplined thinking emerge, awareness and reflection occur, and ultimately - the integration of knowledge begins.
Q. May I take a general education course at my local California community college during the summer?
A. YES! A helpful resource can be found at Assist.org. To find this information in ASSIST, look at the CSU GE-Breadth Certification Course List for your community college, or come to the University Advising Center to determine if the course you plan to take is articulated with Fresno State.
Q. I plan to study abroad next semester. Are there any classes I can take that will fulfill General Education requirements?
A. Yes, you may be able to pre-petition for courses taken in your study abroad program to fulfill GE requirements. See an academic counselor in the University Advising Center to find out if a course or courses you plan to take could count for GE.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate, students must complete the following items:
1. 120 unit minimum
- Units comprised of General Education, Major & Electives
2. GPA of 2.0+ in three areas:
- in the major
- in all Fresno State coursework
- total/cumulative units (some majors require a 2.0 in every class)
3. Specific Course Requirements
- English Composition
- US History
- US & California Constitution
- Multicultural/International Course
4. Upper Division Writing Skills (after 60 and before 90 units completed)
- All students must pass a "W" course with a grade of C/CR or higher. Click here for the current list of "W" courses. Some programs require a specific "W" course.
5. Residence units (30 units total; 24 are upper division, 12 are in the major, and 9 in G.E.)
7. File graduation application by using the online Undergraduate Degree Check out process through their student center during specific filing periods.