College Corner » A-G Requirements

A-G Requirements

The intent of the A-G subject requirements is to ensure that students have attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study.
 
These courses are to be academically challenging, involving substantial reading, writing, problems and laboratory work (as appropriate), and show serious attention to analytical thinking, factual content and developing students' oral and listening skills. Print the PDF (check below) comparing the CSU and UC admissions requirements, for more information.
 
 
THE SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
 
  • History/social science (A) – 2 years required, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of American government or civics.
 
  • English (B) – 4 years required of college preparatory English that includes frequent and regular writing, reading of classic and modern literature, and practice listening and speaking.
 
  • Mathematics (C) – 3 years required, 4 years recommended, of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.
 
  • Laboratory science (D) – 2 years required, 3-4 years recommended, of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
 
  • Language other than English (E) – 2 years required, 3-4 years recommended, of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second-level of high school instruction.
 
 
  • College-preparatory elective (G) – 1 year required, chosen from the A-F courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely for use as G electives.