Special Note: Effective Fall 2021, students planning to graduate from the California State University (CSU) system must complete an Area F, Ethnic Studies course at the lower division level. This requirement applies to new incoming students who began taking courses at Sierra College in Fall 2021 or later. It is not mandatory for students with continuous attendance at Sierra College prior to Fall 2021.
A. English Language Communication and Critical Thinking
Minimum of 9 semester units with one course each in subareas A1, A2 and A3, completed with grades of "C-" or better.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A1. Oral Communication (3 semester units) | ||
| Introduction to Oral Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication Foundations | ||
| A2. Written Communication (3 semester units) | ||
| College Reading, Writing and Research | ||
| A3. Critical Thinking (3 semester units) | ||
| Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum | ||
| Analytical and Critical Thinking in Reading | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Symbolic Logic | ||
B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
Minimum of 9 semester units with one course each in subareas B1, B2 and B4, plus one corresponding laboratory component required from either area B1 or B2 (laboratory courses and related lecture/laboratory combinations are indicated by an asterisk). The subarea B4 course must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| B1. Physical Science (3 semester units) | ||
| Introduction to Soil Science | ||
| Introduction to Planetary Systems | ||
| Introduction to Planetary Systems and Observational Astronomy * | ||
| Introduction to Planetary Systems and Astrophotography and Imaging * | ||
| Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe | ||
| Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe and Observational Astronomy * | ||
| Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe and Astrophotography and Imaging * | ||
| Life in the Universe | ||
| Elementary Astronomy | ||
| Elementary Astronomy and Observational Astronomy * | ||
| Elementary Astronomy and Astrophotography and Imaging * | ||
| Frontiers in Astronomy | ||
| General Chemistry I * | ||
| General Chemistry II * | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry I * | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry II * | ||
| General Chemistry I - Part 1 * | ||
| General Chemistry I - Part 2 * | ||
| Survey of Chemistry and Physics * | ||
| Physical Geology | ||
| Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory * | ||
| California Geology | ||
| Historical Geology | ||
| Historical Geology and Historical Geology Laboratory * | ||
| Energy, Environment, and Climate | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science and Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory * | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography | ||
| Geology of National Parks and Monuments | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory * | ||
| Energy, Environment, and Climate | ||
| California Water * | ||
| Conservation of Natural Resources | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Physical Geography and Physical Geography Laboratory * | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| The Science of Electronics | ||
| Basic Concepts in Physics | ||
| Basic Concepts in Physics and Basic Concepts in Physics Laboratory * | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics I Laboratory * | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| General Physics II and General Physics II Laboratory * | ||
| Survey of Chemistry and Physics * | ||
| Principles of Physics: Mechanics | ||
| Principles of Physics: Mechanics and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics * | ||
| Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism | ||
| Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism * | ||
| Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics | ||
| Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics * | ||
| B2. Life Science (3 semester units) | ||
| Introduction to Plant Science * | ||
| Introduction to Animal Science * | ||
| Biological Anthropology | ||
| Biological Anthropology and Biological Anthropology Laboratory * | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Anthropology | ||
| General Biology * | ||
| Botany * | ||
| General Zoology * | ||
| Microbiology * | ||
| Human Anatomy * | ||
| Human Physiology * | ||
| Introduction to Biology | ||
| Concepts of Biology * | ||
| Natural History, Ecology and Conservation * | ||
| Marine Biology * | ||
| Introduction to Plant Science * | ||
| Introduction to Ornithology | ||
| Introduction to Zoology * | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
| Introduction to Mammalogy | ||
| General Human Anatomy and Physiology * | ||
| Biology: A Human Perspective | ||
| Biology: A Human Perspective and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory * | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory * | ||
| California Water * | ||
| Conservation of Natural Resources | ||
| Natural History, Ecology and Conservation * | ||
| Introduction to Biopsychology | ||
| Introduction to Biopsychology and Biopsychology Laboratory * | ||
| B3. Laboratory Activity | ||
One of the courses selected from area B1 or B2 must include a related laboratory. Laboratory courses and related lecture/laboratory combinations are indicated by an asterisk. | ||
| B4. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (3 semester units) | ||
| Personal Finance | ||
| Problem Solving | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Calculus for Social and Life Sciences | ||
| Calculus for Social and Life Sciences | ||
| Concepts of Mathematics | ||
| The Nature of Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers | ||
| Modern Business Mathematics | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Pre-Calculus Mathematics | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus I | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus II | ||
| Analytical Geometry and Calculus III | ||
| Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | ||
| Business Calculus | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | ||
C. Arts and Humanities
Minimum of 9 semester units with at least one course each in subareas C1 and C2.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| C1. Arts | ||
| History of Graphic Design | ||
| Graphic Design: Principles and Process | ||
| History of Filmmaking | ||
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages | ||
| Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions | ||
| Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary | ||
| History of Women in Art | ||
| History and Aesthetics of Photography | ||
| History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania | ||
| History of Latinx and Chicanx Art | ||
| History of Asian Art | ||
| History of Islamic Art | ||
| Two-Dimensional Design Foundations | ||
| Drawing I | ||
| Drawing II | ||
| Figure Drawing I | ||
| Color Theory | ||
| Oil Painting I | ||
| Watercolor Painting I | ||
| Acrylic Painting I | ||
| Sculpture I | ||
| Ceramic Sculpture/Handbuilding | ||
| Figure Sculpture | ||
| Collage and Assemblage | ||
| Printmaking I | ||
| Performance of Diverse Literatures | ||
| American Film Masterpieces | ||
| International Film Masterpieces | ||
| The Filmed Novel | ||
| The Documentary Film | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Fashion History | ||
| Introduction to Humanities I | ||
| Introduction to Humanities II | ||
| Introduction to Asian Humanities | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Theory I | ||
| Music Theory III | ||
| Music Fundamentals | ||
| Introduction and History of Jazz | ||
| Survey of Music History and Literature to 1750 | ||
| Survey of Music History and Literature from 1750 to Present | ||
| Introduction to Music: History of Rock and Roll | ||
| History and Aesthetics of Photography | ||
| Elementary Photography | ||
| Documentary Photography | ||
| Acting I | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Costume History | ||
| C2. Humanities | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| American Sign Language III | ||
| American Sign Language IV | ||
| Introduction to Deaf Studies | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature | ||
| Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare and Popular Culture | ||
| Creative Writing (Non-Fiction) | ||
| Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
| Creative Writing (Poetry) | ||
| Creative Writing (Fiction) | ||
| Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts | ||
| Literature by Women | ||
| Introduction to Drama as Literature | ||
| American Literature - Beginnings through Civil War | ||
| American Literature - Civil War to the Present | ||
| Introduction to Poetry | ||
| Introduction to Shakespeare (The Drama) | ||
| Introduction to the Novel | ||
| Introduction to the Short Story | ||
| American Film Masterpieces | ||
| International Film Masterpieces | ||
| The Filmed Novel | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Young Adult Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| World Literature | ||
| World Literature | ||
| Literature of Science Fiction | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o Studies | ||
| Elementary French - Level I | ||
| Elementary French - Level II | ||
| Intermediate French - Level I | ||
| Intermediate French - Level II | ||
| Elementary German - Level I | ||
| Elementary German - Level II | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Western Civilization to 1715 | ||
| Western Civilization since 1715 | ||
| History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| History of the United States since 1865 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History to 1877 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History since 1877 | ||
| History of Traditional East Asia | ||
| History of Modern East Asia | ||
| California History | ||
| Contemporary United States History | ||
| American Military History | ||
| Chicano/Mexican American History | ||
| Russian History - 10th Century to Present | ||
| Native American History | ||
| Women in World History | ||
| Women in American History | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Humanities I | ||
| Introduction to Humanities II | ||
| Introduction to Asian Humanities | ||
| Classical Roots of the Contemporary Western World | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Introduction to Mythology | ||
| Introduction to Atheism | ||
| Introduction to the Hebrew Bible | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament | ||
| Elementary Italian - Level I | ||
| Elementary Italian - Level II | ||
| Elementary Japanese - Level I | ||
| Elementary Japanese - Level II | ||
| Queer (LGBTIQ) Film History | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality | ||
| Philosophy of Religion | ||
| Introduction to Asian Philosophy | ||
| History of Ancient Greek Philosophy | ||
| History of Modern Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy of Women in Western Cultures | ||
| Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Ethics | ||
| Introduction to the Philosophy of Science | ||
| Elementary Spanish - Level I | ||
| Elementary Spanish - Level II | ||
| Intermediate Spanish - Level I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish - Level II | ||
| Intermediate Conversational Spanish | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
D. Social Sciences
Minimum of 6 semester units - two different disciplines recommended but not required.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Administration of Justice | ||
| Food, Society and the Environment | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Native Peoples of North America | ||
| Introduction to Archaeology | ||
| Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | ||
| Native Peoples of California | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion | ||
| Global Problems | ||
| Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality | ||
| History of Women in Art | ||
| History of Latinx and Chicanx Art | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice | ||
| Mass Communication: Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | ||
| Dialogues in American Culture | ||
| Introduction to African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o Studies | ||
| Immigrants and Refugees in America: The European Experience | ||
| Native American Policy and Law | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies | ||
| Clothing and Culture | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Geography of California | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Western Civilization to 1715 | ||
| Western Civilization since 1715 | ||
| History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| History of the United States since 1865 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History to 1877 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History since 1877 | ||
| History of Traditional East Asia | ||
| History of Modern East Asia | ||
| California History | ||
| Contemporary United States History | ||
| American Military History | ||
| Chicano/Mexican American History | ||
| Russian History - 10th Century to Present | ||
| Native American History | ||
| Women in World History | ||
| Women in American History | ||
| The American West | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History since 1500 | ||
| Human Development Through the Lifespan | ||
| Child, Family, and Community | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family | ||
| The Family | ||
| Introduction to Asian Humanities | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory | ||
| Principles of Nutrition | ||
| American Government | ||
| Comparative Government | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Russian and East European Political Systems | ||
| California Politics and Government | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Introduction to Political Science Research Methods | ||
| Women and Politics in a Global Society | ||
| General Principles of Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Death and Dying | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Alcohol, Drugs and Society | ||
| Psychology and Film | ||
| Environmental Psychology | ||
| Cultural Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Race, Ethnicity and Inequality | ||
| The Family | ||
| Sociology of Women's Health | ||
| Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control | ||
| Feminism and Social Action | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Introduction to Hip Hop and Social Justice | ||
| Introduction to Social Justice | ||
| Introduction to Women's Studies | ||
| Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory | ||
| Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion | ||
| Feminism and Social Action |
E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development
Minimum of 3 semester units (of which only one semester unit may be physical activity).
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Human Physiology | ||
| General Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| The Sierra Nevada | ||
| Human Development Through the Lifespan | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family | ||
| The Family | ||
| Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle | ||
| Health Education | ||
| Health and Aging | ||
| ACE Personal Trainer Preparation | ||
| Physiology of Fitness | ||
| Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | ||
| Principles of Nutrition | ||
| Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle | ||
| College and Life Success | ||
| Career Planning | ||
| Stress and Well Being | ||
| General Principles of Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Psychology of Death and Dying | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Alcohol, Drugs and Society | ||
| First Year Seminar | ||
| The Family | ||
| Sociology of Women's Health | ||
| Physical Activity (1 semester unit maximum) | ||
| Fire Academy Physical Training | ||
| Cardio Fitness - Level I | ||
| Cardio Fitness - Level II | ||
| Cross Training | ||
| Weight Training | ||
| Strength Training - Circuit and Power Lifting | ||
| Physical Fitness | ||
| Aerobic Fitness | ||
| Cardio Kickboxing | ||
| Fitness and Weight Management Boot Camp | ||
| Instructional Methods for Group Fitness | ||
| Peaceful Self Defense | ||
| Basic Self Defense | ||
| Multi Self Defense System | ||
| Tai Chi | ||
| Self-Defense for Personal Safety | ||
| Badminton | ||
| Recreational Basketball | ||
| Flag Football | ||
| Golf | ||
| Soccer Level I | ||
| Soccer Level II | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Advanced Tennis | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Beach Volleyball | ||
| Futsal - Level I | ||
| Futsal - Level II | ||
| Water Exercise for Fitness | ||
| Fundamentals of Swimming | ||
| Swimming Conditioning | ||
| Ballet I | ||
| Ballet II | ||
| Jazz Dance | ||
| Ballroom Dance | ||
| Modern Dance | ||
| Line Dance | ||
| Fundamentals of Yoga | ||
| Mat Pilates | ||
| Adapted Aquatics | ||
| Adapted Aerobic Fitness | ||
| Adapted Individualized Exercises | ||
| Sports Activities | ||
| Backpacking | ||
| Rock Climbing | ||
F. Ethnic Studies
Minimum 3 semester units
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | ||
| Introduction to African American Studies | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o Studies | ||
| Native American Policy and Law | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies |
| MINIMUM LOWER-DIVISION GENERAL EDUCATION UNITS | 39 |
| Additional upper-division general education units completed at the California State University campus | 9 |
| Minimum general education units to obtain Bachelor's degree | 48 |
CSU Graduation Requirement in United States History, Constitution and American Ideals
Minimum of 2 courses1 chosen from one of the following course combinations. (This CSU graduation requirement may be met before or after transfer to a CSU campus and is not required for CSU GE certification.)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. HIST 0017A and HIST 0017B | ||
| B. HIST 0017A and HIST 0020 | ||
| C. HIST 0017A and POLS 0001 | ||
| D. HIST 0017A and POLS 0005 | ||
| E. HIST 0017A and POLS 0018 | ||
| F. HIST 0017B and HIST 0027 | ||
| G. HIST 0017B and POLS 0001 | ||
| H. HIST 0018A and POLS 0001 | ||
| I. HIST 0018B and POLS 0001 | ||
| J. HIST 0020 and HIST 0027 | ||
| K. HIST 0023 and POLS 0001 | ||
| L. HIST 0025 and POLS 0001 | ||
| M. HIST 0027 and POLS 0001 | ||
| N. HIST 0027 and POLS 0005 | ||
| O. HIST 0027 and POLS 0018 | ||
| P. HIST 0049 and POLS 0001 | ||
- 1
Course(s) may be applied to CSU GE Breadth areas C2 or D and this CSU graduation requirement.
Notes
- To qualify as an upper-division transfer, a student must:
- complete 60 or more CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0 (2.4 if a nonresident) in all transferable college units attempted; and
- complete at least 30 of those units from general education courses in areas A through D, including courses in each of the following areas with grades of "C-" or better: A1, A2, A3, and B4.
- While a course may be listed in multiple areas, it may only be applied to one area. (The CSU graduation requirement in U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals is not part of CSU GE Breadth; therefore, courses may be applied to both of these requirements.)
- Students with Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations should check with a counselor to verify application of the examinations to the appropriate general education areas.
- International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to CSU GE Breadth requirements.
- Courses on this CSU General Education Breadth list are approved annually for the academic year, which begins with the Fall 2022 semester and remains valid through Summer 2023. If a course is taken before it is approved or after it is removed, it cannot be used to satisfy CSU GE Breadth. See a counselor or check assist.org for up-to-date as well as historical course approval information.
- Students pursuing majors with extensive lower-division unit requirements, such as Engineering, are advised to focus on completing the pre-major requirements while meeting minimum admission requirements. Consult with a counselor to determine the most appropriate transfer path.
- A maximum of 70 semester units may be transferred to a CSU campus. Coursework completed above the 70 units may be used to meet CSU general education, major, and/or graduation requirements even if the units will not count toward the baccalaureate degree.
- CSU Sacramento requires a 2.0 GPA in general education courses (except as noted in #1 above), and a foreign language for graduation.
- The CSU Sacramento English 20 graduation requirement can be satisfied by completing Sierra’s ENGL 0001B or ENGL 0001C. Either of these courses may “double count” to meet both the English 20 graduation requirement and the CSU General Education Breadth requirement for area A3. Consult with a counselor and/or see the CSUS catalog for graduation requirements.
