Special Note: Effective Fall 2023, students using IGETC to fulfill general education requirements must complete an Area 7, Ethnic Studies course at the lower division level. This requirement applies to new incoming students who begin taking courses at Sierra College in Fall 2023 or later. It is not mandatory for students with continuous attendance at Sierra College prior to Fall 2023.

1. English Communication

(CSU: 3 courses, 9 semester/12–15 quarter units, one course each from areas 1A, 1B, and 1C;
UC: 2 courses, 6 semester/8–10 quarter units, one course each from areas 1A and 1B)

1A. English Composition (3 semester/4-5 quarter units)
College Reading, Writing and Research
1B. Critical Thinking-English Composition (3 semester/4-5 quarter units)
Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature
Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum
Introduction to Critical Thinking
1C. Oral Communication (3 semester/4-5 quarter units) (UC transfer students do not have to fulfill this area; CSU transfers must)
Fundamentals of Public Speaking 1
Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations 1
1

Indicates that course credit is limited. Review the Transferable Courses to UC System page in the catalog or consult the counseling office for additional information.

2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

(1 course, 3 semester/4–5 quarter units)

College Algebra 1
Elementary Statistics 1
Discrete Mathematics
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences 1
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences 1
The Nature of Mathematics 1
Modern Business Mathematics
Pre-Calculus Mathematics 1
Analytical Geometry and Calculus I 1
Analytical Geometry and Calculus II 1
Analytical Geometry and Calculus III
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
Business Calculus 1
Introduction to Psychological Statistics 1
Introduction to Statistics in Sociology 1
1

Indicates that course credit is limited. Review the Transferable Courses to UC System page in the catalog or consult the counseling office for additional information.

3. Arts and Humanities

(3 courses, 9 semester/12–15 quarter units. At least one course in the Arts and one course in the Humanities.)

3A. Arts
History of Graphic Design
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 2
History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
History of Latinx and Chicanx Art
History of Asian Art
History of Islamic Art
Performance of Diverse Literatures
The Documentary Film
Ethnic Images in Film
Music Appreciation
Music Theory I
Music Theory III
Music Fundamentals 1
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 2
Introduction to Theatre
Costume History
Diversity in American Theatre
3B. Humanities
Visual Communication 2
Visual Communication 2
American Sign Language III
American Sign Language IV
Introduction to Deaf Studies
Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature
Introduction to Shakespeare and Popular Culture
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 1
International Film Masterpieces 1
The Filmed Novel
Young Adult Literature
English Literature
English Literature
World Literature
World Literature
Literature of Science Fiction
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Elementary French - Level II
Intermediate French - Level I
Intermediate French - Level II
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 2
The African American Experience in American History since 1877 2
History of Traditional East Asia
History of Modern East Asia
California History
Contemporary United States History
American Military History
Chicano/Mexican American History 2
Russian History - 10th Century to Present
Native American History 2
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 2
World Religions
Introduction to Mythology
Introduction to Atheism
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
Introduction to the New Testament
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
Intermediate Spanish - Level I
Intermediate Spanish - Level II
Diversity in American Theatre
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion 2
1

Indicates that course credit is limited. Review the Transferable Courses to UC System page in the catalog or consult the counseling office for additional information.

2

Indicates that course is cross-listed in two departments and can be credited only once.

4. Social and Behavioral Sciences

(2 courses, 6 semester/9 quarter units. Courses from two academic discipline areas)

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
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Federal Indian Law and Policy
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Native American Studies
Cultural Geography
Geography of California
World Regional Geography
Human Development Through the Lifespan 1
Child, Family, and Community
Child Growth and Development 1
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family 2
The Family 2
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 2
The African American Experience in American History since 1877 2
History of Traditional East Asia
History of Modern East Asia
California History
Contemporary United States History
American Military History
Chicano/Mexican American History 2
Russian History - 10th Century to Present
Native American History 2
Women in World History
Women in American History
The American West
World History to 1500
World History since 1500
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion 2
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory 2
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 2
Psychology of Women
Human Sexuality
Psychology and Film
Cultural Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Social Problems
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality 2
The Family 2
Sociology of Women's Health
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
Feminism and Social Action 2
Sociology of Gender
Introduction to Hip Hop and Social Justice 2
Introduction to Social Justice
Introduction to Women's Studies
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory 2
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion 2
Feminism and Social Action 2
1

Indicates that course credit is limited. Review the Transferable Courses to UC System page in the catalog or consult the counseling office for additional information.

2

Indicates that course is cross-listed in two departments and can be credited only once.

5. Physical and Biological Sciences

(At least 2 courses, 7-9 semester/9-12 quarter units. A minimum of one Physical Science course and one Biological Science course; one must include a corresponding laboratory; laboratory courses and lecture/laboratory combinations are indicated by an asterisk)

5A. Physical 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 *,1
General Chemistry II *,1
Introduction to Chemistry I *,1
Introduction to Chemistry II *,1
General Chemistry I - Part 1
and General Chemistry I - Part 2 *,1
Survey of Chemistry and Physics *, 2
Physical Geology
Physical Geology
and Physical Geology Laboratory *
California Geology
Historical Geology
Historical Geology
and Historical Geology Laboratory *
Energy, Environment, and Climate 2
Introduction to Earth Science
Introduction to Earth Science
and Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory *
Introduction to Oceanography
Introduction to Oceanography
and Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory *
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 2
California Water *
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
and Physical Geography Laboratory *
Weather and Climate
Basic Concepts in Physics 1
Basic Concepts in Physics
and Basic Concepts in Physics Laboratory *,1
General Physics I 1
General Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory *,1
General Physics II 1
General Physics II
and General Physics II Laboratory *,1
Survey of Chemistry and Physics *, 2
Principles of Physics: Mechanics 1
Principles of Physics: Mechanics
and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics *,1
Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism 1
Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism *,1
Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics 1
Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics
and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics *,1
5B. Biological Science
Introduction to Plant Science *,2
Introduction to Animal Science *
Biological Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
and Biological Anthropology Laboratory *
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
General Biology *
Botany *,1
General Zoology *,1
Microbiology *,1
Human Anatomy *,1
Human Physiology *,1
Introduction to Biology 1
Concepts of Biology *,1
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation *,2
Marine Biology *
Introduction to Plant Science *,2
Introduction to Ornithology
Introduction to Zoology *,1
Introduction to Entomology
General Human Anatomy and Physiology *,1
Biology: A Human Perspective 1
Biology: A Human Perspective
and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory *,1
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory *
California Water *
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation *,2
Introduction to Biopsychology
Introduction to Biopsychology
and Biopsychology Laboratory *
5C. Laboratory Activity
One of the courses selected from area 5A or 5B must include a related laboratory. Laboratory courses and related lecture/laboratory combinations are indicated by an asterisk.
1

Indicates that course credit is limited. Review the Transferable Courses to UC System page in the catalog or consult the counseling office for additional information.

2

Indicates that course is cross-listed in two departments and can be credited only once.

6. Language Other Than English

(University of California requirement; not required of California State University transfers. UC transfers may fulfill this requirement by completing 6A, 6B, 6C, or 6D below)

6A. Completion of one of the following courses:
American Sign Language I
American Sign Language II
American Sign Language III
American Sign Language IV
Elementary French - Level I
Elementary French - Level II
Intermediate French - Level I
Intermediate French - Level II
Elementary German - Level I
Elementary German - Level II
Elementary Italian - Level I
Elementary Italian - Level II
Elementary Japanese - Level I
Elementary Japanese - Level II
Elementary Spanish - Level I
Elementary Spanish - Level II
Intermediate Spanish - Level I
Intermediate Spanish - Level II
6B. Completion of two years of the same foreign language in high school with grades of “C” or better.
6C. Equivalent proficiency demonstrated by a specified minimum score on College Board SAT II tests in languages other than English; or a score of 3, 4, or 5 on any languages other than English College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations; or a score of 5 or higher on any languages other than English International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examinations.
6D. Completion of two years of formal schooling at the sixth grade level or higher in an institution where the language of instruction is not English with grades of “C” or better.

7. Ethnic Studies

(1 Course, 3 semester/4 quarter units.)  

Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Federal Indian Law and Policy
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Native American Studies

Notes

  1. Students should consult with counselors to determine the most appropriate general education patterns for their intended majors and transfer institutions.
  2. Courses listed in multiple areas will not be certified in more than one area except for courses in Language Other Than English.
  3. Courses taken as preparation for a major will also satisfy the corresponding portion of the IGETC requirements.
  4. Each course used to fulfill IGETC requirements must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or better.
  5. Advanced placement (AP) exams can be used to satisfy all areas of IGETC except for the Critical Thinking-English Com­po­si­tion and Oral Communication requirements. IGETC policy is to accept a score of 3 or higher to clear one course.
  6. International Baccalaureate (IB) exams can be used to satisfy all areas of IGETC except for the Area 1 requirements. IGETC policy is to accept a score of 5 or higher to clear one course.
  7. International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to IGETC requirements.

CSU Graduation Requirement In U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals

(Not part of IGETC; this CSU graduation requirement may be met before or after transfer to a CSU campus.)

Select 2 courses1 (4-6 semester units) from one of the following course combinations:

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 approved IGETC area(s) and this CSU graduation requirement. 


IGETC for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)

IGETC for STEM is only an option for students earning AS-T degrees in Biology for TransferChemistry for Transfer, and Environmental Science for Transfer.

The UC will accept IGETC for STEM if the UC school/college/major program to which the student transfers accepts partial IGETC certification.  

IGETC for STEM certification requires the following courses before transfer:

  • All courses in Areas 1 (except 1C for UC-bound students), 2, 5, and 7 of the traditional IGETC;
  • Two courses in Area 3 - one course in Area 3A and one course in Area 3B; and
  • One course in Area 4 (the second Area 4 course will eventually need to be from a different discipline).

The following courses must be completed after transfer:

  • One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 3;1
  • One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 4 (in a different discipline from the first Area 4 course);1 and
  • One course in Area 6 for UC-bound students who have not satisfied the requirement through proficiency.1
1

The deferred lower-division courses must be replaced with calculus and/or science courses that are required to be taken before transfer to the university.