Understanding Degree Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Requirements

• 1. Total Units
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree
    • 120 units
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
    • 120 units
  • Bachelor of Science Degree
    • 120 units
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering
    • 128 units

  Note: A maximum of 70 semester (105 quarter) units from community colleges may be applied to the total units.

• 2. Upper-Division Units
  You must pass a minimum of 39 units of upper-division coursework (Chico State courses numbered 300 and above). Of these 39, a minimum of 12 units must be in the major for a BA degree or 18 in the major for a BS or BFA degree. Enrollment in upper-division courses is normally restricted to students with junior, senior, or graduate standing. 
• 3. Residence Units

  You must complete a minimum of 30 units in residence at Chico State. At least 24 of the 30 units must be in upper-division coursework (numbered 300 or above), and 12 of the 30 must be in the major. At least 9 of the 48 units required for General Education must also be taken in residence at Chico State.

  Chico State summer/special session classes, including Open University course work, generate residence credit. General extension courses do not. No more than 24 units of Open University and 24 units of extension credit will count towards the bachelor's degree.

• 4. General Education
  You are required to take 48 units of a prescribed General Education program. The 48 units are counted as part of the total unit requirement. At least 9 of the 48 units required for General Education must also be taken in residence at Chico State.
• 5. Diversity

  You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in U.S. Diversity and at least one in Global Cultures.

  US Diversity

  You must complete at least one course that focuses on and contextualizes the experiences of one or more groups found in the U.S. that are distinct from the dominant U.S. culture.

  See U.S. Diversity Course Requirements for a complete listing of applicable courses. Some courses used to satisfy this requirement also may be counted toward the 48-unit General Education requirement. Courses from other institutions which meet the intent of this requirement will be accepted.

  Global Cultures

  You must complete at least one course that focuses on non-U.S. culture(s) distinct from the dominant U.S. and European experience.

  See Global Cultures Studies Course Requirements for a complete listing of applicable courses. Some courses used to satisfy this requirement also may be counted toward the 48-unit General Education requirement. Courses from other institutions which meet the intent of this requirement will be accepted.

• 6. U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals

  You must demonstrate competence in your understanding of the Constitution of the United States, of U.S. history, including the study of U.S. institutions and ideals, and of the principles of California state and local government. Competence may be demonstrated either by passing examinations or completing appropriate coursework in the History Department and Political Science and Criminal Justice Department. If you are a transfer student, you may have completed these requirements at the school you previously attended; if so, your transfer credit summary will certify completion. 

  The U.S. history portion of the requirement may be fulfilled by HIST 130 (or an equivalent transfer course), or by a challenge exam. The latter is administered by the Department of History once each semester during the first three weeks of classes. Details may be obtained from that department. A passing grade not only meets part of the requirements but also carries 3 units of lower-division credit toward graduation.

  The Constitution and Ideals (including California state and local government) portion of the requirement may be fulfilled by POLS 155 (or an equivalent transfer course), or by a challenge exam. The latter is administered by the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice on the second Thursday of each fall and spring semester. Details may be obtained from that department. A passing grade not only meets part of the requirement but also carries 3 units of lower-division credit toward graduation. If you have completed the requirement in the Constitution of the United States, but not the requirement in California state and local government, you should take POLS 402, or see an advisor for other options. A special California state and local government exam is also administered by the department for students who wish to demonstrate competence with or without earning credit. See the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice for details.

• 7. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements

  You must demonstrate competence in your use of writing and mathematics/quantitative reasoning.

  To satisfy the University's Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009(opens in new window)) requirement, you must complete a GE Written Communication (A2) course with a grade of C- or higher, and a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) course in your major with a grade of C- or higher. You also must complete two additional Writing (W) courses.

  To satisfy the University's mathematics/quantitative reasoning requirement, you must pass a GE Quantitative Reasoning (B4) course with a grade of C- or higher.

  See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements for more information.

• 8. An Approved Major
  You must complete an approved major program. Major program requirements are described fully in the University Catalog. 
• 9. Grade Point Average
  You must attain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average that includes both transfer and Chico State work, at least a 2.0 in courses required for the major, and at least 2.0 in all work taken at Chico State. Some majors may have additional grade point average requirements. They are described in each major program description.

Your Degree Progress Report (DPR)