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What are A-G requirements?

You have to take certain high school courses to be eligible for a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU). They’re called A-G subject requirements. To count:

  • You have to pass with a C or better.
  • The course has to be on your high school’s A-G list. 

Find your school’s approved A-G course list or talk to your counselor. 

Area: A
Subject: History/Social Science
Years Required: Two years of history/social science. 

  • One year of U.S. History OR one semester each of U.S. History and civics or American Government. 
  • One year of:
    • CSU:  History/social science from the A or G subject area.
    • UC:  World or European history, cultures, or geography from the A subject area.

Area: B
Subject: English
Years Required: Four years of college-prep English with frequent writing.

Area: C
Subject: Mathematics
Years Required: Three years of college-prep mathematics. Courses include topics covered in elementary algebra, advanced algebra, and two-and three-dimensional geometry. 
*Four years strongly recommended. 

Area: D
Subject: Laboratory Science
Years Required: Two years of college-prep science, including:

  • CSU: One biological science and one physical science.
  • UC:  Courses in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics.
    • Earth or space science can count for one year. 
    • Computer science, engineering, and applied science can count for a third year of science and beyond.

*Three years strongly recommended. 

Area: E
Subject: Language other than English (LOTE)
Years Required: Two years of the same language other than English.

Area: F
Subject: Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
Years Required: One year of dance, drama/theater, music, interdisciplinary arts, or visual art. Two one-semester courses in the same subject counts.

Area: G
Subject: College Preparatory Elective
Years Required: One year or two semesters in any course on the A-G list. 

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