The following are the minimum high school course requirements for students planning to attend the University of California or California State University at any of their sites. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. (Students considering a competitive University should always plan on taking additional requirements beyond the minimum.)
COURSE FIELDS REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY
History/social science (“a”) Two years, 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”) Four years of college preparatory English that integrates reading of classic and modern literature, frequent and regular writing, and practice listening and speaking.
Mathematics (“c”) Three years of college-preparatory math, including or integrating the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.
Laboratory science (“d”) Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
Language other than English (“e”) Two years of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second level of high school instruction.
Visual and performing arts (“f”) One year chosen from dance, music, theater or the visual arts.
College-preparatory elective (“g”) One year chosen from the “a-f” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely in the elective area.
This is the University of California’s description of the rationale behind the a-g requirements for UC admission:
“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. Courses from California high schools and online schools used to satisfy the “a-g” subject requirements must be approved by UC and appear on the institution’s “a-g” course list. 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.”
Career Technical Education (CTE) courses integrate discipline-specific academic content with industry knowledge and skills, and can engage a wider array of students, provide them with increased options and empower them to succeed. To encourage students to undertake more challenging studies in high school, the University of California assigns extra weight to grades received in honors-level courses. UC maintains an honors “a-g” course policy that defines the types of honors courses eligible for the UC honors designation. UC has designated 18 courses on the ESGVROP/TC list for 2017-2018.
A-G courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher can receive college credit for graduation, with an exam given on a comparable course in the UC or CSU demonstrating advanced knowledge.
Keep in mind that taking approved high school a-g courses isn’t the only way to satisfy these requirements. You also may meet them by completing college courses or earning certain scores on SAT, Advanced Placement, or Baccalaureate exams.