The California State University requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A unit is one year of study in high school.

  • 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra)
  • 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological and 1 physical, both with labratory instruction)
  • 2 years in the same foreign language
  • 1 year of visual and performing arts
  • 1 year of electives: selected from the areas above or other approved college preparatory A-G courses
Waiver of Foreign Language Subject Requirement

The foreign language subject requirement may be waived if you demonstrate competence in a language other than English equivalent to or higher than expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. For further information, you should consult with a school counselor or any CSU campus admissions or school relation's office.

Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements. In certain circumstances, if you are judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement because of a disability, alternate college preparatory courses may be substituted for specific subject requirements. Substitutions may be authorized on a case-by-case basis after review of disability documentation and academic records and recommendation by your academic advisor or guidance counselor in consultation with the director of a CSU disabled student services program. You should be aware that failure to complete the courses required for admission may limit later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. For further information and substitution forms, please contact CSUMB Student Disability Resources.