At the California State University, campuses require incoming transfer students to complete four general education courses, known as the "Golden Four" courses before they can transfer. The "Golden Four" courses are SF State's A2 - Written English Communication, B4 - Quantitative Reasoning, A1 - Oral Communication, and A3 - Critical Thinking. Building Proficiency in these areas provides students with foundational skills that help them succeed in all other courses and in life.
- Transfer students missing any of these courses should plan on completing them in their first semester at SF State.
- Freshmen should plan to complete the "Golden Four" in their first year at SF State.
* Unlike other General Education courses, the "Golden Four" must be completed with a grade of CR or C- or better to fulfill the General Education Requirement.
Useful Links
- First Year Writing Advising - Log in and take a short survey to help you decide which A2 course you should take.
- First Year Writing - Learn about English courses for native English speakers.
- Composition for Multilingual Students - Learn about A1 and A2 course options for non-native speakers of English.
- B4 Survey - Take a survey to help you choose the right B4 course.
- B4 Course Options - Learn about your B4 course options by clicking here and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
- Non-Stem Math Pathway 1 and 2 Sections - If you're looking for a non-stem math course and you're pathway 1 and 2, this is an easy to view list of course options.
- Non-Stem Math Pathway 3 and 4 Linked Sections - If you're looking for a non-stem math course and you're pathway 3 and 4, this is an easy to view list of course options.
- A1, A2, and A3 Course Options - Look at a full list of approved courses for these GE areas in the SF State Bulletin.