Open GE Courses

Open GE Courses (by GE Area):

Note! During the first two weeks of the semester, most classes can be enrolled into WITHOUT a permission number! 

Look for classes that state "Permission # not required until 3rd wk of semester" under the "Class Attribute" column.

GE Area A1
GE Area A2
GE Area A3
GE Area B1
GE Area B2
GE Area B3
GE Area B4*

*MATH 226 (Sections 31/32) are reserved for METRO students

GE Area C1
GE Area C2
GE Area D1**

**ETHS 221 is reserved 
for METRO students 

GE Area D2
US/CA Government***

***RRS 250 (Sections 1 & 2) are reserved for METRO students

GE Area F

To get to these lists manually, refer to the online Class Schedule "Advanced Search" function and look for particular GE areas under "Course Attributes"—there are a LOT of open classes still available!

See instructions below...

Go to the online Class Schedule page:

SFSU Home > "Quick Links" tab > "Class Schedule" menu option

Use the "Advanced Search" option—select the following settings:

  • For "Term", select "Fall 2025"
  • For "Seat Availability" Select "Classes with seats available"

Select Course Attribute - select your option

Advanced Search

 

Skip down to "Course Attribute"—you can choose up to TWO attributes for your search criteria:

  • Based on your preferences, you might also want to select "In-Person" classes or one of our online options

 

Course Attribute

 

Choose the GE Area category to find open classes within that requirement area:

Here are the lower division GE areas appropriate for your first two years:

  • Area A - English language Communication and Critical Thinking
  • Area B - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
  • Area C - Arts and Humanities
  • Area D - Social Sciences
  • Area E - Lifelong Learning & Self-Development (Should be completed or waived.)
  • Area F - Ethnic Studies (A lower division course attribute can be used to identify just the lower division courses)
  • US/CA Government - (A lower division course attribute can be used to identify just the lower division courses) 
     
Course Attribute Menu

On the Search Results page:

  • Find a course you are interested in
  • Make sure that it fits your current class schedule
  • Note the "Instruction Mode" (In-Person, Hybrid or Online options) 
  • You will need the "Class Number" to add each course into the "Shopping Cart" on your Student Center
     
Class Number to add course to shopping cart

Repeat until you are enrolled into 12-16 units! 15 units keeps you on track for 4 year graduation, but 12 units is full time.