Credit hours requirements define how many credits a student must earn for each type of degree. Bachelor of Arts degree candidates must earn 120 to 124 credits to graduate. Bachelor of Science degree students need 120 to 128 credits. Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree candidates must obtain 132 credits.
Students who earn credits from another college either during or prior to matriculating at Chico State may qualify for a degree from Chico under certain conditions. A minimum of 30 credits must be earned at California State University, Chico. At least 24 of the 30 credits must be earned from course work numbered 300 or above. Twelve of the 30 must be earned from courses in the student's declared major. Students must take no fewer than nine of the 48 units required for general education, or basics, at Chico State.
Students must take general courses that provide a solid foundation for a degree at Chico State. The General Education program at Chico State requires 48 credit hours, of which at least nine must also be earned at Chico. Basic education requirements include courses in writing, mathematics, political science and U.S. history. A grade of C- or better will serve as evidence of competency in the basic requirements. Students should sign up for English 130 and a writing proficiency course in their major department.
Chico State requires students to complete one course in United States diversity and one in global cultures. Such courses serve to expose students to various cultures and subcultures and teach understanding of those cultures from different points of view.
Prior to entrance into Chico State, students must pass entry level math and English placement tests. Students may gain exemption from these tests by speaking with the mathematics or English departments to gain clearance.
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and above will be sufficient for graduation. Transfer credits along with credits earned at Chico State are applied toward the grade point average. A 2.0 must be the average for course work in the student's declared major, as well as the the average for all course work performed at Chico State.
Each program department will have separate requirements for acquiring a major or minor within the department. Students should review the course catalogue for the departments in which a major or minor is sought to ensure completion of a degree.