GE 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Cal Poly’s New General Education Program
General Education (GE) is changing at Cal Poly. This change, known as GE 2026, simplifies Cal Poly’s GE requirements and creates a single consistent pattern for all Cal Poly students.
GE 2026 begins in Fall 2026 with the 2026-28 catalog and will apply only to students following degree requirements for the 2026-28 or later catalogs.
You may stay on your current catalog (that is, continue to follow your same degree requirements) or switch to the 2026-2028 catalog, which also marks Cal Poly’s transition to the semester calendar. Whatever your choice, this website will help guide you during this transition period.
If you plan to take GE classes during the 2025-26 academic year or in Summer 2026, whether at Cal Poly or elsewhere, you should carefully review the information below.
Summary of the Significant Changes (Applying to Students Following the 2026-28 Catalog)
- One unified GE pattern for all majors (there are two GE patterns on the 2022–26 and earlier catalogs).
- College of Engineering, ARCE, and BRAE will now take three Social Sciences courses (one more than before).
- All GE area letters and numbers are changing from letter-first to number-first
- Example: GE A2 → GE 1A.
- Requirements for each area remain the same; only the labels are different.
- Science lab requirement
- Becomes a 1-unit course requirement (currently 0 units)
- May be embedded in a 4-unit Lower-Division Physical or Life Science class or taken in conjunction with a 3-unit Lower-Division Physical or Life Science course.
- Total of 7 semester units across these three Lower-Division science areas.
- Lower-Division Arts and Humanities
- The elective requirement is being removed; only two courses will now be required at the Lower-Division level.
- There will be no prefix requirement for the two Lower-Division Arts and Humanities courses.
- Area E (Lifelong Learning and Self-Development) will no longer be required.
- GE Electives (8 units) currently required in the Standard Template will no longer be required.
- Total units required decreased from 72 quarter units (2022–2026 and earlier catalogs) to 43 semester units (2026–28 catalog and later).
We realize this transition can be confusing, so we have created several tools to explain how areas and requirements have changed. We’ll give you a GE area-by-area breakdown below.
What You Will Need to Know
To successfully navigate these upcoming GE changes effectively and select the right courses, it is essential to know which catalog year you are following.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR CATALOG YEAR:
- Log in to your Cal Poly Portal.
- Click the Academics tab.
- Under Degree Information, you'll see your catalog year listed.
GE Patterns
If you want to compare the new GE 2026 pattern to the current GE patterns, the current patterns can be found below:
GE 2020: Standard Template (PDF)
GE 2020 High-Unit Template (PDF)
GE and Your Major Curriculum Requirements
Because almost all Cal Poly majors specify some GE requirements (specific courses) within major and/or support requirements, you should how the changes to GE map onto your major curriculum. This is particularly important as the curriculum for many degree programs are being adjusted for the semester conversion in Fall 2026.
To review how your degree requirements are changing on the new catalog, click on the Curriculum Sheet link in the 2026-28 catalog.
Changes to the Numbers of GE Areas
The link below is a table to understand how GE area numbers and letters are changing. It will be important for you to familiarize yourself with this information so you make all the right choices in your course selections. This information is also explained in the FAQ section of this website.
CHANGES TO INDIVIDUAL GE AREAS:
Area A
Area A is now Area 1.
General Education categories are being renamed and renumbered, but their content remains the same. All students must complete 9 semester units of coursework in Area 1 with a grade of C- or higher.
The differences:
- Area A1 becomes Area 1C (Oral Communication)
- Area A2 becomes Area 1A (Written Communication)
- Area A3 becomes Area 1B (Critical Thinking)
Area B
The current Area B: Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning is being divided into two new areas:
- Area 2: Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning
- 3 units must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.
- Area 5: Physical and Life Sciences
- 7 Lower-Division units must be completed in this area.
How Current Area B Subareas Map to GE 2026:
| Current area b subareas | ge 2026 area |
|---|---|
|
Area B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning |
Area 2 Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning |
|
Area B1 Physical Science |
Area 5A Physical Science |
|
Area B2 Life Science |
Area 5B Life Sciences |
|
Area B3 Laboratory Activity |
Area 5C Laboratory
|
| Upper-Division B |
Upper-Division 2/5
|
Area C
Area C is now Area 3.
All students will complete 9 semester units in Area 3.
Lower-Division Requirements:
- On the 2020-21 through 2022-26 Cal Poly catalogs, students completed three Lower-Division courses, each with a different course prefix.
- C1: Arts, C2: Humanities, A third course in either Arts or Humanities
- On GE 2026, only two Lower-Division course are required:
- Area 3A: Arts & Area 3B: Humanities
- No prefix requirements applies in the GE 2026 pattern.
Upper-Division Requirements:
- Upper-Division C is now Upper-Division 3.
- Student must complete one Upper-Division Arts or Humanities course.
Area D
Area D is now Area 4.
All students must complete 9 semester units (3 courses) in Area 4 with courses coming from at least two different course prefixes (e.g. three courses—each with a HIST prefix—cannot fulfill Area 4).
Area 4 requirements:
- Area 4A - American Institutions
- Formerly D1
- NOTE: American Institutions is a special requirement. If you plan to complete it anywhere but at Cal Poly, or if you have partial credit from AP or transfer credit, consult your college Advising Center, the Mustang Success Center, or the Evaluations Unit of the Office of the Registrar.
- Area 4B
- Formerly D2
- Upper-Division Area 4
- Formerly Upper-Division D
Area E
Area E will be discontinued in the GE 2026 pattern.
No Area E courses will be offered at Cal Poly as of fall 2026.
Continuing students who move to the 2026-28 catalog may count any previously completed Area E course as free elective units.
For more information, see also "If I choose to stay on my current Cal Poly catalog, what is happening to Area E?" below.
Area F
Area F is now Area 6.
All students will complete 3 semester units of coursework in Area 6.
GE Area Electives
The 8 units of GE Area Electives will no longer be required on the GE 2026 pattern.
For continuing students who partially or completely fulfilled the Area Electives and are moving to the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog, the course or courses will count as free electives.
However, the course or courses will only count as free electives if the course/courses only satisfies GE. In many instances, the GE Elective course is also required in major/support. If that is still the case on the 2026-28 catalog, then the course will continue to fulfill major/support as appropriate.
Individual GE Courses
A list of all GE courses, what GE areas they fulfill on the 2022-26 and prior catalogs, and what GE areas they fulfill on the 2026-28 catalog is listed below, organized alphabetically. Use this list to determine how completed and/or planned GE courses fulfill GE requirements on your catalog. GE credit will depend in some cases on when the class was completed, so be sure you navigate to the correct column.
NOTE: You will always receive GE credit based on a course’s GE status at the time it was completed. Some courses will gain GE approval effective Fall 2026; others will lose their GE status effective Fall 2026; and some will change the GE area that they are approved for effective Fall 2026. Cal Poly will honor previously earned GE credit for the area you need but cannot grant GE credit for courses not approved in that area when completed.
INDIVIDUAL GE COURSES - LISTED ALPHABETICALLY
If You Stay on Your Current Catalog (2022-26 or Earlier):
- Your GE requirements will not change.
- You must still complete all requirements with their existing stipulations:
- Three courses in Lower-Division Area C, each from a different course prefix
- 8 units of GE Electives (standard template)
- Course descriptions in the catalog and Schedule Builder descriptions will show both old and new GE designations so that you can make the right choices based on your catalog. You will continue selecting classes using the GE Area numbers you’re already familiar with on your curriculum display or Degree Progress Report (DPR). Be sure to pay attention to which catalog you are following and to the corresponding course descriptions for that catalog.
-
Example: if you still need to complete a B4 (Math/Stat) requirement, simply look for B4-approved classes in Schedule Builder—just as you do now.
-
If I choose to stay on my current Cal Poly catalog, what is happening to Area E?
If you choose to stay on your current Cal Poly catalog, you are strongly encouraged to complete your Area E requirement by summer 2026. As of fall 2026, no Area E courses will be offered. If you have not completed Area E before fall 2026, you will instead fulfill it by taking an additional Area 4B course in fall 2026 or any subsequent term.
To clarify: even if you have already completed an extra D2 course beyond what was required to satisfy your D2, you must take another 4B class in fall 2026 or after to fulfill Area E. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are all the GE letters and numbers changing?
The entire CSU system is realigning its GE letters and numbers. This effort has been mandated by the California legislature to streamline the pathway for transfer students and to have a uniform GE pattern throughout California.
I am a first-year student on the 2022-26 Cal Poly catalog. Should I switch to the 2026-28 catalog to follow the new GE pattern?
You do not need to take any action.
All departments and majors have been consulted to determine the best catalog placement for students admitted in fall 2025, taking into account both the semester conversion and the GE 2026 changes. Every major confirmed that the 2026-28 catalog is the best fit for the fall 2025 class.
As a result, the Office of the Registrar will automatically move all fall 2025 first-year students to the 2026-28 catalog with no paperwork required. You will see this catalog change reflected in your Student Center and Degree Progress Report on or shortly after August 17, 2026.
If I am being moved to (or choose to move to) the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog, what should I know when planning my winter 2026 and spring 2026 schedules?
Do not take courses—at Cal Poly or elsewhere—to fulfill any of these GE area:
- Lower-Division Area C Elective (Arts and Humanities)
- Area E
- GE Electives (8 units on the standard template)
These areas will not be part of the new GE 2026 pattern.
If you believe you should take courses in any of these areas because they also satisfy major or support requirements on your current Cal Poly catalog, please consult with an academic advisor before enrolling.
Who will follow the new GE 2026 pattern, and who will not?
New Students Entering Cal Poly in Fall 2026
- All first-time first-year students entering Cal Poly in Fall 2026 will follow the new GE 2026 pattern.
- Transfer students entering in Fall 2026 will be placed on the Cal Poly catalog that provides the most benefit for their degree progress.
Students Who Entered Cal Poly in Fall 2025
- All first-time first-year students who entered Cal Poly in Fall 2025 will be switched to the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog (which includes the GE 2026 pattern).
- Some transfer students admitted in Fall 2025 may also be moved to the new catalog.
- If you are a Fall 2025 transfer student, please speak with your advising center for more details.
Students Who Entered Cal Poly Prior to Fall 2025
- Students who choose to move to the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog, or whose departments recommend they do so, will also follow the GE 2026 pattern.
Important Notes
- The GE 2026 pattern reduces the number of GE requirements, which may benefit many students.
- However, certain courses completed on the previous GE pattern will not apply to GE areas in the GE 2026 pattern. If you choose to move to the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog, please be aware that GE courses you completed while following a previous Cal Poly catalog may not apply to GE areas in the GE 2026 pattern. These courses include:
- Lower-Division Area C elective courses
- Area E courses
- Courses used to fulfill GE Electives (on the standard template)
- On the GE 2026 pattern, these courses will instead count as free electives.
In some cases, you may benefit more by remaining on your current catalog, especially considering the semester conversion of major curricula.
I'm concerned about this new 7-unit requirement in Lower-Division Area 5. If I've already completed or started my Physical Science, Life Science, and Lab course requirements under the old GE, will I need to take another science class to meet this unit requirement on the GE 2026 pattern?
Good news! Cal Poly does not want to disadvantage students in this transition.
If you have already completed the three Lower-Division science components (one Physical Science course, one Life Science course, and one laboratory experience, you will NOT be held to the new 7-unit minimum. You will have satisfied your Lower-Division Science GE requirement.
If you have started completing these areas, your progress will still count toward fulfilling the Lower-Division science requirements. You will simply need to complete whatever remaining requirements you have, being sure to also meet the lab requirement in the process.
In short, you will NOT need to take an additional science course just to meet the new 7-unit requirement in Lower-Division Science.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- You must have a lab as part of your Lower-Division science (Area B / Area 5) coursework.
- You must also complete one Upper-Division 2/5 course if you have not already completed an Upper-Division B course.
My major is in the College of Engineering, ARCE, or BRAE. What are the specific changes to my former Area D (now Area 4) requirements if I switch to the new 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog?
Continuing students (remaining on their current Cal Poly catalog):
Your Area D requirements do not change. You will still complete:
- One course in D1
- One course in either D2 or Upper-Division D for a total of 8 quarter units
Students on or moving to the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog (GE 2026):
You will be required to complete one additional course in Area 4. Your new requirements are:
- One course in 4A
- One course in 4B
- One course in Upper-Division 4
Will the GE display look the same in my Degree Progress Report (DPR) on the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog?
The GE section of your Degree Progress Report (DPR) will look slightly different on the 2026-28 catalog. All requirement will still be shown, however:
- Lower-Division GE requirements will appear first, followed by
- The three Upper-Division GE requirements list below the Lower-Division areas
I am concerned about the 43-unit GE requirement if I move forward to the new 2026-28 catalog and have already completed some or all of my GE requirements. Do I have to take more classes just to reach 43 units in GE?
The conversion factor of quarter to semester units is 2.67 semester units per quarter course. Because of this, it is possible that some students could run short of the 43 overall units required in the new GE 2026.
Good news: while you must complete all GE sub-areas in Areas 1-6, you will not be required to complete additional courses just to reach 43 units if you fall short of the 43-unit threshold.
Cal Poly's goal is to ensure no student is disadvantaged by the semester conversion. In most cases, any excess GE units—beyond what's needed to fulfill each GE sub-area—will still count toward the 43-unit total. Very few students will fall short of the 43-unit threshold.
What about the three Upper-Division GE requirements? If I've completed some or all of those and I move forward to the new catalog, do I have to complete another Upper-Division GE course to meet the 9-unit requirement?
Good news: as is the case for overall GE units (see FAQ above), you must complete all three Upper-Division GE requirements, but you will not be required to complete additional courses just to reach the 9 units.
Can I receive GE credit for a class I took that wasn’t GE on a previous Cal Poly catalog but is now a GE class on the GE 2026 pattern? Or can I receive credit for a class that changed what GE area it fulfills? Or can I receive credit for a class that was previously a GE class but isn’t on the GE 2026 pattern?
All Cal Poly students are held to the same GE requirements. No exceptions can be made for courses that changed their GE status. You will receive the GE credit that aligns with what the course was when you completed it. Cal Poly cannot grant GE credit for courses not approved in that area when completed.
I am pursuing a double major and would like to be on one Cal Poly catalog for one major and a different catalog for the other major. What do I need to complete my GE requirements?
You cannot follow two different Cal Poly catalogs due to the conversion to semesters.
You must choose a single catalog—either your current quarter catalog or the 2026-28 Cal Poly catalog—for both majors.