Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduate Students

What is General Education?

The purpose of the Cal State East Bay General Education Program is to add depth and breadth to a student’s majors and electives courses by enriching the academic experience. The General Education Program is planned and organized to allow students to acquire abilities, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation so they will become well-rounded individuals for a diverse society. 

What is a baccalaureate degree?

A baccalaureate degree, or a bachelor's degree, is the academic title that the University confers upon an individual after successful completion of a minimum number of quarter units at Cal State East Bay. The degree includes certain specified patterns of coursework, a minimum number of advanced units with a grade point average of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 point scale, and various other requirements specified in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Cal State East Bay offers three baccalaureate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.

What is a major?

A major is a specified pattern of coursework in a particular discipline or group of disciplines. It complements General Education by allowing specialization in one area—to study it in more depth than the one or two courses taken for General Education in other disciplines.

What is an option?

An option is a prescribed pathway through a major, which allows for emphasis on a particular segment of the discipline.

What is a minor?

A minor is a coherent program in some field or group of related fields other than the major.