Simplified Transfer Path: Cal-GETC for CSU & UC

Good news for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) institution:

The state has simplified general education requirements so that they are the same for both CSU and UC. Students now have one pathway that works for both university systems.

This is a change from the past, when the requirements for a CSU were slightly different than the requirements for a UC.

According to Delta’s 2025-26 course catalog, “the goal is to improve transfer efficiency and shorten time-to-degree completion.”

"Cal-GETC is more equitable because it creates a single general education pathway for California Community College students transferring to either the CSU or UC system," said Raichelle Strickland, transfer and articulation officer at Delta College. "In the past, students had to choose between two different general education patterns, which often caused confusion or required extra classes if transfer plans changed. With Cal-GETC, there’s now one unified pattern that works for both systems, making it easier to plan your education and stay on track toward graduation and transfer."

A student poses for the camera in the Delta College Library.

The details

The new pathway is known as “Cal-GETC” and it replaces a pathway known as “IGETC.” You can find information about the Cal-GETC pathway, including a list of the courses you can take to satisfy each subject area, in the Delta College catalog:

Cal-GETC: bit.ly/Delta-CalGETC
Printable Cal-GETC degree planner: bit.ly/Delta-CalGETC-Print

This single pathway will make it easier to understand which courses you need, which may shorten the amount of time required to transfer.

When is this happening?

Cal-GETC took effect this fall. Students enrolling in Delta College for the first time in Fall 2025 should be following the new Cal-GETC pathway.

What if I was already following the old plan?

Don’t worry! If you were a student at Delta College prior to Fall 2025, you can still follow the old pathway. This is what’s known as “catalog rights.” It’s only fair that students who were previously enrolled at the College be able to finish a pathway they’ve already started.

You also have the option to switch to the new Cal-GETC pathway. If you’re uncertain whether it’s best to follow the old pathway or the new pathway, we recommend checking with a counselor.

What if I’m not transferring?

If you don’t plan to transfer to a CSU or UC, you can follow Delta College’s own General Education pathway. Please note that the Delta College pathway has also been updated! If you attended Delta College prior to Fall 2025, you may choose to follow the old pathway or the new one. Talk to a counselor if you are unsure which pathway to follow.