General Education Patterns
Good News
The state has simplified general education requirements so that they are the same for both CSU and UC. You 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.
What do I need to know?
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 in Fall 2025. 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.
Transfer Agreement Guarantee (TAG)
Several universities provide the student the opportunity to develop a Transfer Agreement Guarantee, (TAG). These agreements, developed in conjunction with your Delta College counselor, will guarantee your admission to the university for which the agreement is written. With your counselor, you will develop a Student Education Plan, (SEP), which will ensure that you are taking the proper courses to become eligible for admission.
Your SEP will include the courses necessary to complete your general education and major preparation requirements. After you have developed your SEP and have successfully completed approximately 30 units with the required GPA, it will be time for you and your counselor to write your TAG.
After the TAG is written to include the plan you have developed with your SEP, it will be submitted to the transfer institution, and if accepted, will become a contract between you and that institution. Your obligation will be to complete the courses enumerated on your TAG with the GPA required, in the time period specified by the transfer institution. If you fulfill your obligation as outlined in the TAG, the transfer institution will fulfill its obligation, and you will be automatically admitted.
To develop your TAG, you should see a counselor as soon as possible during your first semester at Delta College. To see a counselor and find out more about the TAG, you may call the Counseling Office for an appointment at (209) 954-5650.
Resources
Assist.org
Official course transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities
Writing your Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important part of the admissions process. This link will get you started.
UC Pathways
University of California online undergraduate admission information and application network
Answers for Transfers
Planning guide transfer students
UC Office of the President
Systemwide UC information
UC Transfer Course Agreement / UC-TCA
Listing of all SJDC courses that transfer to the University of California
Notice
The information presented on this site is not sufficient in itself to lead to successful transfer. Consult a Delta College Counselor to discuss your educational and career goals. Your counselor will help you develop a comprehensive educational plan to serve as your map for getting from where you are to where you want to be.
Counseling appointments may be made by visiting the Counseling Center.