Fall 2025 Transfer Major-Specific Degree Requirements - College of the Arts (COTA)
These criteria will be used for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 transfer admission consideration only.
Admission criteria are subject to change for future admission cycles. See to determine the courses offered at California institutions which will satisfy the specific course requirements.
Admission to all majors at ºÚÁÏÍø is competitive because ºÚÁÏÍø continues to have more qualified applicants than available new student spaces. All transfer students must declare a major when submitting their application. Review Transfer Application and Admissions eligibility for details. To review the detailed major-specific degree requirements select the major below. If a major is highly impacted, it will be noted next to the name of the major and additional supplemental criteria and requirements are indicated in the major-specific details.
Admission Consideration
- Except for highly impacted majors, CSU eligible applicants who are considered local based on their high school of graduation or their military veteran status will be offered admission if they meet the major-specific minimum cumulative GPA and required lower-division preparation.
- For local applicants who apply to a highly impacted major, their cumulative grade point average (GPA) will be increased by 0.1 during the admissions process. This calculated GPA will be applied to the competitive ranking and departmental review for admissibility to a highly impacted program.
- Other CSU-eligible applicants who have met the major-specific minimum cumulative GPA and the minimum required lower-division preparation will be admitted on a space available basis based on their cumulative GPA and the additional preparation courses completed if specified in the criteria.
- If space is available after all students meeting the minimum major GPA and preparation have been accommodated, then CSU-eligible students without the minimum major preparation may be considered.
- Students admitted to the major who have not completed the additional recommended transfer requirements or the additional ºÚÁÏÍø requirements must complete them during their first year at ºÚÁÏÍø.
Note:
For spring term admission, coursework and unit minimums must be completed no later than the prior summer term.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) curriculum is used in lieu of the major-specific degree requirements. We strongly encourage students to complete both the recommended and required courses because ºÚÁÏÍø remains highly competitive in our admissions process. Under current CSU guidelines, the cumulative GPA will be increased by 0.1 and this calculated GPA will be applied in the ranking of applicants. Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) for a complete list of requirements and additional information on how the ADT will be used in the competitive ranking process.
Requirements by Major
B.F.A. Option in Ceramics
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Additional recommended preparation for Transfer Applicants Only (grade of C or better required) | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 251A | Introduction to Ceramic Arts: Handbuilding |
ART | 251B | Introduction to Ceramic Arts: Wheel Throwing |
Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A. Option in Drawing & Painting and Illustration/Animation
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Additional recommended preparation for Transfer Applicants Only (grade of C or better required) | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 184 | Foundation Life Drawing |
ART | 287 | Introduction to Painting |
Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A. Option in Photography
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Additional recommended preparation for Transfer Applicants Only (grade of C or better required) | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 241 | Introduction to Photography |
​Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A. Option in Printmaking
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Additional recommended preparation for Transfer Applicants Only (grade of C or better required) | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 184 | Foundation Life Drawing |
ART | 241 or 287 | Intro Studio: Photography - Digital or Intro Studio: Painting |
ART | 270 | Intro Studio: Printmaking |
​Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A. Option in Sculpture
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Additional recommended preparation for Transfer Applicants Only (grade of C or better required) | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 261 | Introduction to Life Sculptures: From the Figure to the Body |
ART | 263 | Introduction to Sculpture/4D |
​Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A. Option in 3-D Media
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Additional recommended preparation for Transfer Applicants Only (grade of C or better required) | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 263 | Introduction to Sculpture/4D |
ART | 287 | Introduction to Painting |
​Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.A. Option in Studio Art
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A. Option in Graphic Design
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to BFA Options must also receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Contact department for details of portfolio submission and review process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required)
​The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 223 | Introduction to Typography |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- ​T³ó±ð&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Art Department for more information on this major.
B.A. in Art Education
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
B.A. in Art History
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
Take two of the following: | ||
ART HISTORY | 111A | Foundation Art History: Prehistory-c. 1500, Middle East, North Africa, Europe |
ART HISTORY | 111B | Foundation Art History: c.1300-present, Europe and the United States |
ART HISTORY | 111C | Foundation Art History: Latin American Arts and Architecture |
ART HISTORY | 111D | Foundation Art History: Asia, Early Sacred Cultures |
ART HISTORY | 111E | Foundation Art History: Asia, Later Traditions |
ART HISTORY | 111F | Foundation Art History: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North America |
ART HISTORY | 111G | Foundation Art History: Arts of Islamic Religion |
Take two of the following: | ||
ART | 130 | Foundation Two - Dimensional |
ART | 131 | Foundation Three - Dimensional |
ART | 132 | Foundation Color Theory |
ART | 150 | Foundation Transdisciplinary Practice |
ART | 181 | Foundation Drawing |
ART | 241 | Intro Studio: Photography - Digital |
ART | 251A | Intro Studio: Ceramic Arts - Hand-building |
ART | 251B | Intro Studio: Ceramic Arts - Wheel-throwing |
ART | 257 | Intro Studio: Metals |
ART | 261 | Intro Studio: Sculpture - Life |
ART | 263 | Intro Studio: Sculpture - Beginning |
ART | 270 | Intro Studio: Printmaking |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Art Department for more information on this major.
Cinematic Arts, B.A.
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.75
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
Major Preparation Courses | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
Complete at least three of the following six courses: | ||
CINE | 101 | Understanding Film |
CINE | 201 | Film History I: Origins to 1960 |
CINE | 202 | Film History II: 1960 to Present |
CINE | 207 | Introduction to Screenwriting |
CINE | 210 | Sight, Sound & Story |
CINE | 220 | The Visual Story |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Cinematic Arts Department for more information on this major.
Dance B.A. & B.F.A.
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following an audition and demonstrate the following. Contact department for details of the audition process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
Major Preparation Courses | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
NONE | N/A | N/A |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Dance Department for more information on this major.
Dance Science B.S.
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following an audition and demonstrate the following. Contact department for details of the audition process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
The following suite of major preparation courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0: | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
BIOL | 207 | Human Physiology |
BIOL | 208 | Human Anatomy |
PSY | 100 | General Psychology |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Dance Department for more information on this major.
Design B.A. or Industrial Design B.S.
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to the BFA or BS programs must also receive a positive recommendation from a panel of faculty jurors following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Applicants do NOT submit portfolios until all lower-division Design coursework (100 and 200 level) has been completed.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
Major Preparation Courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
DESN | 120A | Fundamentals of Design |
DESN | 120B | Fundamentals of Design |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Design Department for more information on this major.
B.F.A in Interior Design
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following. Applicants to the BFA or BS programs must also receive a positive recommendation from a panel of faculty jurors following review of a portfolio submitted by the applicant. Applicants do NOT submit portfolios until all lower-division Design coursework (100 and 200 level) has been completed.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
Major Preparation Courses must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
DESN | 120A | Fundamentals of Design |
DESN | 120B | Fundamentals of Design |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Design Department for more information on this major.
Music is a highly impacted major.
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must receive a positive recommendation from the faculty following an audition and demonstrate the following. Contact department for details of the audition process.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
Major Preparation Courses | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
NONE | N/A | N/A |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The for more information on this major.
BA with Options in Theatre Arts, Performance, & Technical Theatre
To be considered for admission to the major, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.5
- Minimum lower-division preparation (grade of C or better required):
Major Preparation Courses | Course Number | Course Title |
---|---|---|
THEA | 114A | Fundamentals of Acting |
Required General Education courses not covered by major preparation courses:
- English Composition
- Critical Thinking
- Oral Communication
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Explore:
- The Theatre Department for more information on this major.