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Upper Division Coursework

A.             Definition of Upper Division

Upper division courses are defined as requiring lower division knowledge and applying that knowledge as demonstrated measures of critical thinking through writing, oral communication or computation. Upper division coursework may also encompass research elements, workforce training, apprenticeships, internships, required practicum or capstone projects. Upper division courses typically will have one or more lower division or upper division prerequisites that have been established using content review of the entry skills necessary to be successful as outlined in title 5, section 55003. Courses that have been designated as upper division are only intended to be applicable to baccalaureate degrees. 

B.              Upper Division Unit and General Education Requirements 

A minimum of nine semester or 14 quarter units of upper division general education courses. Upper division general education courses should come from at least two disciplines outside of the major, one of which must have an emphasis in written communication, oral communication or computation. These upper division general education courses may be developed in any discipline, but the courses should relate to the required coursework for baccalaureate students. Upper division general education courses are intended only for CCC baccalaureate students and should not be open to students who are not enrolled in a CCC baccalaureate program.

C.              Upper Division Major Requirements

A minimum of 40 semester credits or equivalent or total upper division coursework, including the major and general education, is required. The minimum total number of semester credits required is 120.A major is defined as a single field of study from the Classification of Instructional Programs. Colleges may determine that a lower division course meets the requirements for an identified upper division course requirement, but the minimum number of upper division units must still be completed.

All courses designated as an upper division major requirement must be completed with a grade of C or better or P.