General Education
General Education (GE)
General Education (GE) is more than a set of requirements, it's fun! The goal of the GE curriculum is to build an appreciation for lifelong learning and to deepen your understanding of your chosen discipline in context of our larger world. These courses strive to expand your knowledge for success in the 21st century; it's an opportunity for skill development through the study of subjects outside your major.
Be more than an expert in your field. Employers want graduates who have skills and some depth of knowledge in fields outside their discipline and are engaged global citizens who can lead, communicate, analyze problems, and propose solutions. Utilize your GE courses to learn the skills most desired by employers. Be the well-rounded employee who:
can think and write clearly, effectively, and critically, and who can creatively communicate with precision and clarity using web-based computer applications.
has a critical appreciation of the ways we gain knowledge and understanding of the universe, of society, and of ourselves with some understanding and experience in thinking systematically about moral and ethical problems in order to identify challenges and implement beneficial change.
has a broad knowledge of other cultures and other times, and is able to collaborate to make decisions based on reference to the wider world and the historical forces that have shaped it.
Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, there are two (2) General Education patterns. Each pattern lists categories of courses and the number of units required to fulfill your GErequirements. Take the courses suggested on your Program Map or choose courses that interest you.
Cabrillo College A.A. or A.S. General Education Pattern (fulfills local, non-transferable degree)
Cal-GETC General Education Pattern (transfers to a UC or CSU)
Tips on choosing a GE pattern:
The one you follow depends on your major, the specifics of your long-term career and educational goals and your transfer institution (for those going on to earn a bachelor's degree)
Picking the right pattern is an important decision that should be discussed with an Academic Counselor
ProTip: Students who are in the process of completing their degree requirements have the choice to follow one of the previous GE Patterns (known as "Catalog Rights") or use the new Cal-GETC standards. Please meet with an Academic Counselor to discuss your specific graduation and transfer goals.
- Academic Counseling
- Associate Degree for Transfer
- Asociado para Transferencia
- Students New to Cabrillo
- Estudiantes Nuevos a Cabrillo
- Continuing Cabrillo Students
- Continuando estudiantes de Cabrillo
- Drop-In Advising
- Asesoramiento Casual
- Specialty Academic Counseling
- Asesoramiento Académico Especializado
- Counseling Course Descriptions
- Descripciones de los Cursos de Asesoramiento
- Educational Planning
- Planificación Educativa
- General Education
- Educación General
- Program Maps
- Programa Maps
General Education Pattern Archive
Choose based on your Educational Goal and Catalog Rights from 24-25 and before
This pattern is designed for students seeking an Associate in Arts degree from Cabrillo. Most often, this pattern is followed by students in occupational programs (horticulture, culinary arts, early childhood education, etc.)
PDF: lists all the courses in each category by title and course number
Schedule of Classes: use the filter "Course Type" to view courses in each "CAB GE" Category.