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 collaborate to make decisions based on reference to the wider world and the historical forces that have shaped it.

At Cabrillo, there are four (4) GE patterns. Each pattern lists categories of courses that fulfill to goals of GE; the one you follow depends on the specifics of your long-term career and educational goals. Take the courses suggested on your Program Map or choose courses that interest you.

The primary GE patterns available are described here. Picking the right pattern is an important decision that should be discussed with an Academic Counselor. The specifics of your degree goal, transfer institution (for those going on to a four-year university), and major will be important in making the right choice.

AA (non-transfer) Degree GE pattern (PDF "blue sheet")

This pattern is designed for students seeking an Associate in Arts degree from Cabrillo. Most often, this pattern is followed by students seeking a broad-based associate degree (liberal arts and sciences, history, anthropology, etc.), whose immediate goal does not include transfer to a four-year university.

AS (non-transfer) Degree GE pattern (PDF "green sheet")

This pattern is designed for students seeking an Associate in Science degree from Cabrillo. Most often, this pattern is followed by students in occupational programs (horticulture, culinary arts, early childhood education, etc.)

CSU GE pattern (PDF "yellow sheet")

This pattern is designed for students planning on transfer to colleges in the California State University (CSU) system. Students seeking a BA/BS degree in high unit majors (biology, engineering, etc.) should meet with a counselor to discuss the need to include courses required by your major in your education plan. This GE pattern can be used to get an AA degree, or in some cases an AS degree as well as the AD-Ts.

IGETC GE pattern (PDF "lavender sheet")

This pattern is designed for students planning on transfer to colleges in either the University of California (UC) system or to colleges in the California State University (CSU) system. Students seeking a BA/BS degree in high unit majors (biology, engineering, etc.) should meet with a counselor to discuss the need to include courses required by your major in your education plan. This GE pattern can be used to get an AA degree, or in some cases an AS degree as well as an AD-T.