The CSU requires each student receiving a baccalaureate degree to be knowledgeable about the Constitution of the United States, American history, and state and local government. This U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement is generally known as the American Institutions Requirement. You can complete this requirement either by completing the required courses (generally two) or, at some campuses, passing a comprehensive examination or a combination of coursework and examination. California Community Colleges have identified courses that can be completed at the lower-division level before you transfer. In addition, most CSU campuses permit courses that meet this requirement to satisfy General Education-Breadth requirements providing your General Education-Breadth and American Institution requirements are certified by a California Community College. California Community College counselors have information about how individual CSU campuses handle this requirement.

All California Community Colleges have designated courses that satisfy CSU's American Institutions Requirement. Your California Community College can certify completion of these courses.