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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.