University Extension

657-278-2611
extension.fullerton.edu

Executive Director
Karen McKinley

Introduction

CSUF University Extension partners with academic units and the community to create, deliver and administer self-supported programs (for which CSUF receives no state funding) to serve the educational and professional development needs of local, regional, national and international learners as well as current CSUF students. University Extension administers: CSUF Summer and Winter sessions; some degree and postbaccalaureate programs: certificate programs and courses for workforce development and K-12 educators; Open University enrollment, which allows students not admitted to CSUF to take CSUF courses; the University Semester Abroad (USA) program for international students seeking to study at CSUF for one or two semesters; other programs for international groups of students or working professionals; and community and corporate training.

Degree Credit Courses and Programs

CSUF Summer Session

Summer Session provides an opportunity to complete courses in order to make progress toward graduation. The summer term occurs between spring and fall semesters; most undergraduate classes are scheduled in one of the two five-week sessions. Students can view the class schedule in Titan Online in early March, and registration begins in late March. Classes are offered online, hybrid, and in-person.

CSUF Winter Session

Winter Session provides students with additional opportunity to complete a course and make progress toward graduation. It is held in December and January between the fall and spring semesters and consists of primarily online and hybrid courses.

Students can view the Winter Session class schedule in Titan Online in late September, and registration begins mid-October.

Open University

Open University provides an opportunity for non-admitted individuals to enroll in CSUF undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. It serves various students, including those needing academic credits for professional reasons, prerequisites for graduate or credential programs, degree completion, course transfers, international students participating in University Semester Abroad, prospective CSUF undergraduates, eligible high school students (with permissions), and returning CSUF students in good standing or those who faced academic challenges.

Enrollment is on a space-available basis after priority registration for admitted CSUF students. Course prerequisites (or equivalent) must be met. While course requirements and grades earned through Open University can count toward a planned undergraduate degree, only a maximum of 24 units earned via Open University may count toward the total cumulative units needed for a bachelor’s degree. Units earned through Open University do not count towards residency requirements. For an undergraduate degree at CSUF, residency includes 30 units for the degree, 24 units in upper-division courses and 12 upper-division units in the major. For graduate degrees, typically up to nine units earned via Open University may apply toward a specific graduate degree at CSUF, with more units possible for degrees requiring over 30 units. Consult the program’s graduate adviser for further details.

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency if they have not attended an English-instruction school for at least three years. Students are required to score a minimum TOEFL of 61 (500pBT) or IELTS 5.5 or PTE 43, or other comparable results in a test of English for undergraduate courses. To take graduate courses, students are required to obtain a minimum TOEFL of 80 (550pBT) or IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58, or other comparable result in a test of English.

Self-Support Degree and Postbaccalaureate Programs

CSUF University Extension administers non-state supported undergraduate,  degree completion programs, graduate degree and postbaccalaureate programs in partnership with CSUF academic departments and colleges. These programs are self-supporting and have characteristics that differentiate them from their state-supported counterparts, including different class schedules or delivery modes, and may be cohort-based. See the Online Degree Completion, Master’s Degree and Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate program websites for more information.

University Semester Abroad (USA) Program

International students who want to study at an American university for a semester or a year may enroll in University Semester Abroad and take credit-bearing courses that transfer to their home university. USA staff work closely with students and their home institutions to help guide course selection and enrollment. Students in the USA program enroll in classes through Open University. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/usa.

Professional Development Programs

Professional development programs and courses provide opportunities for career advancement or career change and are connected to workforce needs. Programs combine academic content and practical, real-world training applicable to the workplace. Certificates may be awarded upon program completion. Some programs offer digital badges upon course and/or program completion.

Educator Courses and Programs

CSUF University Extension works closely with the College of Education to offer self-supporting courses and programs for K-12 educators. The courses and programs are designed to help educators fulfill their professional development needs.

Custom Workforce Development Programs

CSUF University Extension can develop a wide variety of training solutions to benefit community and corporate organizations and improve the skills of their employees. Training can be highly customized. From an initial needs assessment through program planning and delivery, CSUF University Extension works closely with community and corporate partners to ensure that program content and learning outcomes are aligned with organizational objectives. More information is available at https://extension.fullerton.edu/community-corporate-engagement/.