Navigating Transfer Admission to Cal State Long Beach’s College of Engineering

Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) is a popular destination for students seeking a strong engineering education, with transfer students comprising a significant portion – approximately half – of the College of Engineering’s (COE) graduating class. Admission to the COE is competitive, but prospective transfer students can significantly improve their chances with careful planning and preparation. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the transfer process, admission criteria, and strategies for success.

Preparing for Transfer: Foundational Skills and Coursework

A strong foundation in mathematics and science is crucial for success in engineering at CSULB. Specifically, a solid understanding of Calculus and Physics is highly recommended. Beyond foundational knowledge, prospective students should demonstrate an aptitude for analytical and creative problem-solving. Prioritizing lower-division preparation courses before transferring is essential, as these courses directly impact a student’s ability to thrive in the rigorous engineering curriculum.

Increasing Your Chances of Admission

Given the high demand and competitive nature of admissions, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete as many General Education and lower-division major courses as possible before applying. This includes fulfilling both recommended and required coursework. Completing additional courses beyond the minimum requirements can further strengthen an application and potentially expedite graduation once admitted. Students can utilize ASSIST.org to determine the transferability of coursework from California community colleges.

Admission Criteria: A Competitive Landscape

CSULB receives a substantial number of applications, exceeding available student spaces. Meeting the university’s general admission requirements is only the first step. Transfer applicants interested in engineering must similarly fulfill major-specific minimum requirements. For local applicants (based on high school of graduation or military veteran status) who meet the minimum cumulative GPA and required lower-division preparation, admission is generally offered.

Still, for highly impacted majors, a GPA adjustment of 0.1 is applied during the admissions process to enhance the applicant’s competitive ranking. Non-local applicants who meet the minimum GPA and preparation requirements will be admitted based on space availability, with consideration given to cumulative GPA and additional completed coursework, if specified.

Second Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering

CSULB does accept applications for second bachelor’s degrees in Engineering, but only from highly qualified applicants. These applicants must meet the same major-specific criteria as transfer students, in addition to minimum post-baccalaureate admission requirements. Admission for second bachelor’s degree candidates is granted on a space-available basis, following the consideration of eligible transfer students.

Resources for Prospective Transfer Students

• CSULB College of Engineering – Incoming Transfer Students: Information from the Engineering Student Success Center (ESSC).
• Fall 2025 Transfer Major-Specific Degree Requirements: Details on requirements for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 admission.
• CSU – Transfer Students: General information about transferring to the California State University system.