Opening Doors to opportunity

Open University allows community members, working professionals, international or visiting students, former Chico State students and alumni to enroll in university courses during fall, spring, and summer terms. Open University opens doors so that you can grow professionally, explore personal interests, prepare for a career change, or give university life a try. Students enroll on a space-available basis with instructor permission.

• There is no formal application or admission process.
• Earn transferable credits, up to 24 units toward a bachelor’s degree or 9 units toward a master’s degree.  

Take an Open University Class

Summer Open University class requests will open May 1 and Fall Open University class requests will open August 4!

• Please refer to the Chico State class schedule for class selection.

Request a Class

Step 1: Complete the Open University Add/Drop Form

Submit an Add or Drop Form for each course you wish to take. Once submitted, it will be routed for signatures as needed. 

Select the class(es) you would like to enroll infrom the Chico State class schedule. The info needed for the Add/Drop form is noted here:

Step 2: Class Enrollment

We'll start enrolling students in their class(es) about 2 weeks before the term starts. Once enrolled, you'll receive an overnight confirmation email that includes your student ID number and instructions to claim your account. 

Step 3: Pay Fees Once Enrollment is Complete

After you receive your enrollment confirmation email, log into your Student Center to pay course fees or call 530-898-6105.

Open University Fees

• Fees are due at the time of enrollment. If fees are not paid within the specified timeframe provided in the confirmation email, you will be dropped from the class. 
• Open University fees are $402/unit* for summer and $427/unit* for fall. A $10 late fee will be charged for any registrations after the 20th day of the term. 
• Financial aid is not available to cover Open University fees.
• Any debt to the University or registration holds must be resolved before registration can take place.

Special Eligibility Requirements & Restrictions

• Admitted Chico State students are not eligible to take classes through Open University.
• Chico State benefitted employees (state and CSE) who work a minimum .40 appointment are eligible for reduced Open University fees of $85/unit. Please email Continuing Education to confirm eligibility.
• If you are an Open University student and decide to apply for admission to the University, you must meet all regular admission requirements. Contact the University Admissions Office for additional information.
• Disqualified students and/or students who have been denied admission:
  - Academically disqualified students must meet with an academic advisor prior to completing the add form, and permission from the advisor is required.
  - For students denied admission, approval from the Admissions Office (undergraduates) or your department's Graduate Coordinator (graduates) is required. 

Additional Information

Transcripts

Official transcripts are obtained from the Students Records Office. For more information, or to request a transcript, visit https://www.csuchico.edu/sro/transcript/index.shtml.

Apply Open University Units Toward a Degree

The maximum amount of Open University credit which may be applied toward a Chico State undergraduate (BA or BS) degree is 24 units. The maximum number of Open University units which may be applied toward a master's degree is 9 units. By that point, you are expected to be admitted to Chico State to continue your degree coursework. If you are planning to pursue a master's degree, please refer to the department office of the appropriate major to check the unit limit. Note: Master's Thesis/Project (699) courses cannot be taken through Open University.

 Student Health Services

If you are taking six or more units you may have access to Student Health Services for $276 per semester. If you're interested, please email Continuing Education.

Have More Questions? 

Check out our FAQ page!