Want to take a class without being admitted to CSULB?
Open University offers the opportunity for anyone to enroll in a course without being admitted to the university. You can take courses on a space-available basis and earn college credit during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Students registering through Open University do not need instructor or department approval to add a class. However, if prerequisites are required, the class is full, and/or the department requires permission, you will need to obtain approval.
The Spring 2025 semester will begin on January 21. Students should consult the online Schedule of Classes for information specific to their course. Students who need further clarity should consult with the course instructor.
Please note: Up to 24 units of Open University credit may apply toward an undergraduate degree at CSULB, and up to 9 units for a graduate degree. Beyond these limits, additional units may be taken for personal enrichment or to transfer to another institution, but they will not be applicable to CSULB degree programs.
You can view the schedule of classes by academic subject, by college, or by general education category. The lists are updated regularly to reflect additions and changes.
Once you've selected your course and wish to register, use the following information found on the class search results page when filling out the Open University registration form.
Course = Subject and Catlg Nbr
Class Number = Class Nbr
Section Number = Sect
Fall 2024
- Open University Registration: August 26, 2024
- First Day of Instruction: August 26, 2024
- Drop Class Deadline (Without W): September 9, 2024
- Final Deadline to Add Course (with fee): September 23, 2024
- Final Deadline for CR/NC or Audit Grade Option Changes (with fee): September 16, 2024
- Open University Enrollment Ends: September 23, 2024
- Withdrawal Deadline (with Instructor /Department Signatures): November 20, 2024
- Last Day of Instruction: December 11, 2024
- Final Exams: December 12-18, 2024
Spring 2025
- Open University Registration: January 7, 2025
- First Day of Instruction: January 21, 2025
- Drop Class Deadline (Without W): February 3, 2025
- Final Deadline to Add Course (with fee): February 17, 2025
- Final Deadline for CR/NC or Audit Grade Option Changes (with fee): February 17, 2025
- Open University Enrollment Ends: February 17, 2025
- Withdrawal Deadline (with Instructor /Department Signatures): April 18, 2025
- Last Day of Instruction: May 9, 2025
- Final Exams: May 12-17, 2025
- Open University students can take up to 18 units per term.
- Up to 24 units of Open University credit may apply toward an undergraduate degree at CSULB.
- At the option of the appropriate college and department, up to 9 units of academic credit may be applied toward a graduate degree at CSULB.
- Graduate and undergraduate students who have been academically disqualified from CSULB will be limited to 6 units or two courses, as long as enrollment in these two courses does not exceed 7 units.
Approval for course prerequisites and full classes
For more specific information by academic college regarding prerequisites and full classes see the links below.
If you are interested in taking a course in the College of the Arts, and the course has prerequisites, you may not be able to enroll yourself through self-service registration. The instructor will need to verify that you meet the prerequisite requirements and give you permission to enroll in the course.
The instructor will either assign you a permit or permission number, allowing you to register through MyCSULB Self-Service Registration; or they will provide their approval via email, so that you may register via the CSULB Open University Registration Form (when available), attaching the instructor’s email.
Please contact the instructor for approval before submitting your registration form.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog at http://csulb.edu/catalog.
If the course is full, you will first need to contact the instructor to receive permission to add the course. Next, you will need to contact the Department Chair for final approval. You can then submit your information via the online CSULB Open University Registration Form, attaching the email string from the instructor and department chair. However, if the department issues a permit, and you have access to self-service registration, you can register and pay online on MyCSULB.
Note: If the course is full, do not submit your registration form until you've received the instructor's approval. The approval must be included with your registration form.
College of Business (COB) courses are heavily impacted. Students interested in registering for undergraduate business courses may do so at the start of the online registration period. Please email the instructor to request permission to enroll. Once approved, please attach your approval AND unofficial transcripts to the online Open University registration form. Your information will be submitted to the College of Business for department approval.
It is highly recommended that you attend the first and subsequent days for a course you are interested in. Trying to add a course without first attending may not be possible.
Please read the guidelines below if you wish to enroll in an undergraduate business course:
- Degree-seeking students who are matriculated at other four-year institutions are eligible for registration, as long as they have met course prerequisites and there is space in the class.
- Students who are pursuing graduate work and need to register in 300 or 400 level courses may also take COB courses as non-matriculated students, as long as they have met course prerequisites and there is space in the class.
- Students who are academically disqualified or denied admission from CSULB must meet with an advisor before registering. Please contact COB-CSS@csulb.edu to meet with an advisor.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog http://csulb.edu/catalog.
If you are interested in taking a course in the College of Education, and the course has prerequisites, you may not be able to enroll yourself through self-service registration. The instructor or department will need to verify that you meet the prerequisite requirements, and will then give you permission to enroll in the course.
If they approve, please complete the CSULB Open University Registration Form (when available) and attach the email approval from the instructor. Or, the instructor may assign you a permit so you can register online through MyCSULB if you have access to self-service registration.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog at http://csulb.edu/catalog.
If the course is full, you will need to wait until the first day of class to contact the instructor obtain approval before submitting a CSULB Open University registration form.
Please do not submit your registration form until you've received the instructor's approval. The approval must be included with your registration form.
If a course in the College of Engineering has prerequisites, you may not be able to enroll through self-service registration.
Please complete the CSULB Open University Registration Form (when available) and include your transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
Once you submit your information, please allow 1-2 business days for a response. You may be required to submit further documentation to determine your eligibility, so it is important for you to check and respond to email correspondence. If we determine that you are qualified to take a course, we will send you further information on how to register.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog at http://csulb.edu/catalog.
If the course is full, you will first need to contact the instructor to receive permission to add the course. Next, you will need to contact the Department Chair for final approval. You can then submit your information via the CSULB Open University registration form. However, if the department issues a permit, and you have access to self-service registration, you can register and pay online on MyCSULB.
Note: If the class is full, do not submit your registration form until you've received the instructor's approval. The approval must be included with your registration form.
If a course in the College of Health and Human Services has prerequisites, you may not be able to enroll through self-service.
If the course has prerequisites, please complete the CSULB Open University Registration Form (when available) and include your transcripts.
Once you submit your information, please allow 1-2 business days for a response. You may be required to submit further documentation to determine your eligibility, so it is important that you check and respond to email correspondence. If we determine that you are qualified to take a course, we will send you further information on how to register.
If the course if full, you will first need to contact the instructor to receive permission to add the course, or contact the department to receive a permit so that you may register through MyCSULB if you have access to self-service registration. If you do not have access to enroll through self-service registration, please submit your information via the CSULB Open University Registration Form and include your transcripts.
Note: Do not submit your registration form until you've received the instructor's approval. The approval must be included with your registration form.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog at http://csulb.edu/catalog.
If a course in the College of Liberal Arts has prerequisites, you may not be able to enroll through self-service registration.
Please contact the instructor to receive permission to add the course, prior to submitting a CSULB Open University Registration Form.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog at http://csulb.edu/catalog.
Once you submit your information, please allow 1-2 business days for a response. You may be required to submit further documentation to determine your eligibility, so it is important for you to check and respond to email correspondence.
If the course is full, you will first need to contact the instructor to receive permission to add the course, or contact the department to receive a permit so that you may register through MyCSULB, if you have access to enroll through self-service registration. If you do NOT have access to self-service registration, please submit your information via the Open University Online Registration Form.
Please note: Do not submit your registration form until you've received the instructor's approval. The approval must be included with your registration form.
If you are interested in taking a course in the College of Natural Science and Math, and the course has prerequisites, you may not be able to enroll yourself through self-service registration. The instructor will need to verify that you meet the prerequisite requirements and give you permission to enroll in the course.
The instructor will either assign you a permit or permission number, allowing you to register through MyCSULB Self-Service Registration if you have access; or you will need to complete the CSULB Open University Registration Form (when available).
Please contact the instructor for approval before submitting your registration form.
You can find prerequisite requirements in the university catalog at http://csulb.edu/catalog.
If the course is full, you will need to wait until the first day of class to contact the instructor to obtain approval before submitting a CSULB Open University Registration Form. Please do not submit your registration form until you've received the instructor's approval. The approval must be included with your registration form.
Change Grading Option
Once enrolled, students can request to change their grading option for their course via their MyCSULB Student Center. Please visit the Understanding Grades and Grading for instructions on choosing Credit/No Credit options or for Auditing a Course.
Disabled Student Services
Students who need assistance or accommodation in order to participate in or benefit from university programs, services, and/or activities should inform the person/department responsible for these programs, services, or activities, and then contact the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC).
Students needing support services or accommodations for course work should contact the instructor of the course within the first week of class. In addition, students should establish their eligibility for assistance by contacting the BMAC at bmac@csulb.edu. They will be required to provide verification of their disability from a medical professional along with a description of the student’s functional limitations. The BMAC will evaluate their requests. Typical accommodations available are extended time for tests, test proctoring, private test rooms, note-taking, Braille transcription, and referral for tutoring.
If the service offered is insufficient or inadequate, the student should confer with the Director of the BMAC. If these efforts are not successful, concerns may be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (562) 985-8256 or oed@csulb.edu. Responsibility for oversight and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act have been delegated to the campus director for disability support and accommodation.
Drops and Withdrawals
The difference between dropping a class and withdrawing from a class is based on the timing of your decision to stop participating in a class and when you take action on that decision.
Dropping occurs when you take appropriate action to remove the class from your academic record BEFORE the end of the second week of instruction. The classes will not be included on your transcript.
Withdrawing occurs when you remove yourself from a class AFTER the second week of instruction. When you stop participating in class and withdraw after the second week, and prior to the final three weeks of instruction, the class will be included on your transcript with a W symbol.
To drop/withdraw from a course:
Fall 2024: August 26 - September 9
Spring 2025: January 21 - February 3
No signatures or department stamps are required to drop a course during the first two weeks of instruction.
Students can drop their courses through MyCSULB. Click here for instructions on dropping a course in your student center.
Fall 2024: September 10 - November 20
Spring 2025: February 4 - April 18
In order to drop/withdraw:
• Instructor permission is required
• Department permission is required
• Also, a 'W' will be posted to the student transcript.
Click here for the Withdrawal Petition process.
Please submit a completed and signed withdrawal petition.
Fall 2024: November 21 - December 11
Spring 2025: April 19 - May 9
In order to drop/withdraw:
- Instructor signature required
- Department Chair signature required
- College Dean signature required
- University Provost signature required
- Only extenuating circumstance will be considered.
- A 'W' will be posted to the student transcript.
Withdrawals are not permitted during the final week of instruction. Only extenuating circumstances will be considered. You are required to obtain approval from the Instructor, Department Chair, and Dean on your completed form before submitting it to Enrollment Services. Enrollment Services will then forward the form to the University Provost to seek final approval.
Catastrophic Withdrawals (last three weeks of class):
- Fall 2024 deadline period: November 21 - December 11
- Spring 2025 deadline period: April 19 - May 9
Click here for the Catastrophic Withdrawal Request – Medical form
Last day of class instruction before final exams begin:
- Fall 2024: December 11
- Spring 2025: May 9
Catastrophic Withdrawal Deadline
Last Day to submit a Catastrophic Withdrawal request:
- Fall 2024: December 11
- Spring 2025: May 9
Visit the Dropping and Withdrawing for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Up to 24 units of Open University credit may apply toward an undergraduate degree at CSULB, and up to 9 units for a graduate degree. Beyond these limits, additional units may be taken for personal enrichment or to transfer to another institution, but they will not be applicable to CSULB degree programs.
Open University provides an opportunity for people who are not currently admitted to CSULB to enroll in courses offered by the university during the Fall and Spring semesters.
There is no difference between the courses. The courses that Open University students take are the same courses that matriculated students take. Open University students can seek permission to enroll in any classes listed in the schedule of classes.
The class schedule is available at http://www.csulb.edu/schedule. Classes can be viewed by subject. Information is updated nightly.
Current catalog course descriptions can be found at http://catalog.csulb.edu.
A matriculated student is one that is admitted to the university. If you are not sure whether or not you are admitted, please check with the Office of Enrollment Services (562) 985-5471 or click here to inquire with Beach Central. If you are not admitted (non-matriculated), you can enroll as an Open University student through the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE).
Yes. High school students are welcome to attend CSULB through Open University as long as a letter of recommendation from the high school principal or counselor is attached to the registration request form specifying if the credits earned are for college credits or high school credits.
You can register for Fall and Spring Open University in a few different ways. To see all the options please visit our How to Register page.
Our regular business hours are:
- Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
CPaCE accepts only Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks and money orders. Cash is not accepted at CPaCE. Payments must be made via MyCSULB.
A CSULB transcript can be ordered through the Enrollment Services. For more information visit https://www.csulb.edu/student-records/transcripts-current-students.
If you do not have a CSULB ID, we will create one for you upon registration. When filling out the registration form, you can leave this space blank if you do not yet have an ID number. A campus ID number is issued to all new students by the university for registration and identification purposes. If you are a current Open University student or have taken a course previously, you will continue to use your existing ID number that was assigned to you.
Once you are registered for classes, you are able to purchase a semester parking permit through the Parking and Transportation Services website.
Open University students with a student ID card have access to the library and computer labs. They can also gain access to other campus resources, such as the Student Health Center and Recreation Center for an additional fee.
Over a thousand students register for classes each semester through Open University, so there are many course options available. However, there is no guarantee that students will be able to get into a specific course.
As non-matriculated students, federal student financial aid is not available for students taking courses through Open University. Students can apply for private continuing education loans.
As a regionally accredited institution, most classes will transfer to another institution. Students will want to speak to a representative from the institution to which they plan to transfer, in order to determine how those classes will be articulated.
Canvas is the online learning environment used at CSULB. Instructors may use it to post assignments, hold discussions, or for other functions. Once students are registered into a class, they will generally get access to Canvas within 24 hours.
How To Register
Please scroll down to view the various registration options below.
Registration requests and payments can be completed online by CSULB and non-CSULB students.
If instructor approval is needed to enroll in a specific course, please email the instructor to request approval prior to submitting your registration form.
If you have any questions, please email us at cpace-Info@csulb.edu.
Please note: Up to 24 units of Open University credit may apply toward an undergraduate degree at CSULB, and up to 9 units for a graduate degree. Beyond these limits, additional units may be taken for personal enrichment or to transfer to another institution, but they will not be applicable to CSULB degree programs.
Open University registration ends on February 17, 2025.
If the course is open and does not require permission or prerequisites, we should be able to enroll you. If the course is full or does require permission or prerequisites, please see Approval for Course Prerequisites and Full Classes.
Starting on September 10, 2024, if you wish to add a class, instructor and department permission are required. After submitting the Open University online registration form, a CPaCE Student Services Center representative will contact you within 1-2 business days with your CSULB ID number. You will need your CSULB ID number to officially enroll in a course via the Permission to Add request in the MYCSULB Student Center.
Click here to learn more about the online Permission to Add request process.
Self-service registration is available via MyCSULB for students who enrolled through Open University Fall 2024 and/or Winter Session 2025. Self-service registration takes place from January 21 to February 3, 2025, ending at 10pm. To register on or after February 4, please submit a Permission to Add request via MyCSULB Student Center.
For detailed instructions on how to register using MyCSULB self-service registration, please visit Enrollment Services' Using Academics page.
If a course has prerequisites you have not met, or if the course is full, you may not be able to register yourself using self-service registration. You will need to take additional steps to get approval.
Making modifications to a schedule by adding, dropping, or swapping classes may affect your fees. Please ensure you are aware of the Drops and Withdrawals and Refunds policies before making changes.
Students registering in person must fill out the Open University Registration Form and submit it to the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE).
Click here to download the Open University Registration Form.
Registration begins on January 7, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. To expedite your registration, please print and complete your registration form prior to coming to the windows and ensure that you have the appropriate approvals required for enrollment. Starting on February 4, 2025, if you wish to add a class, instructor and department permission are required.
Students who come in person will have their registration requests processed at the window by one of our staff members at the Student Services Center. Our regular business hours are:
- Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CPaCE is located in the Foundation Building. The registration windows are located at the west end of the Foundation Building.
California State University, Long Beach
College of Professional and Continuing Education
6300 State University Dr. Suite 104
Long Beach, CA 90815
The deadline to register in person is February 17, 2025.
Parking
Parking permits are required. Click here to purchase online.
Expected parking permit fees are as follows:
- Daily permit: $15 (or $10 after 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)
- Monthly permit: $57
Note: Parking fees are subject to change without notice by the California State University Board of Trustees.
Daily short-term virtual parking permits are available in lots G1, G4, G5, G10, G11, G12 G15, E1, E5, and E6. See campus map. Daily parking is also allowed in lots designated as Employee Parking after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Daily parking expires at 11:59 p.m. on the date of purchase. Short-Term virtual permits are valid only within the lot in which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other Short-Term parking locations on campus. Short-term parking may also be purchased via the Parkmobile app. Parkmobile is a convenient service that provides countdown reminders and the ability to extend your purchase via your mobile device. Download the Parkmobile App for Android or iPhone platforms.
For more information regarding University Parking Policies and Procedures, please visit the Parking and Transportation Services website.
Payment Information
In addition to your course fee, there is a $5 ID service fee. The ID fee covers your student ID costs as well as your access to MyCSULB and Beachboard.
Your student ID enables you to access the campus library and computer labs. For an additional fee, the Health Center and Student Recreation & Wellness Center are also accessible.
For more information about the total cost of attendance, please visit the Undergraduate Costs page.
Fees are due within 24 hours of your enrollment or within 24 hours of being able to activate your account.
Students can pay via MyCSULB (instructions can be found on the How-to Guides page). New students will be sent instructions on how to access their MyCSULB account online account within 1-2 business days of registration.
Credit Card
- Payments can be made via MyCSULB (MC, Disc, AMEX, & VISA).
- Have Campus ID ready
- The university has contracted with TRANSACT SmartPay to accept credit card payments. SmartPay charges a 2.65% service charge on all payment transactions. There is no convenience fee to pay by E-Check at MyCSULB
- If a credit card charge is disputed, a $20 dishonored credit card fee will be charged to your account. Contact the CPaCE Student Services Center via email at cpace-info@csulb.edu before disputing a credit card charge through your bank. If your payment for registration fees is dishonored or disputed, your classes may be cancelled. Personal checks will not be accepted for repayment of disputed credit cards.
E-Check
- Payments can be made via MyCSULB
- Have Campus ID ready
- Have banking information ready (account & routing numbers)
Check or Money Order
- Personal check, cashiers check or money order
- Payable to: California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
- Payable in $USD and must be written in blue or black ink.
- If a check is returned for any reason, a $20 dishonored check fee will be charged to your account. Personal checks will not be accepted for repayment of dishonored checks. If your payment for registration fees is dishonored, your classes may be cancelled.
If a company or organization wishes to pay your fees, a sponsorship agreement and authorization of services must be received by CPaCE Student Services Center via email, cpace-info@csulb.edu, prior to registration. If your sponsor does not pay some or all of your fees, it is your responsibility to pay or your classes may be canceled, a financial hold placed on your record, and services withheld until fees are paid.
If you are a veteran or dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for financial assistance for your higher education. For more information, contact the Veterans' Affairs Services office at 562-985-5115 or click here to visit Veterans Services.
Regardless of how your education is funded, you are personally responsible for making sure that your tuition and mandatory fees (and any other fees or charges) are paid on time.
Payment Plan contracts are offered to assist students with paying their course fees by dividing fees into equal payments. Payment plans are set up at the time of registration. If you register online, please attach a completed Open University Payment Plan contract when you submit your online registration form, and a CPaCE Student Services Representative will set up the payment plan for you. If you register using self-service, you will set up your payment plan online through MyCSULB. A non-refundable $33.00 administrative fee is charged for participation in a payment plan.
The last day to sign up for the Spring 2025 payment plan is February 17.
If you do not pay your payment plan by your first due date, you may be dropped from your class or classes due to non-payment of fees.
Download the Open University Payment Plan contract here.
Payment Deadlines:
- First Payment: January 21
- 2nd Payment: February 21
- 3rd Payment: March 21
- Final Payment: April 21
Once you enroll in a payment plan, changes to your academic load, subsequent fee increases, or new charges may affect the amount of your payments, which are not necessarily distributed evenly. It is your responsibility to check your account for any such changes.
The payment plan does not cover some fees, such as library fines or course fees from a previous term. These fees will need to be paid prior to enrollment in a payment plan. If the student is not eligible, a student's account will not allow them to enroll.
It is the student's responsibility to check their MyCSULB account to ensure the payment plan is successfully enrolled, and to verify due dates. Enrollment in a payment plan is available once you submit a registration form.
If your balance becomes delinquent, you may be placed with an outside collection agency. You will be responsible for any additional fees. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to resolve this matter immediately.
If you have additional questions, please email cpace-paymentplans@csulb.edu.
Refunds
To request a refund for a dropped Open University course, please submit an Online Open University Registration form. If a course was cancelled please submit your refund request to cpace-Info@csulb.edu. Please include your name, ID number, and course information in your request.
Refund amounts are based on the day the request is received by CPaCE. Fees are refunded in accordance with the Open University refund schedule. For registration payments made by e-check or check, a refund check will be issued from the State of California. Credit card accounts will be credited for registration payments made by credit card. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. Outstanding obligations to the university may be withheld from a student's refund.
Spring 2025 Refund Schedule
If you drop your class, you will receive a refund as noted below:
- January 7 - January 20: 100% refund minus $10
- January 21 - February 10: 65% refund
- Starting February 11: No refund
Cancelled Courses
Course sections are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment and other extenuating circumstances. The decision to cancel a course is generally made before the second class meeting. If a course is cancelled for any reason, you may request a full refund of fees or select another course. Students enrolling from outside of the Long Beach area or who must make extensive personal arrangements to take a course should have alternate courses in mind in the event their first choice is cancelled.
Cancelled Courses
Course sections are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment and other extenuating circumstances. The decision to cancel a course is generally made before the second class meeting. If a course is cancelled for any reason, you may request a full refund of fees or select another course. Students enrolling from outside of the Long Beach area or who must make extensive personal arrangements to take a course should have alternate courses in mind in the event their first choice is cancelled.
CPaCE Registration Windows
The College of Professional and Continuing Education registration windows are located on the first floor at the west end of the CSULB Foundation Building:
6300 State University Dr. Suite 104
Long Beach, CA 90815
Our regular business hours are:
Monday - Friday: 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm
Withdrawals
Students are obligated to officially withdraw from any course they register for, regardless of whether they attended, by the published deadlines to avoid charges or be eligible for a pro-rated refund. Non-attendance in a course, notifying the instructor, or stopping payment on a check does not officially constitute dropping or withdrawing from a course. Students utilizing these methods without submitting an add/drop form to CPIE will be graded appropriately in the course. In the case of a stop payment order or non-sufficient funds the student is also financially liable for the bad check.
Self-Service Registration
Please go to the Self-Service Registration information on the How to Register page for step-by-step instructions.
After self-service registration ends, all registrations must be completed by submitting a Open University Online Registration Form.