Open University

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.