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 Fall 2023 semester will begin on Tuesday, August 22. 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.
COVID-19 Requirements
The CSU requires students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. Once you have officially enrolled in your Open University course, you will have access to the single sign-on page, where you should upload your vaccination certification. For more information, please go to the CSULB COVID-19 Information page.
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
- Open University Registration: August 22, 2023
- First Day of Instruction: August 22, 2023
- Drop Class Deadline (Without W): September 5, 2023
- Add Course Final Deadline (with fee): September 12, 2023
- Final Deadline for CR/NC or Audit Grade Option Changes (with fee): September 12, 2023
- Open University Enrollment Ends: September 19, 2023
- Withdrawal Deadline (with Instructor /Department Signatures): November 17, 2023
- Last Day of Instruction: December 11, 2023
- Final Exams: December 12-18, 2023
- 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 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.
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.
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 automatically into the course.
If the course(s) 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 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 automatically into the course.
If the courses has prerequisites, 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
To request Credit/No Credit (CR/NC):
1. Start this request by filling out a Grade Option Change Request - Credit/No Credit (DocuSign).
2. Complete the form (you must be registered in the class before you complete this form).
3. The form will go to your instructor (you need to enter the instructor's name and email address before you can start using the form).
4. The instructor will approve or deny the request.
If the instructor approves the request, the form will be sent to Enrollment Services for processing.
Request to Audit a class:
1. Start this request by filling out the Grade Option Change Request - Audit (DocuSign).
2. Complete the form (you must be registered in the class before you complete this form).
3. The form will go to your class instructor (you need to enter the instructor's name and email address before you can start using the form).
4. The instructor will approve or deny the request.
If the instructor approves the request, the form will be sent to Enrollment Services for processing.
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 2023: August 22 - September 4
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 2023: September 6 - November 17
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 2023: November 18 - December 11
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 2023 deadline period: November 18 - December 11
Click here for the Catastrophic Withdrawal Request – Medical form
Last day of class instruction before final exams begin:
- Monday, December 11
Catastrophic Withdrawal Deadline
Last Day to submit a Catastrophic Withdrawal request:
- December 11, 2023
Visit the Dropping and Withdrawing for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CSU requires students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. Once you have officially enrolled in your Open University course, you will have access to the single sign-on page where you should upload your vaccination certification. For more information, please go to the CSULB COVID-19 Information page.
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 an official 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 through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CPaCE accepts only Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks and money orders. Cash is not accepted at CPaCE.
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.
While we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, our highest priority continues to be the health and well-being of everyone who comes to our registration windows. As we navigate the evolving impact of coronavirus on our communities, registration requests and payments can be completed online for CSULB and non-CSULB students in order to help limit person-to-person contact.
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.
The registration form for Fall 2023 will be posted at 8:00 a.m. on August 22.
Starting on September 6, 2023, 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.
Open University registration ends on September 19, 2023.
Self-service registration is available via MyCSULB for students who enrolled through Winter Session 2023, Fall Open University 2022, and/or Summer Sessions 2023. Self-service registration takes place from August 22 to September 9, 2023, ending at 10pm. Please see the registration procedures located on the left side menu to register in classes after September 5, 2023.
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).
Registration begins on August 22, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. To expedite your registration request, please print and complete your registration form prior to your registration.
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 through 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 September 19, 2023.
COVID-19 Requirements
The CSU requires students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. Once you have officially enrolled in your Open University course, you will have access to the single sign-on page, where you should upload your vaccination certification. For more information, please go to the CSULB COVID-19 Information page.
Parking
Parking permits are required. Click here to purchase online.
Expected parking permit fees are as follows:
- Fall semester permit: $300
- Daily permit: $15
- Monthly permit: $65
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
The course fee for Open University is $315 per unit.
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.
Self-Service and Online Registration: Fees are due within 24 hours of your enrollment.
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, 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 Fall 2023 payment plan is September 19, 2023. If you sign up on this date, the first payment will be due at the time of registration.
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: August 22, 2023
- Second Payment: September 22, 2023
- Third Payment: October 22, 2023
- Final Payment: November 22, 2023
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. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. Credit card accounts will be credited for registration payments made by credit card. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Outstanding obligations to the university may be withheld from a student's refund.
Fall 2023 Refund Schedule:
August 22 - September 11: 65% of fees will be refunded
Starting September 12: 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.