Open University

Open University offers the opportunity for anyone to enroll in a course without being admitted to the university. Students can take courses on a space-available basis and earn college credit during the Fall and Spring semesters. The Spring 2025 semester begins on January 21. 

To register for an Open University course: 

  1. Search available courses from the Schedule of Classes
    • Many courses do require instructor approval, including those with prerequisites, those that have reached capacity, and those that have indicated department approval is needed. Students are responsible for securing instructor approval before they can be registered for the course. 
  2. Submit the Open U Registration Form
    • You can register for up to 3 courses on one form. Once our office receives a completed form, they will reach out with next steps.
    • If you submit your registration form without approval, and approval is needed, our team will email you to let you know.
    • Prefer to register in person? Print and complete this form and bring it to the Student Service Center during regular business hours. 
  3. Once your form has been submitted, a Student Services Center representative will be in touch via email within 5 business days. 

The Spring 2025 semester begins on January 21. Open University registration ends on February 17, 2025. 

Beginning on February 4, 2025, all courses will require instructor and department permission. 

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

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.