Open University

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What is Open University and what will it do for you?

Through the Open University program, run through the CSUDH College of Continuing and Professional Education, high school graduates, working adults, and students from other universities may enroll in most regular CSUDH credit courses on a space-available basis with permission of the instructor. There is no formal admission to the University required and registration is easy. High school students who are rising juniors and above can take lower-division courses with the permission of their high school counselor and principal.

If you missed the deadline for application at CSUDH or any other CSU campus you can begin taking classes right away through Open University! Later, once you have been accepted to a university, you can transfer your Open University classes into CSUDH or another university.

 

Open University makes regular CSUDH credit courses available to students who are not admitted to CSUDH.

Open University is available during the fall and spring semesters, and non-CSUDH students may also take courses through CSUDH Summer Session, and during CSUDH Winter Session and CSUDH May Intersession.

Through Open University, you can pursue a degree or take courses to help you advance in your career.

 

Open University Cost/Fees

  • Undergraduate Students: $311/unit for undergraduate courses ($327 as of the Fall 2025 term) if you have not earned your bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Students: $369/unit for undergraduate and graduate courses ($387/unit as of the Fall 2025 term) if you have earned your bachelor's degree
    Note: Some masters degree programs may not accept non-matriculated students into their courses. Please check with the academic department before attempting to enroll in masters-level courses.
  • CAMS Students Only: $76/class

 

Financial Assistance Options for Open University

Unfortunately, financial aid/FAFSA is not available for Open University students. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the CSUDH Financial Aid department.

However, as an Open University student, you may be eligible for a private student loan. For more information, search for “private student loan providers” for specific details. 

 

Get registered for the classes you want early... Enrollment is easy!

  1. View the Spring 2025 Class Schedule ►
  2. Select your class(es).
  3. Find the name of your instructor in the class schedule, look up their email in the campus directory, and email the instructor requesting permission to take the class through Open University. Do this as early as possible. If there is no instructor listed, or you cannot get in touch with the instructor, please contact the department.

    Note: If you are attempting to take nursing classes, please contact Jackie McKenzie at jmckenzie@csudh.edu to begin the process. Nursing classes require departmental approval.
  4. Once you have received the email permission, forward the email, along with a completed Open University Registration Form PDF, to ceereg@csudh.edu.
    Students cannot enroll until the first day of the term: January 21, 2025.
  5. Call the College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) Registration Office at 310-243-3741 (Option 1), to pay the class fee(s) and complete your registration. At this time, the registration clerk will check if there are seats available in the class. If there are seats available, you will be registered in the class.

Open University registrations are granted on a space-available basis. If you aren't able to register for the class because the class is full, we would like to hear about it! Please send us a note.

 

Through Open University you can:

  • Sample a field before formal application to a degree program
  • Take professional development courses without formal enrollment in a degree program
  • Pursue personal interests in the arts, humanities, literature, philosophy and many other fields
  • Take a few courses or units to complete a university degree, meet continuing education requirements or qualify for a pay increase
  • Improve your grade point average if you have been turned down for admission by the university or have been academically disqualified
  • Complete prerequisites for majors or advanced degrees
  • Get an early start on an academic program
  • Take classes if you have missed the deadline for admission to CSUDH

You can also take Winter Session, Spring Intersession, and Summer Session courses at CSUDH. You don't have to be a regular student!

Restrictions & Limitations

Matriculated Students

You may not enroll in the Open University program if you have been admitted to any California State University campus as a regular student for the current semester, or if you are a continuing regular student who registered in the previous semester (academically disqualified students may still enroll in Open University).

Undergraduate Credit

A maximum of 24 semester units of baccalaureate-level Open University credit may be applied toward bachelor's degree requirements at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Open University credit does not qualify as residence units for a degree. The term "in residence" applies to those units earned at California State University, Dominguez Hills while an officially admitted student in a degree program. All classes you take will become part of your permanent academic record at CSUDH.

Graduate Credit

For a 30 semester unit master's degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills, students may apply no more than 9 units of Open University credit and/or credit transferred from other accredited institutions.

 

For More Information

For questions about Open University, email learn@csudh.edu.

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 CSUDH CCPE Registration Office Hours & Parking

The CSUDH College of Continuing & Professional Education (CCPE) Registration Office is open during the following hours (Pacific Time):

Effective 7/1/24MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
  In-Person and Phone:
310-243-3741 (Opt 1)		8am–5pm8am–5pm8am–5pm8am–5pm9am–5pmCLOSEDCLOSED

 Upcoming Special Event & Holiday Closures:

• Winter Break: Tuesday, December 24—Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (Reopening January 2)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: Observed Monday, January 20, 2025