CSU and UC Transfer

The Difference Between UC and CSU

What's the difference between the University of California (UC) system and the California State University (CSU) system? The quick answer most often given is that a UC education focuses on theory and research while CSU focuses on the application of knowledge. In reality, both systems have majors that are theoretical, like Economics or Physics and also that are applied, like Engineering and Nursing. Another explanation is that at the CSU campuses practical application is embedded in the curriculum usually in the form of a Senior Project while the UC provides practical application opportunities outside of the curriculum in the form of internships and work abroad programs. For a more complete answer, check out the UC and CSU Comparison Chart.