Open University

1. Locate the course(s) you want to take via class search: https://www.csub.edu/classsearch
   • Be sure to select the correct academic term when searching
2. Obtain instructor approval via email: CSU Bakersfield Directory
   • Forward instructor’s original email along with your completed Open University registration form to openu@csub.edu. If taking a graduate-level course, Department approval is also required.
   • Ignore the "Instructor Signature" field on the registration form. All approvals must be submitted via email.   
   • Extended Education will begin accepting registration forms and approvals submitted to openu@csub.edu beginning August 10th. Main campus add slips will not be accepted. Do not expect any communication from us prior to August 10th.
3. You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to submit payment once your form and approvals are received and processed. Late fee of $25 is assessed if registration is not completed by date designated on Open University Academic Calendar. Refer to Open University Academic Calendar for deadlines. 

Registration Form

Updated February 19, 2026

August 10: First day to submit Open University registration form. It must include instructor approval or form will be rejected. 

August 24: First Day of Classes

September 7: Holiday – Labor Day – Campus Closed

September 8: Begin late fee of $25 for Open University forms

September 11: Last day to submit Open University registration form with Late Fee (Any forms submitted after this date must be accompanied by a letter from the professor stating that you have been attending class).

September 14: Last day for partial refund (60%)

September 18: Last day to pay fees or make payment arrangements - may be dropped for non-payment

September 21: Census Day - Last day to withdraw from classes without a “W” being recorded; withdrawal from classes after this date and continuing through the next four-week period will be permitted only for serious and compelling reasons and will require written approval by the instructor and Extended Education.

September 21: Last day to change between audit and letter grading and credit/no credit

November 11: Holiday – Veterans Day – Campus Closed

November 13: Last day to withdraw from classes for serious and compelling reason; withdrawals after this date require petition for exception

November 25: No Classes– Campus Open

November 26-27: Holiday – Thanksgiving Day – Campus Closed

December 7: Last day of classes

December 9-15: Examination Period

December 18:  Grades Due

Open University course pricing is on a per-credit basis and courses are not eligible for financial aid. Per-credit pricing is as follows:

• Undergraduate courses: $360 per credit
• Graduate courses: $410 per credit

Payment Options

There are two payment options for your convenience:

1. Pay the full course fee amount at the time of registration.
2. Sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your classes over a longer period of time.

Note: Payment plans not available during Summer Session. Open University enrollments are not eligible for FAFSA-based financial aid.

Tuition Deferment Plan

• Course(s) will be recorded as an Open University course. A maximum of 24 semester units may be applied towards a Bachelor’s Degree. A maximum of 9 semester units may be applied towards a Master’s Degree.
• Full tuition must be paid upon registration. Open University courses are not eligible for financial aid.
• Registration will be processed when all completed forms and approvals are received.
• Open University enrollees must meet individual course prerequisites.
• Course will be entered on the student’s permanent record as an Open University course.
• Extended Education and Global Outreach enrollments will generally not be certified for immigration purposes (I-20). At least 12 units must be taken in residence as an undergraduate or 10 units as a graduate student. An authorization letter from Admissions and Records is required for matriculated foreign students.
• Graduate-level courses require approval from both the Director of the graduate program the course belongs to and the instructor teaching the course.
• To take 6000-level courses in the School of Business and Public Administration, all students must be matriculated (admitted to the graduate program in the School of Business and Public Administration).