Early Start Classes

Your college success starts this summer.

The Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program offers special summer courses for new CSUSM students who need extra support in math or english. These classes help you build confidence and skills so you’re fully prepared for the fall semester.

All classes are in-person at CSUSM's San Marcos campus and are completed over six to eight weeks between June and August.

• Courses are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• UNIV 180 is scheduled for 6 weeks from July 7 to August 9 at 9-11:00 a.m.
• GEW 101A is scheduled for 6 weeks from July 7 to August 9 at 1-3:20 p.m.
• Math 105 and 5 is scheduled for 8 weeks from June 16 to August 9 at 10-11:55 a.m.

Cost & Fee Waiver

California residents who have submitted the FAFSA and have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,000 or less may be eligible for a free or reduced course fee. Check your Student Center in MyCSUSM to see if you qualify.

Available Courses for Summer 2025

All classes are scheduled in person on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Explore the course descriptions on this page. Contact Jeanette Espinoza from Cougar Scholars: Early Start Program for questions. 

Which Classes Should I Take?

For STEM, Pre-Business, Economics or Kinesiology Majors

• English courses required based on placement

  Recommended English Courses

  English Placement	Recommended Courses
  Fully met requirement	No english course in the Early Start program needed
  Needs support	Early Start courses recommended: GEW 101A
  Strong support needed	Early Start courses strongly recommended: GEW 101A

• Math courses required based on placement

  Recommended Math Courses

  Math Placement	Recommended Courses
  Fully met requirement	No math course in the Early Start program needed
  Needs support	Early Start courses recommended: Math 105 and Math 5
  Strong support needed	Early Start courses strongly recommended: Math 105 and Math 5

For All Other Majors

• English courses required based on placement

  Recommended English Courses

  English Placement	Recommended Courses
  Fully met requirement	No english course in the Early Start program needed
  Needs support	Early Start courses recommended: GEW 101A
  Strong support needed	Early Start courses strongly recommended: GEW 101A

• Math courses required based on placement

  Recommended Math Courses

  Math Placement	Recommended Courses
  Fully met requirement	No math course in the Early Start program needed
  Needs support	Early Start courses recommended: Math 105 and Math 5
  Strong support needed	Early Start courses strongly recommended: Math 105 and Math 5

Course Descriptions

Here’s a quick look at each Early Start course. Some classes must be taken together (called corequisites) — we’ll note that below.

• Math 105: Supported College Algebra

  Description
  College algebra with integrated review of intermediate algebra.  Includes graphs, equations, inequalities, and functions (linear, polynomial, rational, root, exponential, logarithmic). 

  Corequisite
  Students are required to take ESM 5 course at the same time. Enrollment is restricted to incoming first-year students in Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Placement Categories III & IV.
  
  Total Units: 1 unit

• Math 5: Recitation for Supported Algebra

  Description
  Integrated review of intermediate algebra with college algebra.  Review of the rectangular coordinate system, lines, polynomial expressions, and arithmetic. Simplification of algebraic expressions, solution of quadratic and rational equations, properties of exponents, and arithmetic operations involving rational exponents and radicals. Note: ESM5 does not count toward any graduation requirement to be completed at CSUSM, but it is counted in determining financial aid and VA benefits.

  Corequisite
  Students are required to take ESM 105 course at the same time. Enrollment is restricted to incoming first-year students in Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Placement Categories III & IV.
  
  Total Units: 2 units

• Writing - GEW 101A: Writing as Critical Inquiry

  Description
  Focuses on critical reading and thinking as foundational skills for academic writing. Emphasizes information literacy in the analysis of a variety of texts and in the practice of reading and composing in multiple genres. Includes a multi-draft writing process that requires revision in response to peer and instructor feedback.

  Corequisite
  Students in ESW 101A are expected to pass the class with a C- (1.7) or better before progressing onto GEW 101B. ESW 101A is restricted to students in the Early Start Program. Cross-listed as GEW 101A.

  Total Units: 4 units

• University 101 - UNIV 180: The First-Year Seminar

  Description
  Designed to equip first-year students at CSUSM with the personal and academic skills, motivation, and self-understanding necessary to meet the demands of CSUSM’s rigorous undergraduate curriculum as well as the demands of life beyond CSUSM. Includes the practical application of student development theory, information literacy, digital citizenship, self-advocacy, resource utilization, and intercultural competence necessary for college success and professional preparedness.

  Total Units: 3 units