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AB-2572 • 2026

California State University: joint degrees.

California State University: joint degrees.

Education
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Fong
Last action
2026-04-08
Official status
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide details about how these changes will affect the quality or recognition of CSU's joint degrees.

California State University: Joint Degrees

The bill allows California State University (CSU) to award joint undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees with independent institutions without certain approvals.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows CSU to give joint undergraduate and graduate degrees with other U.S. colleges and universities without needing approval from a special commission.
  • Permits CSU to offer joint doctoral degrees with other U.S. schools without the need for review by the California Postsecondary Education Commission.

Who It Names or Affects

  • California State University (CSU) students who can now earn joint degrees from CSU and other U.S. or international universities.
  • Independent higher education institutions that can collaborate with CSU to offer joint degree programs.

Terms To Know

Joint Degrees
Degrees awarded by two different educational institutions, often from a partnership between them.
California Postsecondary Education Commission
A commission that reviews and approves certain joint degree programs in California.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how these changes will affect the quality or recognition of CSU's joint degrees.
  • It is unclear if there are any limits on which international institutions can partner with CSU for doctoral degrees.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-08 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  2. 2026-03-17 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  3. 2026-03-16 California Legislative Information

    From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended.

  4. 2026-03-16 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.

  5. 2026-02-21 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

  6. 2026-02-20 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2572, as amended, Fong.
Public postsecondary education: California State University.
California State University: joint degrees.
Existing law sets forth the missions and functions of California’s public and independent segments of higher education, and details the ways in which their respective institutions are to be differentiated. Existing law specifies that the California State University (CSU) shall offer undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master’s degree in the liberal arts and sciences and professional education. Existing law authorizes the CSU to award undergraduate and graduate degrees jointly with international institutions of higher education. Existing law vests the University of California (UC) with the sole authority in public higher education to award doctoral degrees in all fields of learning, except that the CSU may award doctoral degrees jointly (1) with the UC in selected fields, (2) with
independent institutions of higher education if the proposed doctoral program is approved by the California Postsecondary Education Commission, and (3) with international institutions of higher education if, among other things, the doctoral degrees are for professional or applied doctoral degrees that do not duplicate UC doctoral degrees, and the CSU complies with a specified review and approval process, as provided.
This bill would authorize the CSU to award doctoral degrees jointly with one or more independent institutions of higher education without approval by the California Postsecondary Education Commission. The bill would also authorize the CSU to award undergraduate and graduate degrees jointly with one or more independent institutions of higher education. The bill would authorize the CSU to jointly award doctoral degrees with accredited international institutions of higher education without (1) limiting it to professional or applied doctoral degrees that do
not duplicate UC doctoral degrees, and (2) complying with the specified review and approval process.
Existing law states the intent of the Legislature that public programs of postsecondary education be made available to qualified persons throughout the state, including areas of substantial existing or projected population that are isolated from a campus of the California State University. Existing law requires the Trustees of the California State University to consider establishing a permanent, state-supported off-campus center on state-owned property in the County of Contra Costa, the purpose of which is to continue to offer education programs at the upper division and graduate levels.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to this provision.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF