How do transfer credits work at California community colleges?

I'll be transferring from a community college in California and want to understand how my credits will transfer to a UC. Is there a general rule or system for this?

Yes, there is a system in place to facilitate the transfer process from California community colleges to the University of California (UC) system. This process is intended to streamline the transition and maximize the applicability of units taken at the community college level.

Here's a general idea: California has a transfer agreement with the UC system known as the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). The IGETC outlines the general education courses which will meet lower-division requirements at UC campuses. Completing these requirements gives students the flexibility to complete their bachelor's degrees without taking additional lower-division general education courses.

In addition to these general education courses, many majors have prerequisite courses that should be completed before transfer. Those can be found on a tool called ASSIST.org, which outlines the transferable courses and requirements for specific majors between California community colleges and UC campuses.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the IGETC and ASSIST.org provide guidance, each UC campus and college within the campus may have slightly different requirements or preferences, so it's important to check with the specific UC institution you plan to attend.

Lastly, typically a credit is transferable if it is from a course that is degree-applicable at the community college, but it is best to check with the UC institution's Transfer Credit Practices information to ensure that the courses you have taken will be recognized.

Keep in mind that a maximum of 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units earned at a community college will be applied towards the bachelor's degree. Any coursework beyond that will earn subject credit and can fulfill requirements, but will not count towards the total units needed to graduate.

It's always a good idea to work with your community college advisor and the admissions office of the UC schools you're interested in to fully understand how your specific courses will transfer and meet requirements.