I'm a student at a California community college aiming to transfer. I've heard about transfer degrees but I'm not exactly sure what they involve. What do I need to know about them?
Sure, I'd be happy to provide some insight into transfer degrees at California Community Colleges. There are two types of transfer degrees at California community colleges, namely the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which can either be an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T).
The main goal of these degrees is to simplify and streamline the transfer process primarily to a California State University (CSU) campus but it could also give some preference or advantage in transferring to some University of California (UC) campuses, private universities, or out-of-state universities.
When you earn an AA-T or AS-T, you're guaranteed acceptance into one of the CSU institutions, though not necessarily the one of your choice or for your first choice major. However, these degrees come with a special GPA advantage that may significantly boost your chance of getting into your preferred major or university.
To earn an AA-T or AS-T degree, you should work closely with your academic or transfer advisor. They will help you make the right course selections aligned with your intended field of study. Typically, these consist of 60 semester units of coursework, including general education requirements and major-specific courses.
However, like all educational paths, the transfer degree isn't one-size-fits-all. Some degrees and universities might be better reached via another method of transfer. Always work with your school's counselors to develop an educational plan that works best for you. If they recommend the transfer degree, then that's the path you'll want to follow.
Keep in mind, while ADTs streamline your transfer, you still need to be proactive in applying on time and maintaining the needed grades. These degrees can be a fantastic opportunity to get a head start toward obtaining a four-year degree, and for many students, it's a wonderful option.
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