Details on Carl Sandburg College transfer associate of arts?

I'm considering pursuing a Transfer Associate of Arts at Carl Sandburg College. Can someone explain what courses or credits I need, and how this degree can help with transferring to a four-year university?

A Transfer Associate of Arts degree from Carl Sandburg College is designed to provide a broad liberal arts foundation and is typically the choice for students planning to continue their education at 4-year colleges or universities. In general, this program complies with the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) general education core, which facilitates transferring credit among participating institutions within Illinois, although transfer opportunities are not limited to schools in that state.

Now, while specific requirements may vary, here are some common courses you might expect to take within an Associate of Arts transfer program:

1. English Composition I and II

2. Rhetoric and Public Speaking

3. General Psychology or Introductory Sociology

4. College Algebra or higher

5. Lab Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)

6. Humanities courses (Literature, Philosophy, etc.)

7. Social Science courses

8. Fine Arts courses

Combining core classes with elective courses, you're able to explore your interests while fulfilling general education requirements. The idea is to complete a significant portion of your undergraduate coursework at Carl Sandburg College—in a more cost-effective way—before transferring to another school to finish your bachelor's degree.

This Transfer Associate degree can prove beneficial in several ways when transferring to a four-year university.

First, the courses you'll be undertaking meet general education requirements, which serve as prerequisites in most bachelor's degree programs, thus reducing the number of courses you'll need to take after transfer.

Second, once you've earned an associate degree, you'll be viewed as having completed a significant milestone in your education, which can make your application more competitive when compared alongside students who've not completed a similar degree.

Last but not least, because the courses in a transfer associate program are designed to be similar to those offered in the first two years of a bachelor's degree program, you'll not only be eligible to transfer more credits making your transition smoother, but you'll also be academically well-prepared for upper-level coursework.

Remember, though, that it's important to meet early on with an academic advisor and, when you've identified your target 4-year institutions, to work with admissions there, too. They can provide specific guideline to ensure you're taking the right courses for your major and that everything lines up for your transfer process.