Planning on using IGETC to transfer from a community college to a UC school. Can someone explain how IGETC requirements might impact my course selection and transfer timeline?
Sure, I'd be happy to explain.
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a series of California community college courses that meet general education requirements for both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. This can make you eligible for guaranteed transfer if you meet the necessary grade and participation requirements.
IGETC is divided into several areas: English, Mathematical Concepts, Arts and Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Physical and Biological Sciences, and a Language other than English. You'll need to complete courses in each of these areas to fulfill the IGETC requirements.
This might affect your course selection in a couple of ways. Firstly, you'll likely prioritize IGETC-approved courses that match your academic interests and intended major. Secondly, you should select IGETC courses that satisfy both general ed and lower-division requirements for your intended UC major because all UC schools recommend completing as many lower-division major prerequisites as possible before transferring.
As for your transfer timeline, the IGETC can be completed in two years if you take a full course load and plan your schedule wisely. It's important to meet regularly with a counselor to ensure you're on track and making the right course choices. IGETC should be completed before you transfer, ideally. If that is not possible, UC campuses might allow you to complete IGETC after you transfer, but you should verify this with the specific campus.
Keep in mind, not all UC campuses or majors recommend or accept IGETC, notably UC Berkeley’s College of Letters and Science, Haas School of Business, College of Engineering, and College of Chemistry, and all majors in UCSF because it is a graduate-only school. Make sure to check with your target UC school and program to ensure IGETC is the right pathway for you.
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