How Do Transfer Units Work from Community College to CSU?

If I start at a community college, how easy is it to transfer my units to a CSU? Are there specific credits I should focus on to make sure they transfer smoothly?

Transferring from a community college to a California State University (CSU) campus can be a very efficient way to pursue your bachelor's degree. As part of the California higher education system, community colleges, and CSUs have articulation agreements that outline how credits earned in certain courses at the community college will transfer to a CSU.

One effective way to ensure your credits will transfer is to pursue an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in your chosen field. When you earn an ADT, you are guaranteed admission to a CSU in a similar major, with junior standing. This means your general education requirements will be considered complete, and you can focus on your upper-division, major-specific coursework.

However, the specific courses you need will depend on your intended major. Each major tends to have its prerequisites so you'll want to work with an academic advisor to ensure you're taking the right courses, especially if pursuing an ADT is not an option.

Another tool that can be useful is ASSIST.org, which is an online database that shows how course credits earned at one California college or university can be applied when transferred to another.

Focus on taking the classes required by your major and the general education courses that will satisfy the lower-division prerequisites. Doing both of these things will facilitate a smoother transition from the community college to the CSU system. You should also strive to keep a solid GPA to enhance your chances of admission to your preferred CSU campus.

Always remember that having a clear academic plan can significantly streamline the academic journey. It's important to consult with a counselor to ensure you're on the right track!