How do transfer credits work between Michigan State and Oakland Community College?

I'm currently at Oakland Community College and considering transferring to Michigan State University. Can anyone explain how transfer credits work between these two schools? What should I watch out for during the process?

Absolutely! The process of transferring credits from a community college, like Oakland Community College (OCC), to a four-year institution like Michigan State University (MSU) is a very common route for many students, and thus, is mostly a streamlined process.

Michigan State University has a Transfer MSU searchable database linked on their admissions page that allows you to see how credits from other institutions, including OCC, would transfer to MSU. You simply select your current institution, then search for the course there, and it should provide you with MSU's equivalent course.

One thing to watch out for during this process is making sure that the classes you take at OCC align with your intended major at MSU. While general education classes tend to transfer well, classes specific to your major may not always have an equivalent course at MSU. Often, there are also major prerequisites that need to be met before you can declare your major at the university. Thus, it would be beneficial to look into the degree requirements for your specific major at MSU and cross-reference them with the courses available at OCC.

You should also consider whether the courses transfer as direct equivalents or as elective credits. It's more beneficial when your OCC classes transfer directly as an equivalent class at MSU (e.g., English 101 at OCC is equivalent to WRA 101 at MSU), rather than as elective credits, because direct equivalents fulfill specific requirements.

Finally, keep in mind that while MSU accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities, the transferred credits will not affect your grade point average at MSU. They will just count towards the credit requirement for graduation.

Before you make the actual transfer, it's recommended to meet with academic advisers at both institutions. They can guide you on the exact classes to take and the pathways to follow, ensuring a smoother transfer experience. Also, MSU suggests applying for transfer admission at least one year prior to your planned enrollment, so plan accordingly!