I'm currently at a community college in Oregon and thinking about transferring to a four-year university. Does anyone know how credits from an Oregon community college typically transfer to universities in the state or elsewhere?
The process of transferring credits from an Oregon community college to a four-year institution can vary based on the specific universities you're interested in, but generally, most Oregon public universities have an agreement with community colleges in the state which allows for smooth credit transfers. This agreement is known as the Oregon Transfer Module (OTM).
When you complete the OTM, which typically involves taking between 45 and 60 credits in certain required subjects, those credits are guaranteed to count toward a bachelor's degree at any Oregon public university. Other than the OTM, Oregon also has a statewide reverse transfer agreement, which means that even if you transfer before earning an associate degree, you can still receive that degree once you complete the needed credits at your four-year institution.
For universities outside of Oregon, the process can be less straightforward. Each university has its own policies regarding transfer credits. It's best to contact the admissions office of the universities you're considering to learn more about their transfer policies. They may require that you submit course descriptions or syllabi for your completed classes to determine whether the content matches their own courses.
Regardless of the specifics, you should also speak with an academic advisor at your community college. They can guide you through the transfer process, provide advice based on previous students' experiences, and help ensure that your credits line up with the requirements of your intended bachelor's degree.
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