Academic Catalogs

Transfer Planning

This section of the catalog is designed to help students plan an academic program for transfer to a four-year college or university. It includes information about the transfer process as well as general education. Since transfer requirements change frequently, students should meet with a counselor regularly to plan an academic program which will assure a smooth transition to the transfer institution of their choice.

The requirements listed in this section were updated at the time of publication; however, changes may have occurred after publication. Current Transfer Curriculum Guides and official articulation agreements are available in the Counseling Center, Transfer Center, and on the Transfer Center website.

Transferable Courses

The majority of courses identified in this catalog are transferable to the University of California and California State University for degree credit. Specific coursework will also meet general education, lower-division major preparation, or graduation requirements. All courses numbered G100 - G299 will transfer to the California State University for credit toward the baccalaureate degree. UC transfer designations are noted in the course description.

To determine if an individual course will also satisfy particular major or general education requirements, students should consult a Golden West College counselor or the Transfer Center. 

Transfer Majors

In order to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, students will need to select a subject area in which to specialize. This subject area is called a major. The Transfer Center can assist students to find the specific campuses where their particular major is offered. Most majors require that certain lower-division courses be completed during the first and/or second year of college. These courses are approved as equivalents to the university requirements.

Completing lower division major requirements at the community college is essential for upper-level coursework. Many upper-division major requirements have prerequisites, and completion of the lower division coursework while at Golden West College will help students seamlessly transfer to the university, as well as make efficient progress toward the bachelor’s degree. Many selective campuses and majors will screen for the completion of lower-division coursework for admission. Major requirements can be determined by meeting with a Counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP), completing an Associate Degree for Transfer, or by checking ASSIST.org.

Student Educational Plan

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet regularly with a counselor to develop and review their student educational plan (SEP). The plan will identify general education courses, major requirements, and electives needed to meet transfer admission requirements. Additionally, the SEP will outline key admission filing periods and other considerations for transfer admission. Keep in mind that transfer requirements differ from school to school and can change frequently. To view updated major preparation, general education courses and other transfer information for the California public universities (CSU & UC) go to the ASSIST website at www.assist.org. The transfer requirements listed in this section and other transfer publications were updated at the time of publication and can change. Changes occurring after publication can be obtained through such sources as ASSIST or by meeting with a counselor. Students are also advised to visit the Transfer Center for the latest transfer information.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Duplicate Credit

Duplicate credit will not be awarded in the same area for Advanced Placement Exams, the International Baccalaureate and the CLEP subject exams. In order to receive credit students must have official test results from the testing service sent to Golden West College. Credits are posted to the transcript upon completion of all other graduation requirements.

The CSU CLEP Chart is based on the most current information available. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, make sure to use the CSU CLEP link to see the original document.

Historical CSU CLEP exam credit and changes.

College Board CLEP information. 

Course credit and units granted at Golden West College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution.

CLEP Credit

CLEP credit can be used to satisfy CSU General Education Breadth requirements. It cannot be used to meet IGETC requirements. CSU grants CLEP credit, UC does not. It is up to the receiving institution to evaluate and grant CLEP credit. CLEP credit awarded at GWC may not transfer to other colleges. See a GWC counselor for more information.  

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP Exam Passing Score AA/AS GE Area Units Towards AA/AS GE CSU Passing Score CSU Minimum Units Earned Toward Transfer Units Towards CSU GE Breadth American Institutions and/or GE Breadth Area
American Government 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D
American Literature 50 (3) Area C 3 50 3 3 C2
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50 (3) Area C 3 50 3 3 C2
Biology 50 (3) Area B 3 50 3 3 B2
Calculus 50 (3) Area A 3 50 3 3 B4
Chemistry 50 (3) Area B 3 50 3 3 B1
College Algebra 50 (3) Area A 3 50 3 3 B4
College Algebra-Trigonometry 50 (3) Area A 3 50 3 3 B4
College Composition 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
College Composition-Modular 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
College Mathematics 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
English Composition (No Essay) 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
English Composition (with Essay) 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
English Literature 50 (3) Area C 3 50 3 3 C2 (-F11)1
Financial Accounting 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
French Language: 12 50 N/A 0 50 6 0 N/A
French Language: 22 59 (3) Area C 3 59 12 3 C2 (-F15)1
French Level II2 59 (3) Area C 3 59 9 3 C2
Freshman College Composition 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
German Language: Level 12 50 N/A 0 50 6 0 N/A
German Language: Level 22 60 (3) Area C 3 60 12 3 C2 (-F15)1
German Level II2 60 (3) Area C 3 60 9 3 C2
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D+US-1
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D+US-1
Human Growth and Development 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 E
Humanities 50 (3) Area C 3 50 3 3 C2
Information Systems 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
Introduction to Educational Psychology 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
Introductory Business Law 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
Introductory Psychology 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D
Introductory Sociology 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D
Natural Sciences 50 (3) Area B 3 50 3 3 B1 or B2
Precalculus 50 (3) Area A 3 50 3 3 B4
Principles of Accounting 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
Principles of Macroeconomics 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D
Principles of Management 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
Principles of Marketing 50 N/A 0 50 3 0 N/A
Principles of Microeconomics 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D
Social Science and History 50 N/A 0 50 0 0 N/A
Spanish Language: Level 12 50 N/A 0 50 6 0 N/A
Spanish Language: Level 22 63 (3) Area C 3 63 12 3 C2 (-F15)1
Spanish Level II2 63 (3) Area C 3 63 9 3 C2
Spanish with Writing: Level 12 50 N/A 6 50 6 0 N/A
Spanish with Writing: Level 22 63 (3) Area C 9 63 9 3 C2
Trigonometry 50 (3) Area A 3 50 3 3 B4 (-06)1
Western Civilization I 50 (3) Area C or D 3 50 3 3 C2 or D
Western Civilization II 50 (3) Area D 3 50 3 3 D
1

Students seeking certification in GE Breadth prior to transfer must have passed the test before this date.

2

If a student passes more than one CLEP test in the same language other than English (e.g., two exams in French), then only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate. For each test in a language other than English, a passing score of 50 is considered “Level I” and earns six units of baccalaureate credit; the higher score listed for each test is considered “Level II” and earns additional units of credit and placement in Area C2 of GE Breadth, as noted.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students can earn GWC credit for International Baccalaureate examinations with a minimum score of 5. Exam results can be used to satisfy CSU General Education Breadth and IGETC requirements but may require a score of 4 in some of the areas.

Students can earn IB credit with a minimum score of 5 except where noted.

The IB Chart is based on the most current Information available. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, make sure to use the links at the end of the section for the original documents.

Exam GWC AA GE Area CSU GE Area CSU Min. Units Earned Toward Transfer IGETC Area UC Sem. Units Earned Toward Transfer
Biology HL (3) Area B B2 (3) 6 5B (without lab) (3) 5.3
Chemistry HL (3) Area B B1 (3) 6 5A (without lab) (3) 5.3
Economics HL (3) Area D D (3) 6 4 (3) 5.3
Geography HL (3) Area D D (3) 6 4 (3) 5.3
History (any region) HL (3) Area C or D C2 or D (3) 6 3B or 4F (3) 5.3
Language A - Literature HL (4) Area C C21 (3) 61
Language A - Language and Literature HL (4) Area C C21 (3) 61
Language A - Literature (any language, except English) HL (3) Area C N/A 0 3B & 6A (UC only) (3) 5.3
Language A - Language and Literature (any language, except English) HL (3) Area C N/A 0 3B & 6A (UC only) (3) 5.3
Language A1 - Literature (any language) HL (3) Area C C21 (3) (F13 removed from CSUGE) 61 3B (3) 5.3
Language A2 - Language and Literature (any language) HL (3) Area C C21 (3) (F13 removed from CSUGE) 61 3B (3) 5.3
Language B (any language) HL (0) N/A N/A 61 6A (3) 5.3
Mathematics HL (4) Area A B41 (3) 61 2A (3) 5.3
Physics HL (3) Area B B1 (3) 6 5A (without lab) (3) 5.3
Psychology HL (3) Area D D (3) 3 4 (3) 5.3
Theatre HL (4) Area C C11 (3) 61 3A (3) 5.3
1

A minimum score of 4 is needed for GWC or CSU credit.

CSU GE: The IB examinations may be incorporated into the certification of CSU General Education-Breadth requirements by any certifying institution. All CSU campuses will accept the minimum units shown and apply them toward fulfillment of the designated General Education-Breadth area if the examination is included as part of a full or subject-area certification. Please note that individual CSU campuses may choose to grant more units than those specified toward completion of General Education-Breadth requirements.

IGETC: IB exams must be used in area indicated regardless of where the certifying CCC’s discipline is located.

The IB Chart is based on the most current Information available. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, please use this link to see the original documents:

CSU - Historical CSU IB exam credit and changes

IGETC: IGETC Standards 2.2

UC: Credit granted for IB exams

Advanced Placement Examination (AP)

Students may earn credit for the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement (AP) Tests with scores of 3, 4, or 5. AP credit can be used to meet IGETC, CSU/GE and A.A. general education (GE) and/or major requirements. [Local/Non-transfer Degree Exceptions to the minimum AP score are the PHYS G120 Algebra Based Physics: Mechanics and PHYS G125 Algebra Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism courses (AP Physics 1 and 2) which require a score of 5 for GWC unit and subject credit. Also, students who score 5 in Calculus BC can earn 10 units and subject credit for MATH G180 + G185].

Students must have the College Board send AP exam results to Admissions and Records (hand carried copies will not be accepted) for use on the A.A. or GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Golden West College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. See a GWC counselor for more information.

The AP Chart is based on the most current information available. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, make sure to use the links at the end of the section for the original documents.

AP Examination GWC Subject Credit GWC AA/AS Local GE Area CSU GE Area & Units for Certification CSU Semester Transfer Units IGETC Area & Units for Certification UC Semester Transfer Units
Art History ART G105 (3) + ART G106 (3) C C1 or C2 (3) 6 3A or 3B (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Biology BIOL G100 (4) B B2 + B3 (4) 6 5B + 5C (4) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Calculus AB MATH G180 (4) A B4 (3) 1 3 1 2A (3) 4 quart/2.6 sem.2
Calculus BC MATH G180 (4) A B4 (3) 1 6 1 2A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.2
Calculus BC3 MATH G180 (4) + MATH G1853 (4) A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Calculus BC/ AB Subscore4 MATH G180 (4) A B4 (3) 3 2A (3) N/A
Chemistry CHEM G130 (4) B B1 + B3 (4)5 6 5A + 5C (4) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Chinese Language and Culture CHIN G185 (5) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Computer Science A CS G153 (4) N/A 31 N/A 8 quart./5.3 sem.6 (after F18)
Computer Science AB CS G154 (4) N/A 61 N/A N/A
Computer Science Principles N/A A (3) B4 (3) 6 N/A 8 quart./5.3 sem.
English Language and Composition ENGL G100 (4) A A2 (3) 6 1A (3) 5.3 sem.7
English Literature and Composition ENGL G100 (4) + ENGL G110 (4) A + C (no critical thinking) A2 + C2 (6) 6 1A or 3B (3) 5.3 sem.7
Environmental Science (4) B B1 + B3 (4)8 4 5A +5C (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
European History HIST G180 (3) + HIST G185 (3) C or D C2 or D (3) 6 3B or 4 (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
French Language FREN G185 (5) C C2 (6) (before F09) 6 (before F09) N/A N/A
French Language FREN G185 (5) C C2 (3) (before F11) 6 (before F11) N/A N/A
French Language and Culture FREN G185 (5) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
French Literature (3) C C2 (3) (before F09) 6 (before F09) N/A N/A
German Language (5) C2 (6) (before F09) 6 (before F09) N/A N/A
German Language (5) C2 (3) (before F11) 6 (before F11) N/A N/A
German Language and Culture GRMN G180 (5) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Government and Politics: Comparative PSCI G185 (3) D D (3) 3 4 (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
Government & Politics: United States (3) D D + US29 (3) 3 4 + US2 (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
Human Geography (3) D D (3) 3 4 (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
Italian Language and Culture ITAL G180 (5) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Japanese Language and Culture JAPN G180 (5) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Latin (3) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem. (2013 and after)
Latin Literature (3) C C2 (3) (before F09) 6 (before F09) N/A N/A
Latin: Vergil (3) C C2 (3) (before F12) 3 (before F12) 3B + 6A (3) N/A
Macroeconomics ECON G175 (3) D D (3) 3 4 (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
Microeconomics ECON G170 (3) D D (3) 3 4 (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
Music Theory MUS G115 (3) C C1 (3) (before F09) 6 (before F09) N/A 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Physics 1: Algebra-Based PHYS G12014 (4) B B1 + B311 (4) 411 5A + 5C (4) 8 quart./5.3 sem.12
Physics 2: Algebra-Based PHYS G12510 (4) B B1 + B311 (4) 411 5A + 5C (4) 8 quart./5.3 sem.12
Physics B PHYS G110 (4) + PHYS G11110 (4) B B1 + B311 (4) (before F09) 611 (before F09) 5A + 5C (4) 8 quart./5.3 sem.12
Physics B PHYS G110 (4) + PHYS G11110 (4) B B1 + B3 11 (4) (before F13) 611 (before F13) N/A N/A
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism PHYS G125 (4) B B1 + B315 (4) 4 5A + 5C (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.12
Physics C: Mechanics PHYS G120 (4) B B1 + B315 (4) 4 5A + 5C (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.12
Precalculus Precalculus (4) A B4 (3) 3 N/A N/A
Psychology PSYC G100 (3) D D (3) 3 4 (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
Seminar N/A N/A N/A 3 N/A N/A
Spanish Language SPAN G180 (5) + SPAN G185 (5) C C2 (6) (before S14) 6 (before F14) N/A (Spanish Language no longer offered)
Spanish Language and Culture SPAN G180 (5) + SPAN G185 (5) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Spanish Literature (3) C C2 (6) (before S13) 6 (before S13) N/A N/A
Spanish Literature and Culture (3) C C2 (3) 6 3B + 6A (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
Statistics MATH G160 (4) A B4 (3) 3 2A (3) 4 quart./2.6 sem.
2D Art and Design ART G107 (3) C N/A 3 N/A 8 quart./5.3 sem.13
3D Art and Design ART G109 (3) C N/A 3 N/A 8 quart./5.3 sem.13
Drawing N/A N/A N/A 3 N/A 8 quart./5.3 sem.13
United States History HIST G170 (3) + HIST G175 (3) C or D C2 or D+US-1 (3) 6 3B or 4 + US1 (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
World History: Modern HIST G161 (3) + HIST G162 (3) C or D C2 or D (3) 3 3B or 4 (3) 8 quart./5.3 sem.
1

CSU: If a student passes more than one AP exam in calculus or computer science, only one exa​​mination may be applied to the baccalaureate

2

UC: AP Calculus Exam Limitation: Maximum 8 quart./5.3 sem. units for both

3

GWC: AP Calculus Exam Limitations: score 5 for MATH G180 Calculus 1 + MATH G185 Calculus 2 credit

4

UC: Students who take the Calculus BC examination and earn a subscore of 3 or higher on the Calculus AB portion will receive credit for the Calculus AB examination, even if they do not receive a score of 3 or higher on the BC examination (note that the maximum credit awarded for both exams is 8 quarter units).

5

CSU: AP Chemistry Exam Limitation: 6 sem. units if taken prior to F09

6

UC:Computer Science A: 2 (students entering UC prior to fall 2018)
Computer Science A: 5.3 sem/8 qtr (students entering UC fall 2018 and after)

7

UC: AP English Exam Limitation: Maximum 5.3 sem. units for both

8

CSU: Students who pass AP Environmental Science earn 4 units of credit. Tests prior to Fall 2009 may apply to either B1+B3 or B2+B3 of GE Breadth. Fall of 2009 or later, those credits may only apply to B1+B3

9

AP Govt. Exam Limitations: Doesn’t fulfill Calif. Gov. Requirement.

10

GWC:  AP Physics Exam Limitations: score 5 for PHYS G120 Algebra Based Physics: Mechanics or PHYS G125 Algebra Based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism credit (Physics 1 or 2)

11

CSU: If a student passes more than one AP exam in physics, only six units of credit may be applied to the baccalaureate, and only four units of credit may be applied to a certification in GE Brea​dth.​​

12

UC:Physics B replaced by Physics 1 & 2 – 2015

(5.3 sem/8 qtr maximum for all tests)

13

UC: AP Studio Art Exam Limitations: Maximum 8 quart./5.3 sem. units for all three

# Many Colleges or Universities may apply AP credit toward satisfaction of subject or specific requirements (e.g., major). AP policies vary by institution. See the transfer institution’s application of AP major preparation credit. See individual UC and CSU campuses for AP major preparation credit. See a counselor to discuss how AP is applied.

AA: Students should be aware that AP test credit is evaluated by corresponding it to an equivalent GWC course, e.g. HIST G170 History Of The United States To 1876. A student who receives AP credit and then takes the equivalent GWC course will have the unit credit for such duplication deducted prior to being awarded the A.A. degree. Credit by Advanced Placement exam is noted and listed first on a student’s transcript, with units assigned and no grade.

Course credit and units granted to the local AA may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. See Counselor.

AP Credit: See the transfer institution’s application of AP major preparation credit. See individual UC and CSU campuses for AP major preparation credit.

CSU GE: The Advanced Placement examinations may be incorporated into the certification of CSU General Education-Breadth requirements by any certifying institution. All CSU campuses will accept the minimum units shown and apply them toward fulfillment of the designated General Education-Breadth area if the examination is included as part of a full or subject-area certification. Please note that individual CSU campuses may choose to grant more units than those specified toward completion of General Education-Breadth requirements.

IGETC: AP exams may be used in area indicated regardless of where the certifying CCC’s discipline is located.

The AP Chart is based on the most current information available. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, make sure to use the links below for the original documents.

College Board: AP Courses & Exams 

CSU: AP Chart (for current CSU AP information).

CSU: Historical CSU AP exam credit and changes

IGETC GE: IGETC Standards 2.3

UC Transfer Credit: UC Credit granted for AP exams

UC AP major preparation individual campuses

Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)

The Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID) is a statewide numbering system independent from the course numbers assigned by local California community colleges. A C-ID number next to a course signals that participating California colleges and universities have determined that courses offered by other California community colleges are comparable in content and scope to courses offered on their own campuses, regardless of their unique titles or local course number.

The C-ID numbering system is useful for students attending more than one community college and is applied to many of the transferable courses students need as preparation for transfer with an AA-T or AS-T degree. Students should always check with a counselor to determine how C-ID designated courses fit into their educational plans for transfer, because these course requirements may change and because courses may be modified and qualified for or deleted from the C-ID database.

Students may consult with a GWC Counselor or the Transfer Center to confirm C-ID equivalent coursework and help with interpretation of C-ID notations. 

Associate Degrees For Transfer

California Community Colleges and Golden West College offer Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to the CSU. These may include Associate in Arts (AA-T) or Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees. These degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. California Community College students who are awarded an ADT degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system. Additional priority consideration may be given to a student's local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses. Students who apply to the CSU with an ADT will also require "verification" of the degree status. Students should check with the Transfer Center for updates on this process. 

Students who have been awarded an ADT are able to complete their remaining requirements for the 120-unit baccalaureate degree within 60 semester or 90 quarter units.

To view the most current list of Golden West College Associate Degrees for Transfer and to find out which CSU campuses accept each degree, please visit goldenwestcollege.edu/academics/ and http://calstate.edu/transfer/adt-search/. Additional information on the Associate Degree for Transfer program can be found online at www.ADegreeWithAGuarantee.com.

Current and prospective community college students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs.