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.

Advanced Placement Examination (AP)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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.

Academic Catalogs