Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What courses should I take before I transfer?
- How do I find out about transfer and major requirements for my school?
- What is the maximum number of units that are transferable?
- What if I take more than 70 semester transferable units?
- How long will it take to finish once I transfer?
- What is the difference between a UC and CSU?
- What is the difference between the Quarter and Semester System?
- What is GE?
- What is IGETC?
- What is certification and why is it important for transferring students?
- Do Credit/No Credit grades transfer?
- Do “D” grades transfer?
- What is articulation?
- What is ASSIST?
- Can I transfer to a school that does not have an agreement with Yuba?
- How do I apply to CSU or UC?
- What are the deadlines for CSU and UC transfer applications?
- Can I change my major after I transfer?
- I got bad grades at another college. Do I need inform my transfer college?
- How do “W’s” affect transferability?
- I already have one degree. Can I transfer and get another one?
- What schools can I transfer to where I can continue to work full-time?
- How can I meet with a college representative?
What courses should I take before I transfer? – (top)
For most students who intend to transfer as juniors, it is important to take general education courses and courses in your major. You should consult with a counselor to determine which lower division (freshman-sophomore level) major courses might be advisable to take.
How do I find out about transfer and major requirements for my school? – (top)
It is recommended that you meet with a counselor to find out about transfer requirements and to check in with a counselor each semester to make sure you are on track for meeting those requirements. Information as to which classes at a community college are required for a specific major at CSU or UC can be obtained from articulation agreements which are available online at www.assist.org.
What is the maximum number of units that are transferable? – (top)
Seventy (70) semester units is the maximum number of lower division community college units that can be applied to the Bachelor’s degree at the CSU and the UC. As a general rule, universities will apply a maximum of 70 units toward your Bachelor’s degree. The transferability of courses can be found in the Yuba College schedule of classes and catalog or on the web at www.assist.org.
What if I take more than 70 transferable semester units? – (top)
If you have taken more than 70 transferable units, the content of the courses may be used to satisfy subject area requirements.
How long will it take to complete my Bachelor’s Degree once I transfer?– (top)
If a student completes all of the GE and lower division major requirements, and a total of 60 transferable semester units, and continues at the transfer institution full-time (15 units per semester), the student should be able to graduate two years after transfer. Students who double major or add on a minor may take longer.
What is the difference between a UC and CSU?– (top)
California has two public university systems. The University of California (UC) is the research system of public higher education in California. The UC system emphasizes a theory-based approach to learning and offers doctorate programs in most disciplines along with graduate opportunities in medicine, dentistry, business, law, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The California State University (CSU) is the system of higher education in California that grants the highest number of Bachelor’s degrees. The CSU offers traditional and career specific majors with graduate opportunities at the Master’s level. The CSU has a more practical, career-oriented approach to education in contrast to the more theoretical approach offered by the UC.
What is the difference between the Quarter and Semester System? – (top)
The quarter system is the division of the academic year into three equal parts. Each quarter is 10 weeks in length, and there are usually three quarters (fall, winter and spring) per academic year. All UC campuses, except UC Berkeley and UC Merced, are on a quarter system. In the UC system, three quarters constitute an academic year. A semester is the other type of term within an academic year. Each semester is 18 weeks in length, and there are two semesters (fall and spring) in an academic year. Summer session and intersession (between terms) are available at some campuses.
What is GE? – (top)
GE or General Education is a program of courses that provides a broad educational experience. Courses are usually introductory in nature and provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge in English, arts, humanities, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences.
CSU GE-B (California State University General Education-Breadth) is a general education program that community college students can use to satisfy the lower division general education requirements for any CSU. It consists of 39 units spread among communication, sciences, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, lifelong understanding and ethnic studies.
IGETC or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum is a general education program that community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU or UC campus.
Students who are planning to transfer to a CSU have the option to complete the CSU (General Education-Breadth) GE-B pattern or IGETC.
IGETC requires “C” or better grades in each requirement. The CSU GE-B is more flexible (two to three “D” grades) and more choices of classes in each GE area.
Students who are planning to transfer to a UC have the option to complete the IGETC or follow a campus specific GE pattern. Students pursuing majors in engineering and science may not be best served by completing IGETC. Completing IGETC is not a requirement for transfer to either the CSU or the UC although it does overlap some of the minimum admission eligibility requirements.
What is GE Certification, and why is it important for transferring students? – (top)
Certification of CSU GE-B or IGETC is important in the transfer process. All California State Universities accept a common pattern of general education. The certification is the official notice verifying that a transfer student has completed courses satisfying lower division general education requirements. The universities can only require upper division GE and graduation requirements for students who are fully GE certified by the community college.
The request for certification of CSU GE or IGETC is done at the time you request transcripts be sent to the university. All areas of CSU GE-B or IGETC must be completed for full certification. Partial certification by area is possible for the CSU GE-B. Partial certification of IGETC is restricted to having all but a maximum of two classes completed. (Pass grades [P] are acceptable as long as they are equivalent to “C” or better grades where taken.)
Yuba College (beginning Fall 2021) offers a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in CSU GE-B and a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in IGETC. These certificates do not take the place of the GE Certification as the GE Certification is a separate document sent directly to the CSU or UC.
DoPass/No Pass (P/NP) grades transfer? – (top)
Yes, they do transfer. However, some four-year institutions may have a limit. Required courses for the major should not be taken P/NP. Credit is defined as satisfactory completion of the minimum course requirements (a “C” grade or better). Rather than receiving a grade on your transcript, you will earn a “P” if you met the minimum course requirements. P/NP grading does not impact your grade point average.
Do “D” grades transfer? – (top)
This depends on the college to which you are transferring. “D” grades cannot be used for IGETC nor for Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 of the CSU GE-B. Courses in a major typically require “C” or better grades. You may need to repeat “D” grades to improve your GPA.
What is articulation? – (top)
Articulation is the process of evaluating courses to determine whether coursework completed at one college will meet the requirements for admission, transfer credit, general education, or major preparation at another college.
What is ASSIST? – (top)
The ASSIST system (assist.org) is the official statewide database and online resource that shows prospective California transfer students how courses they complete at a community college may be used to satisfy elective, general education and major requirements at a CSU or UC campus.
Can I transfer to a school that does not have an agreement with Yuba? – (top)
The articulation agreement simply makes the transfer of credit proceed quicker. Work with your counselor and your transfer school to ensure you will be taking the appropriate classes.
How do I apply? – (top)
UC Application
What are the deadlines for CSU and UC transfer applications? – (top)
For UC transfers:
Fall: November 1–30 (You may start working on your fall application as early as August 1, and submit it by November 30).
For CSU transfers:
Spring: August 1 – 30
Fall: October 1 – November 30
Can I change my major after I transfer?– (top)
The ability to change a major completely depends on the rules governing major changes at the college or university that a student will be attending. It is best to prepare for and apply to the major you intend to pursue at the university.
I got bad grades at another college. Do I need inform my transfer college? – (top)
Yes. You are required to report all previous institutions that you have attended, and you don’t want to provide false information since that could potentially revoke your admission or degree.
How do “W’s” affect transferability?– (top)
In most cases, W’s are not typically a focus of admission decisions.
I already have one degree. Can I transfer and get another one?– (top)
You must contact each campus to determine their policy on receiving a second Bachelor’s.
What schools can I transfer to where I can continue to work full-time? – (top)
The CSU system and many private colleges are very accommodating to students who work full time.
How can I meet with a college representative? – (top)
Representatives from many colleges have virtual and face to face appointments available. Check the webpages to get appointment information or contact information the Counseling Department at (530) 634-7766.