Transfer Information and Requirements
Students planning to transfer have a wide variety of options. The California State University with 23 campuses, the University of California with 9 campuses, and over 80 private/independent colleges in California provide a wide range of academic programs, physical and academic environments, and social climates. College of the Sequoias offers the equivalent of the first half of these college and university programs. Students wishing to pursue any of these goals should meet with a counselor as early as possible to discuss their plans. Careful planning will help students avoid mistakes that could prolong their academic pursuits.
Successful transfer planning requires the following steps:
- Selecting a career goal
- Selecting an appropriate major to meet your career goal
- Selecting an appropriate college or university
- Planning and completing an appropriate transfer program
- Completing the application process
All colleges and universities have specific admissions requirements and may have special course and unit requirements, as well as minimum grade point averages that must be met prior to transfer. Once students identify their major and the college or university to which they wish to transfer, they should consult the catalog of that college or university for specific requirements. Catalogs for the California State University campuses, the University of California campuses, and selected private/independent colleges are available online and in the Transfer Center. Students interested in purchasing their own catalog can do so by writing directly to the college or university.
Colleges and universities require students to complete specific general education requirements as well as major requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Students can complete both general education and lower division major requirements at COS prior to transfer. COS maintains articulation agreements for selected majors at many colleges, and COS counselors can assist with interpreting the agreements, catalog statements, and other requirements.
In accordance with Executive Order No. 167 from the Chancellor’s Office of the California State Universities and Colleges, College of the Sequoias has developed a list of courses that are baccalaureate level. Courses that are numbered 001-199 and common courses are accepted by the California State Universities and most private, independent colleges. Courses numbered 001-099 and common courses are accepted by the University of California; however, students should consult the “University of California Transfer Course List” in this catalog for specific limitations. COS courses that transfer to universities meet various requirements depending on the school and major selected.
Students are responsible for complying with regulations and instructions set forth in catalogs, for selecting the courses which will permit them to meet their educational objectives, and for satisfying any program or course prerequisites. College requirements and articulation agreements are constantly changing; contents of this catalog represent our best attempt to provide current and pertinent information for transfer students.
- Area 1: English Communication
- Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
- Area 3: Arts and Humanities
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences
- AREA 6: Ethnic Studies
- CSU American Institutions Requirement
- Language Other Than English (LOTE)
- Cal-GETC Certification
- AP Exams Approved to Clear Specific Cal-GETC Areas
California - General Education Transfer Curriculum Pattern (Cal-GETC)
Area 1: English Communication
Complete one course from each area. 9 units minimum.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1A: English Composition: Complete one course. 3 units minimum. | ||
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| 1B: Critical Thinking - English Composition: Complete one course. 3 units minimum. | ||
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| PHIL 025 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| 1C: Oral Communication: Complete one course. 3 units minimum. | ||
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
Complete one course. 3 units minimum.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 020 | Business Statistics * | 3 |
| MATH 035 | Precalculus A * | 4 |
| MATH 044 | College Algebra * | 4 |
| MATH 054 | Precalculus B * | 4 |
| MATH 065 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MATH 066 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MATH 067 | Calculus 3 | 4 |
| MATH 070 | Precalculus * | 5 |
| MATH 080 | Linear Algebra | 4 |
| MATH 081 | Differential Equations | 5 |
| SSCI 025 | Statistics - Social Sciences * | 4 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics * | 4 |
- *
Indicates transfer units are limited by UC for transfer admission purposes. Consult the University of California Transfer Course List below.
Area 3: Arts and Humanities
Complete one course from the Arts and one course from the Humanities. 6 units minimum.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 3A: Arts | ||
| ARCH 070 | Architecture History 1 | 3 |
| ARCH 071 | Architecture History 2 | 3 |
| ART 001 | Art Appreciation | 3 |
| ART 002 | Art History/Ancient-Gothic | 3 |
| ART 003 | Art History/Gothic-Modern | 3 |
| ART 004 | Art of Ancient America: Mesoamerica | 3 |
| ART 005 | Art of Ancient America: South America | 3 |
| ART 081 | Survey of Asian Art | 3 |
| CINA 031 | Film Appreciation-American | 3 |
| CINA 032 | Film Appreciation-International | 3 |
| DRAM 001 | Introduction to the Theatre | 3 |
| DRAM 006 | Shakespeare ** | 3 |
| MUS 004 | Theory and Musicianship 1 * | 4 |
| MUS 005 | Theory and Musicianship 2 * | 4 |
| MUS 006 | Theory and Musicianship 3 | 4 |
| MUS 007 | Theory and Musicianship 4 | 4 |
| MUS 010 | Music Appreciation | 3 |
| MUS 011 | Music Appreciation/Jazz | 3 |
| MUS 013 | Music of the World | 3 |
| MUS 014 | History of Rock and Roll | 3 |
| 3B: Humanities | ||
| ASL 003 | American Sign Language 3 | 3 |
| ASL 004 | American Sign Language 4 | 3 |
| ASL 005 | Deaf Culture | 3 |
| DRAM 006 | Shakespeare ** | 3 |
| ENGL 004 | Composition and Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 010 | Chicano Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 015 | Survey of British Literature 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 016 | Survey of British Literature 2 | 3 |
| ENGL 018 | African American Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 019 | Women in Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 030 | American Literature 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 031 | American Literature 2 | 3 |
| ENGL 044 | World Literature 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 045 | World Literature 2 | 3 |
| ENGL 046 | Shakespeare | 3 |
| ETHN 001 | Black American Studies ** | 3 |
| ETHN 002 | American Indian Studies ** | 3 |
| ETHN 003 | Chicana and Chicano Studies ** | 3 |
| ETHN 004 | Asian American Studies ** | 3 |
| ETHN 010 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Studies ** | 3 |
| HIST 004 | History of Western Civilization to 1648 ** | 3 |
| HIST 005 | Western Civilization Since 1648 ** | 3 |
| HIST 017 | People of the US to 1877 *** | 3 |
| HIST 018 | People of the US from 1865 *** | 3 |
| HIST 023 | Mexican American ** | 3 |
| HIST 025 | World History to 1500 ** | 3 |
| PHIL 001 | Introductory Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 005 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 012 | Comparative Religion | 3 |
| SPAN 003 | Intermediate Spanish * | 4 |
| SPAN 004 | Advanced Spanish * | 4 |
| SPAN 012 | Hispanic Literature | 3 |
| SPAN 023 | Spanish 3 for Spanish Speakers * | 4 |
- *
Indicates number of transfer units may be limited by UC. Consult with a counselor for additional information.
- **
ETHN 001, ETHN 002, ETHN 003, ETHN 004, and ETHN 010; HIST 004, HIST 005, HIST 023, & HIST 025 can be counted in ONE AREA ONLY (3B or 4). DRAM 006 can be counted in ONE AREA ONLY (3A or 3B).
- ***
HIST 017 and/or HIST 018 can be counted in ONE AREA ONLY (3B or 4) and may be used to meet the CSU American Institutions Requirement (see CSU American Institutions Requirement description below).
Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Complete two courses from two different disciplines. 6 units minimum.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AG 001 | AG, Society, & the Environment | 3 |
| AGMT 001 | Agriculture Economics | 3 |
| AJ 045 | Terrorism and Freedom | 3 |
| ANTH 010 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 012 | Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH 013 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion | 3 |
| CHLD 039 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CHLD 042 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
| COMM 002 | Gender and Communication | 3 |
| COMM 009 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| ECON 025 | Introduction to Economics | 3 |
| ECON 040 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 050 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ETHN 001 | Black American Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 002 | American Indian Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 003 | Chicana and Chicano Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 004 | Asian American Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 010 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Studies * | 3 |
| GEOG 002 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| HIST 004 | History of Western Civilization to 1648 * | 3 |
| HIST 005 | Western Civilization Since 1648 * | 3 |
| HIST 017 | People of the US to 1877 ** | 3 |
| HIST 018 | People of the US from 1865 ** | 3 |
| HIST 023 | Mexican American * | 3 |
| HIST 025 | World History to 1500 * | 3 |
| JOUR 007 | Mass Communication | 3 |
| JOUR 020 | Cultural Issues in Film/TV/Web | 3 |
| NUTR 020 | Cultural Foods | 3 |
| PHSC 002 | Health and Social Justice | 3 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLS 006 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLS 008 | International Relations | 3 |
| POLS 011 | Political Theory and Thought | 3 |
| POLS 012 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 005 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 010 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSYC 034 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 080 | Introduction to Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 001 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 002 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC 010 | Sociology of Gender | 3 |
| SOC 026 | Marriage and Family Life | 3 |
| SOC 043 | Sociology of Deviance | 3 |
| SSCI 050 | Law and Democracy | 3 |
- *
ETHN 001, ETHN 002, ETHN 003, ETHN 004, and ETHN 010; HIST 004, HIST 005, HIST 023, & HIST 025 can be counted in ONE AREA ONLY (3B or 4)
- **
HIST 017 and/or HIST 018 can be counted in ONE AREA ONLY (3B or 4) and may be used to meet the CSU American Institutions Requirement (see CSU American Institutions Requirement description below).
- ***
POLS C1000 may be used to meet the CSU American Institutions Requirement (see CSU American Institutions Requirement description below).
Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences
Complete one course from the Physical Sciences and one course from the Biological Sciences. One course must have a lab. 7 units minimum.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 5A: Physical Science | ||
| AG 004 | Soil Science | 3 |
| ASTR 010 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| CHEM 001 | General Chemistry 1 (Lab) *^ | 5 |
| CHEM 002 | General Chemistry 2 (Lab) * | 5 |
| CHEM 010 | Introduction to Chemistry * | 4 |
| CHEM 012 | Organic Chemistry 1 (Lab) * | 5 |
| CHEM 013 | Organic Chemistry 2 (Lab) * | 5 |
| CHEM 020 | Introduction to General Chemistry (Lab) * | 4 |
| CHEM 021 | Organic/Biological Chemistry (Lab) * | 4 |
| GEOG 001 | Physical Geography (Lab) | 3 |
| GEOG 005 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| GEOL 001 | Physical Geology (Lab) | 4 |
| GEOL 005 | Earth History (Lab) | 4 |
| GEOL 012 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| PHYS 020 | General Physics 1 (Lab) * | 5 |
| PHYS 021 | General Physics 2 (Lab) * | 5 |
| PHYS 055 | Physics 1: Mechanics & Waves (Lab) * | 4 |
| PHYS 056 | Physics 2: E&M and Heat (Lab) | 4 |
| PHYS 057 | Physics 3: Modern Physics (Lab) | 5 |
| PSCI 020 | Physical Science (Lab) * | 4 |
| 5B: Biological Sciences | ||
| AG 002 | Environmental Conservation | 3 |
| ANTH 011 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| BIOL 001 | Principles of Biology 1 (Lab) | 5 |
| BIOL 002 | Principles of Biology 2 (Lab) | 5 |
| BIOL 020 | Frontiers in Biology (Lab) * | 4 |
| BIOL 021 | Plant Biology (Lab) | 3 |
| BIOL 022 | Animal Biology (Lab) | 3 |
| BIOL 025 | Human Ecology | 3 |
| BIOL 030 | Human Anatomy (Lab) | 4 |
| BIOL 031 | Human Physiology (Lab) | 4 |
| BIOL 040 | General Microbiology (Lab) | 4 |
| PLSI 001 | Introduction to Plant Science | 3 |
| 5C: Lab | ||
| GEOG 001L | Physical Geography Lab | 1 |
AREA 6: Ethnic Studies
Complete one course. 3 units minimum.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ETHN 001 | Black American Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 002 | American Indian Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 003 | Chicana and Chicano Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 004 | Asian American Studies * | 3 |
| ETHN 010 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Studies * | 3 |
CSU American Institutions Requirement
Students transferring to a CSU are encouraged to complete this requirement prior to transfer. This requirement is not required for Cal-GETC GE certification. These courses may also be used to satisfy Area 3B or 4 above. Complete two courses - one from each group.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| US 1: Historical Development of American Institutions & Ideals | ||
| HIST 017 | People of the US to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST 018 | People of the US from 1865 | 3 |
| US 2: U.S. Constitution and Government | ||
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| AP US Government with a score of 3, 4, or 5 satisfies US 2 but not US 3 | ||
| US 3: California State and Local Government | ||
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLS 010 | California Government and Politics | 1 |
Language Other Than English (LOTE)
Beginning Fall 2025, the UC Language other than English (LOTE) graduation requirement is not part of the Cal-GETC requirements. Upon transfer to a UC, a course that is approved to fulfill a Cal-GETC subject area may be used to satisfy the LOTE requirement if it meets relevant UC criteria.
Students transferring to a UC campus are strongly encouraged to complete the language competency requirements before admission to avoid extending their time at the UC. These requirements can be met through:
- Completion of the second level of high school coursework in a language other than English with a letter grade of "C-" grade or better in the second semester of the second year
- College courses equivalent to the second level of high school instruction, such as ASL 001, ASL 002, PORT 002, SPAN 002, SPAN 022, or higher
- Advanced Placement (AP) exams
- Other approved methods
This ensures a smoother transition and helps students stay on track for graduation.
Cal-GETC Certification
“Certification” means that the College of the Sequoias has verified that a student has completed the lower division California-General Education Transfer Curriculum pattern requirements. Certification is important because without it students will be held to the transfer institution's general education requirements. Courses from other colleges/universities may be considered for certification through a process called “pass along certification”:
- Courses taken at other California Community Colleges will be certified in the subject areas 1–6 approved by the institution where the courses were successfully completed, and
- Courses successfully completed at other regionally accredited colleges and universities will be certified only if the course is determined to be equivalent to a course on a California Community College Cal-GETC Certification Pattern. Courses deemed equivalent would be certified in the subject areas in which the equivalent CCC courses have been approved.
AP Exams Approved to Clear Specific Cal-GETC Areas
The first number in the ( ) is semester units granted by all campuses of the University of California, at a minimum, as elective credits which count toward the 60 transferable units necessary for admissions eligibility. This list includes only AP exams approved for Cal-GETC and is not exhaustive; unit limitations include 5.3 units for both English exams, 5.3 units for both calculus exams, and 5.3 units for all three physics exams (see a counselor for a complete list of exams and unit limitations.). The second number in the ( ) is the semester units applied to the fulfillment of the Cal-GETC requirements.
| AP Score=3, 4, 5 | GE Area |
|---|---|
| Art History (5.3/3) | 3A or 3B |
| Biology (5.3/4) | 5B and 5C |
| Calculus AB (2.7/3) | 2 |
| Calculus BC (5.3/3) | 2 |
| Chemistry (5.3/4) | 5A and 5C |
| Chinese L&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| English Lang & Comp (5.3/3) | 1A |
| English Lit & Comp (5.3/3) | 1A or 3B |
| Environ Sci (2.7/3) | 5A and 5C |
| French L&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| German L&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| Govt: U.S. (2.7/3)* | 41 |
| Govt: Comparative (2.7/3) | 4 |
| Hist: European (5.3/3) | 3B or 4 |
| Hist: U.S. (5.3/3) | 3B or 4 |
| Hist: World (5.3/3) | 3B or 4 |
| Human Geog (2.7/3) | 4 |
| Italian L&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| Japanese L&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| Latin (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| Macroeconomics (2.7/3) | 4 |
| Microeconomics (2.7/3) | 4 |
| Phys 1 (5.3/4) | 5A and 5C |
| Phys 2 (5.3/4) | 5A and 5C |
| Phys C (Mech) (2.7/3) | 5A and 5C |
| Phys C (Elect) (2.7/3) | 5A and 5C |
| Psychology (2.7/3) | 4 |
| Spanish L&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| Spanish Lit&C (5.3/3) | 3B and 6 |
| Statistics (2.7/3) | 2 |
- *
NOTE: AP GOVT: U.S. Exam may be used to clear Cal-GETC AREA 4; however, in order to clear the CSU American Institution graduation requirement for US 3: California State and Local Government students must also complete POLS 010.
California State University Transfer Information
Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)
The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an “associate degree for transfer,” a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. In order to earn one of these degrees, students must complete a minimum of 60 required semester units of CSU-transferable coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T or AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:
- Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Consult with a counselor for more information.
- Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in an “AA-T” or “AS-T” major as detailed in the program requirements page of the degree. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C or better. (Title 5 §55063).
- Certified completion of the California-General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern.
CSU Minimum Upper Division Transfer Requirements
If a student has completed at least 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units, has a grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted, and is in good standing at the last college or university attended, the student may be eligible for upper division transfer if the student has completed at least 30 semester (45 quarter) units of college courses with a minimum grade of C in each course to be selected from courses in English, arts and humanities, social science, science, and mathematics at a level at least equivalent to courses that meet general education requirements.
The 30 semester (45 quarter) units must include all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (at least 9 semesters or 12 quarter units to include written communication, oral communication, and critical thinking) and mathematics (at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units) or, if completing the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum, English communication (at least 9 semester or 12 quarter units in English composition, oral communication, and critical thinking) and the requirement in mathematics (at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units). Required courses must be completed by deadlines established by the university.
University of California Transfer Information
Eligibility for Transfer to UC
If a student was eligible for admission to the University of California when the student graduated from high school — meaning the student satisfied the subject, scholarship, and examination requirements, or was identified by the University during the senior year in high school as being eligible under the Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) Program, the student is eligible to transfer if the student has a “C” (2.0) average in the student's transferable college coursework.
If a student met the Scholarship Requirement but did not satisfy the 15-course Subject Requirement, the student must take transferable college courses in the missing subjects, earn a minimum grade of C in each required course and maintain a 2.0 GPA in all transferable coursework to be eligible for transfer.
If a student was not eligible for admission to the University when the student graduated from high school because of not meeting the Scholarship Requirement, the student must:
- Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) units of transferable college credit with a grade point average of at least 2.4 (2.8 for nonresidents); No more than 14 semester/21 quarter units may be taken (pass/not pass), and;
- Complete the following seven transferable college courses, earning a minimum grade of C in each course:
- Two transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition, and;
- One transferable college course (3 semester 4-5 quarter units) in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning, and;
- Four transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) chosen from at least two of the following subject areas: the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, or the physical and biological sciences.
Students who satisfy the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum prior to transferring to UC will satisfy Requirement 2 above of the transfer admission requirements.
General Education Requirements for UC
Each school and college at every UC campus has its own breadth/general education requirements. Students may fulfill the lower division breadth/general education requirements at most UC campuses by completing one of the following two options:
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum which will fulfill the lower division breadth/general education requirements for most UC and all CSU campuses.
- The specific lower-division breadth/general education requirements of the campus to which they intend to transfer.
Students should consult a COS Counselor to determine which option is best suited for their educational objective.
University of California Transfer Course List
College of the Sequoias courses that are acceptable by the University of California including all unit limitations are as follows: