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Associate Degrees for Transfer

Transfer Degrees

Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) & Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) 

Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act

A Degree With a Guarantee!

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (STAR) enables the California Community Colleges and California State University to collaborate on the creation of Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degree programs for transfer.

These AA-T and AS-T degrees allow students to complete an Associate’s degree and satisfy lower division general education and major requirements for transfer at the same time.

It is strongly encouraged that students interested in pursuing an AA-T or AS-T meet with a counselor right away.

Benefits for Community College Students

A California Community College student who earns an AA-T or AS-T will benefit from the following:

  • Will earn an associate’s degree from Mission College;
  • Will not be held to any local graduation requirements;
  • Will qualify for a Certificate of Achievement in Transfer Studies in either CSUGE-B or IGETC;
  • Will satisfy lower division general education and major requirements for transfer;
  • Will not be required to complete more than 60 CSU transferable units to earn the AA-T or AS-T.
CSU Admissions

A California Community College student who has earned an AA-T or AS-T will benefit from the following:

  • Guaranteed admission to the CSU system as a junior;
  • Guaranteed admission to a campus in the CSU system;
  • Priority admission consideration to a local CSU;
  • Priority admission consideration to a “similar” major.
After Transfer

Once admitted to CSU, a California Community College student who has earned an AA-T or AS-T will benefit from the following:

  • Will not be required to complete more than 60 units after transfer;
  • Will be prepared to start upper division coursework at the CSU;
  • Will not be required to repeat courses similar to those completed at CCC.
Apply for an AA-T or AS-T

When applying to CSU for fall admission, students must complete the CSU admissions application between October 1 and November 30 of the year prior to transfer. Students must indicate on the CSU admission application the particular AA-T or AS-T being awarded by the California Community College and the date the degree will be complete. 

Students must apply for the AA-T or AS-T at the community college campus the semester prior to transfer.

When applying to CSU for spring admission, students must complete the CSU admissions application between August 1 and August 30 of the year prior to transfer.

Students must indicate on the CSU admission application the particular AA-T or AS-T being awarded by the California Community College and the date the degree will be complete. Students must apply for the AA-T or AS-T at the community college campus by a specified deadline yet to be determined. 

Association of Independent Colleges and Universities ADT Commitment

The ADT Commitment is the Independent California College and University sector’s adaptation of the ADT pathway. While similar to the CSU ADT, there are also some differences due to the independent nature of the state’s nonprofit institutions:

  • Unlike CSU, AICCU institutions are not part of a system and each campus has its own admission and graduation requirements.
  • If an ADT transfer student meets all the requirements of admission to a participating institution, admission is guaranteed to that college as opposed to a system.

The ADT Commitment is:

  • Guaranteed admission for the ADT students meeting admission requirements;
  • Guarantees a minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units will transfer;
  • Guarantees the student starts with junior standing.

Student are advised to review the list of AICCU ADT Participating Institutions and majors accepted.