Graduation and Transfer Requirements

Defining Educational Goals

An educational goal is defined as the student’s purpose for attending San Joaquin Delta College and includes the major field of academic specialization such as business, biological sciences, art, or engineering. A major includes an organized set of required courses that prepares students for further study or employment.

Student Options

1. Certificate of Achievement
   A Certificate of Achievement is a short-term program, usually two to four semesters for a full-time student. Certificate programs focus on preparing students for a specific goal or area of employment. 
2. Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
   An associate’s degree is the first college degree a student may earn. It signifies the completion of at least 60 semester units of college-level work in a major or area of emphasis and includes completion of general education (GE) courses. Some students require developmental course work to prepare for college-level study and, thus, may be required to complete more than 60 units to earn the associate’s degree.
3. Transfer
   At San Joaquin Delta College, students may complete the first two years of course work required for a bachelor’s degree and transfer as a junior to a baccalaureate-granting institution. Students may transfer with or without an associate’s degree, but earning the Associate in Arts for Transfer or the Associate in Science for Transfer degree will facilitate transfer to California State University campuses.
4. Other Educational Goals
   If a student does not plan to complete a certificate or associate’s degree, or transfer to a four-year college or university, courses are offered for personal development. In this case, the educational goal may be to:

• Learn new job skills
• Improve basic skills
• Pursue a personal interest
• Update current job skills
• Explore career interests

Counselors are available to assist students in defining their educational goals.

Planning Your Schedule

The unit: a working definition

The number of course units is generally the number of lecture hours per week a class meets. Classes that include a laboratory component meet additional hours. Students should expect a minimum of two hours of outside study per week for each enrolled unit. The student’s ability to successfully complete college course work must be carefully considered to include time for class, study, employment, and other personal responsibilities.

How long will it take to complete a certificate or degree?

The time it takes to complete a certificate or degree is dependent on how many units are taken each semester. Refer to the chart below to determine how the average number of courses completed per semester will affect the time it will take to complete a certificate or degree.

These times may be shortened by enrolling in summer session courses.

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College Level Examination Program Examination Credit

Students may complete general education (GE) course or area requirements on the SJDC-GE pattern or GE area requirements on the CSU-GE pattern or IGETC pattern by earning a satisfactory score on the Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations. College units are awarded and GE courses/areas are satisfied as indicated in the chart below. Where no general education area credit matches are available, the College will award elective credit.

A satisfactory score in AP English Literature, AP English Language, or CLEP English Composition with Essay may be used to satisfy ENG 1A  or meet the prerequisite for courses that require ENG 1A . 

Students who have earned a satisfactory score may receive units but not a letter grade toward the associate degree or certificate. Units and course equivalencies granted by San Joaquin Delta College are not identical to units and course equivalencies granted by other institutions. Each two- and four-year institution has its own policy for determining units and equivalencies awarded. Transfer students should refer to the advanced placement policy at the college or university to which they are considering transferring, as the application of examination credit is left to the discretion of individual institutions.

An advanced placement examination may duplicate content in certain college courses. In such cases, students will not receive credit for both the examination and the course.

Students requesting AP/IB/CLEP credit must first meet with a College counselor to review the AP/IB/CLEP Examination Credit Petition. Counselors will make students aware of transfer issues that may occur as a result of using AP/IB/CLEP examination credit as a substitute for completing required coursework. The counselor-reviewed petition must then be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records for final approval.

Once approved, AP/IB/CLEP credit units will become part of the student record and printed on the official transcript. (AP 4235.1, 5/2/19; AP 4235.2, 5/3/22; AP 4235.3, 5/3/22)

* To find a detailed description of the CSU General Education areas of breadth, please see: California State University General Education (CSU-GE) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement .
**To find a detailed description of the IGETC areas of breadth, please see: Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement .

Notes:

1. Areas of GE Breadth (A1 through F) are defined in EO 1100. Areas of American Institutions (US-1 through US-3) are set forth in Sections IA and IB of EO 1061, and at www.assist.org.
2. 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 Breadth.
3. 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.

Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) Credit

Utilizing the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations as described below, three lower division semester hours for language shall equate to three semester units (or their quarter equivalent) in CSU GE Breadth Sub-Area C2. When assigning academic credit using the DLPT, campus articulation officers and credit transfer evaluators should refer to the ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training. This ACE online guide organizes foreign language test scores and credit recommendations by language, version of the test, and modality of language. The Guide then provides lower and upper division credit recommendations based on the DLPT test score in the following modalities: listening, reading, and oral. Campuses may continue to award additional GE and/or major course credit as they have done in the past.

Documentation

The following documents may be accepted to award DLPT GE or course credit:

• Official Defense Language Institute Foreign Language (DLIFLC) Transcripts
• Official Joint Services Transcripts (JST)
• Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) DLPT Examinee Results
• DA Form 330 Language Proficiency Questionnaire

If there are any questions about DLPT test documents or ACE’s National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training as it applies to the DPLT, please contact Dr. Marshall Thomas, Director of Active Duty and Veterans Affairs at mthomas@calstate.edu or (562) 951-4130.

English Composition Placement Chart

This chart illustrates how students may qualify for transfer-level and degree applicable English Composition. Students should consult with a counselor to determine the appropriate course for their educational goal.

Notes:

1. All students have the right to enroll in transfer-level English composition (Title 5, Section 55522).
2. If students previously had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), they should see a Disability Support Programs and Services counselor to discuss their enrollment options.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Chart and Course Sequence

ESL courses are designed for English Language Learners. Fluent English speakers with a U.S. high school GPA should directly take ENG 1A  or ENG 2A . Fluent English speakers without a U.S. high school GPA should consult with a counselor.

This chart illustrates how ESL students may qualify for transfer-level and degree applicable English composition. ESL students should consult with a counselor, contact the Communication and Languages TrAC Resource Specialist(s), or refer to the chart below, to determine the appropriate course for their educational goal. If students feel that they need English language support, they should complete the ESL Guided Self-Placement.

Notes:

1. All students have the right to enroll transfer-level English composition (Title 5, Section 55522).
2. Students who are non-native English speakers may take ESL courses before completing ENG 1A .
3. Students must provide U.S. cumulative high school GPA. Non-U.S. high school GPA may not be used for placement purposes.

ESL Course Sequence

ESL students and international students interested in taking ESL courses will take the ESL Guided Self-Placement to determine the appropriate course placement.

Math Pathways

Math courses at Delta College are split into two broad categories, Non-STEM courses and STEM courses. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. If a student’s educational and career goals fall into one of those areas, they probably need to take STEM math courses. If their educational and career goals fall into other areas, then they probably need to take at least one Non-STEM math course. The chart below gives examples of some Delta College majors that typically fall into each math pathway*.

All students should develop a personalized educational plan with a counselor to ensure they are taking the best courses to meet their goals.

*Business and Health Science majors may need either the STEM or non-STEM track depending on their emphasis and degree goals. Students in these areas should meet with a counselor before enrolling in a math course.

Mathematics Placement Charts

Statistics and Liberal Arts Placement Chart

This chart illustrates how students may qualify for transfer-level and/or associate degree applicable statistics and Liberal Arts Math. Students should consult with a counselor or see the Mathematics Entry Chart above to determine the appropriate course for their educational goal.

*Courses with Corequisite Support include additional time to review prerequisite skills necessary for success and to provide extra instruction and practice with course concepts.

Business and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Placement Chart

This chart illustrates how students may qualify for transfer-level and/or associate degree applicable business/STEM math. Students should consult with a counselor to determine the appropriate course for their educational goal.

*Courses with Corequisite Support include additional time to review prerequisite skills necessary for success and to provide extra instruction and practice with course concepts.

 Certificate Requirements

The Board of Trustees, as authorized by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, shall award a Certificate of Achievement to students who have successfully completed required credit coursework and developed capabilities relating to career or general education as outlined in the College Catalog. 

The Board of Trustees shall award a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Competency to students who have successfully completed required noncredit coursework that prepare students to progress in a career path or undertake degree-applicable or nondegree-applicable credit courses. A Certificate of Completion is designed to improve employability or job opportunities. A Certificate of Competency is designed to demonstrate achievement of a set of competencies. 

A. Content and assessment standards for certificates shall ensure that certificate programs are consistent with the District’s mission, meet a demonstrated need, are feasible, and adhere to guidelines on academic achievement. 

B. Students must complete all of the prescribed course work leading to the certificate as listed in the College Catalog. A minimum of six units or one-third of the certificate’s core course work (whichever is greater) must be completed at San Joaquin Delta College. These units must derive from the specific subject matter area in which the certificate is granted. 

C. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses required in a Certificate of Achievement. In the case of the California State University (CSU) General Education Certificate of Achievement, standards are established by CSU, which requires a minimum grade of “C” or better only in specifically defined courses as indicated in the College Catalog. Students must earn a grade of “P” in all courses required in a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Competency. 

D. The Office of Admissions and Records shall certify that a student has completed the requirements for the certificate, and the award will be noted on student transcripts. 

E. The Discipline Group may waive a portion of the Certificate of Achievement requirement if the student has met the requirement in an alternate manner. However, the overall minimum unit requirement as specified in Title 5, Section 55070 must be satisfied. 

F. Certificates of Achievement eligible for financial aid consist of a sequence of courses with a minimum of 16 semester units. Low unit certificates, consisting of a sequence of courses with a minimum of eight semester units, are not eligible for financial aid. 

G. Certificates for which California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office approval is not sought may be given any name or designation deemed appropriate except for Certificate of Achievement, Certificate of Completion, or Certificate of Competency. 

(AP 4100.1, 12/13/23) 

Degree Requirements

Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS)

The Board of Trustees, as authorized by the Board of Governors, California Community Colleges, will confer the degree of “Associate in Arts” or “Associate in Science” upon any student who successfully completes the requirements as outlined in the College Catalog. The distinction will be noted on student transcripts and diplomas.

1.      Unit Requirements

Completion of not less than 60 associate degree applicable semester units of course work with not less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

2.      Residency Requirements

​Of the required 60 semester units, the student must complete:

•  The last 12 units at San Joaquin Delta College and must be in attendance during the semester of qualification for graduation; or
• A total of at least 12 units at San Joaquin Delta College.

Units earned through Credit by Examination do not apply as residency units.

3.      Major Area of Emphasis/Major Requirements

The student must complete an approved area of study with a minimum of 18 semester units taken in an area of emphasis/major as identified in the College Catalog for the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees.

4.      General Education Requirements

The student must complete one of the following:

• The San Joaquin Delta College Associate Degree General Education Pattern as outlined in the College Catalog.
• The California State University General Education (CSU-GE) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement as outlined in the College Catalog
• The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement as outlined in the College Catalog

5.      Minimum Competency

​The student must demonstrate competencies in reading, written and oral expression, ethnic studies, and mathematics by a grade of “C” or better in each course used to satisfy the following part of the respective General Education, options:

• The “Language and Rationality” and “Ethnic Studies” requirements of the San Joaquin Delta College general education pattern for an associate degree as defined in the College Catalog.
• The “Communication in the English Language and Critical Thinking” “Ethnic Studies,” and the “Mathematics” requirements of the California State University General Education Pattern/Certificate of Achievement as defined in the College Catalog.
• The “English Composition,” “Oral Communication,” and “Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning” requirements of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement as outlined in the College Catalog. In addition, an “Ethnic Studies” course from either the San Joaquin Delta College General Education Pattern or the California State University General Education Pattern/Certificate of Achievement from section 1 and 2 above.

6.      Application

An Application for Graduation must be filed prior to the application deadline during the semester of planned graduation in conformance with deadlines published in the Class Schedule.

7.      Appeal

Individual cases which deviate from this policy will be considered upon their merit by the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services.

8.      Application of Course Credit

A course may be used to satisfy both a general education requirement and a major or area of emphasis requirement.

(AP 4100, 4/4/23)

Associate Degree for Transfer to California State University (AA-T/AS-T)

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a 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. Note: Course substitution for associate degrees for transfer is limited to students transferring from another accredited institution that has an aligned degree in the same discipline (AP 4042, 2/14/12). Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T or AS-T degree 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 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 table below lists the Associate Degrees for Transfer to CSU offered at Delta College and the Transfer and Career Pathway (TrAC) in which you will find them:

The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:

1. Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
2. 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 to the CSU system, some majors and/or campuses may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
3. Completion of all major classes, a minimum of 18 semester units required, in an AA-T or AS-T major as defined in the Delta College Catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better or a “P” if the course is taken on a “pass-no pass” basis (Title 5 § 55063).
4. Completion of the California State University General Education (CSU GE) Pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern.

Philosophy and Criteria for Associate Degree and General Education

General education is an integrated curriculum designed to prepare the student for better self-understanding and for the responsibilities of living in a global society. Essential elements of general education include critical thinking, effective communication, and knowledge of the multiple dimensions of the modern world. General education provides a core of knowledge which enables the student to:

1. Develop new insights about the complex forces in the modern world.
2. Develop the ability to think and communicate clearly and effectively through the use of oral, written, and mathematical skills, and to apply critical thinking and the modes of inquiry of major disciplines.
3. Become aware of other cultures and times.
4. Achieve a deeper understanding about ethical choices individuals face in contemporary society.
5. Develop the capacity for self-understanding.
6. Examine the values inherent in proposed solutions to major social problems.

(BP 4025, 4/20/10)

Criteria for determining General Education courses:

1. Courses appropriate for general education will include the following criteria:
   1. Course Integrity and Breadth - The course exposes the student to a wide spectrum of principles, theories, beliefs, and knowledge within individual academic disciplines and is not primarily a part of a sequence of courses.
   2. Critical Thinking - The course requires the student to critically analyze principles, theories, beliefs, and knowledge included in the course.
2. In addition, courses will also include at least four of the following criteria:
   1. Individual Perspectives - The course uses the methods of each discipline to develop the student’s ability to examine, evaluate, and express individual perspectives.
   2. Integration of Knowledge - The course aims at integrating the major concepts of the course with knowledge from other general education areas.
   3. Culture and Heritage - The course examines culture and heritage and their role in understanding and shaping society.
   4. Application of Knowledge - The course prepares the student to apply the principles and content of a particular discipline to understand, analyze, and evaluate information to solve problems.
   5. Communication of Knowledge - The course prepares the student to communicate information in a variety of ways.
   6. Discipline Exploration - The course provides a foundation of knowledge and technique from which the student can continue learning in the general discipline area.

Students receiving an associate degree shall complete a minimum of 27 semester units of general education coursework which includes a minimum of semester units in each of the areas specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) and the same minimum in each part of paragraph (1). 

Criteria for judging courses as appropriate for the required general education areas include:

1. Language and Rationality
   1. Courses fulfilling the English composition requirement shall be designed to include both expository and argumentative writing. Courses offered in fulfillment of this requirement shall be at the level typically known as Freshman Composition.
   2. Courses fulfilling the mathematics requirement shall be at the level typically known as Intermediate Algebra, (either Intermediate Algebra or another mathematics course at the same level, with the same rigor and with Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite). This requirement may also be met by a mathematics course taught in or on behalf of other departments and which, as determined by the local governing board, require entrance skills at a level equivalent to those necessary for Intermediate Algebra. Mathematics courses with a prerequisite of Intermediate Algebra may also be used to satisfy this requirement.
   3. Courses fulfilling the oral communication requirement will develop knowledge and understanding of the form, content, context, and effectiveness of communication. Students will develop proficiency in oral communication, examining communication from the rhetorical perspective and practicing reasoning and advocacy, organization, and accuracy. Coursework must include active participation and practice in oral communication in the physical presence of faculty and other listeners.
2. Natural Sciences
   1. Courses in the natural sciences are those which examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena. This category would include introductory or integrative courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, general physical science, geology, meteorology, oceanography, physical geography, physical anthropology, physics and other scientific disciplines.
   2. To satisfy the general education requirement in natural sciences, a course shall be designed to help the student develop an appreciation and understanding of the scientific method, and encourage an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities.
3. Humanities
   1. Courses in the humanities are those which study the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings. Such courses could include introductory or integrative courses in the arts, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, and religion.
   2. To satisfy the general education requirement in the humanities, a course shall be designed to help the student develop an awareness of the ways in which people throughout the ages and in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and help the student develop aesthetic understanding and ability to make value judgments.
4. American Institutions
   1. Courses fulfilling the American Institutions requirement focus study in three areas: the historical development of American institutions and ideals, the Constitution of the United States and the operation of representative democratic government under the Constitution, and the process of California State and local government.
   2. Courses in American History will cover significant events from U.S. history, as follows: cover a minimum time span of approximately one hundred years occurring in the entire area now included in the United States of America including the relationships of regions within that area and with external regions and powers, the role of major ethnic and social groups, the “continuity of the American experience” (i.e., not a string of isolated events) and its derivation from others cultures, including study of politics, economics, social movements, and/or geography (at least three of the four).
   3. Courses examining the U.S. Constitution will include the political philosophies of the framers of the Constitution, the operation of United States political process and institutions under the U.S. Constitution, and the rights and obligations of individual citizens in the political system established under the Constitution.
   4. Courses in the area of California state and local government will address the Constitution of the State of California and the nature and processes of California state and local government.
   5. Courses accepted in satisfaction of this requirement must have been approved for satisfaction of the CSU “American Institutions: U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals” requirement. See CSU Executive Order 405 for further clarification. It is unlikely that a single course would include sufficient breadth and depth to rigorously satisfy all of the above requirements.
5. Social and Behavioral Sciences
   1. Courses in the social and behavioral sciences are those which focus on people as members of society. This category would include introductory or integrative survey courses in cultural anthropology, cultural geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology, and related disciplines.
   2. To satisfy the general education requirement in social and behavioral sciences, a course shall be designed to develop an awareness of the methods of inquiry used by the social and behavioral sciences. It shall be designed to stimulate critical thinking about the ways people act and have acted in response to their societies and should promote appreciation of how societies and social subgroups operate.
6. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development
   1. Courses in this category are designed to equip learners for lifelong understanding and development of themselves as integrated physiological, social, and psychological beings.
   2. Courses in this category should include content such as student success strategies, human behavior, sexuality, nutrition, physical and mental health, stress management, information literacy, social relationships and relationships with the environment, as well as implications of death and dying or avenues for lifelong learning. Content should cover the integrated physiological, social, and psychological development of human beings for more than a few years of a human lifespan. Physical activity courses are not appropriate for this area.
   3. Courses in this area shall focus on the development of skills, abilities, and dispositions.
   4. This area may be satisfied (3 units) through submission of Form DD214 or another official document verifying completion of U.S. basic military training.
   5. Courses offered under the old Awareness of Self and Society area will remain effective until Summer 2025. Legacy courses are encouraged to apply for the new Lifelong Learning and Self-Development area if they believe they meet the criteria.
7. Ethnic Studies
   1. Courses in ethnic studies are designed to introduce students to a critical and interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity with a focus on the lived experiences of people of color within the United States.
   2. To be approved for this requirement, courses shall have the following course prefixes: Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Latina/o American Studies, or Native American Studies. Similar course prefixes (e.g., Pan-African Studies, American Indian Studies, Chicana/o Studies) shall also meet the requirement. Courses without ethnic studies prefixes may meet this requirement if cross-listed with a course with an ethnic studies prefix.
   3. Courses in this area shall contain at least 3 of the 5 following core competencies by including the core competencies in the course objectives or student learning outcomes (effective Fall 2022):

• Analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in one or more of the following: Native American Studies, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, and Latina and Latino American Studies.
• Apply theory and knowledge produced by Native American, African American, Asian American, and/or Latina and Latino American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences, and social struggles of these groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
• Critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language and/or age in Native American, African American, Asian American, and/or Latina and Latino American communities.
• Critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Native American, African Americans, Asian Americans, and/or Latina and Latino Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
• Describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in Native American, African American, Asian American, and/or Latina and Latino communities and a just and equitable society.

(AP 4025, 6/7/22)

General Education Patterns

• San Joaquin Delta College Associate Degree General Education Pattern  
• California State University General Education (CSU-GE) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement  
• Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern/Certificate of Achievement  

Transferring to a Four-Year Institution

Essential Transfer Information

The following information is a brief overview of what students are advised to complete in order to transfer successfully:

• See a counselor at least once each semester to serve as your guide to the transfer process. Counseling appointments may be scheduled online at: www.deltacollege.edu/department/counseling-center. The Counseling Center may be reached at (209) 954-5151, ext. 6276 for information regarding other counseling and support services.
• Counselors can assist in researching careers and majors that will fit with the student’s personal interests and abilities.
• Research college campuses that have the selected major and fit the lifestyle the student would like in a four-year college or university. Arrange to visit these campuses.
• If transferring to a CSU campus, determine if the AA-T or AS-T degree exists for your intended major.
• Develop an educational plan with a counselor that will serve as a map to transfer. You can use www.assist.org to determine major preparation requirements at individual CSU and UC campuses.
• Ascertain if the planned college or university provides a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) agreement.
• Complete the appropriate general education pattern and maintain the required grade point average (GPA).
• Complete the AA-T/AS-T degree or major preparation course work with the required GPA, which will prepare the student for admission to the chosen major at the junior level.
• Apply to the college or university of your choice within the posted deadlines. Failure to apply early in the application period may negatively affect your ability to transfer.
• Apply for the Associate Degree and graduation from Delta College, if applicable.
• Once accepted to a college or university, have the general education pattern certified as complete by the evaluations office. Students transferring to a CSU campus with a completed AA-T or AS-T degree do not need to have general education certified. All students should apply for a Certificate of Achievement in CSU GE or IGETC, depending upon which GE pattern was completed.
• Forward final grades to the university as soon as they have been posted to the transcript.
• Follow all notices from the school, making special note of any deadlines that may be approaching. Register for classes at the date and time assigned.

For more information on evaluations, please visit www.deltacollege.edu/department/admissions-records-registration. Evaluators may be contacted by e-mail at: ar-evaluations@deltacollege.edu.

Congratulations! You’ve accomplished a goal of major importance that will help to transform the rest of your life.

Minimum Admission Requirements

There are four areas to research when planning the courses needed to transfer:

1. Admission requirements for the planned college or university.
2. Major preparation courses, which meet prerequisites for upper division course work, should be completed at Delta College before transfer. Information for UC/CSU major preparation can be found at: www.assist.org.
3. Lower division general education requirements.
4. Other requirements that can be completed at Delta College, such as foreign language or diversity classes. 

Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution from San Joaquin Delta College should consult with a Delta College counselor, a representative of the campus to which you plan to transfer, and/or refer to the College Catalog and web site for that campus in order to obtain the most current information

California State University (CSU)

Admission requirements for students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable units at the time of entry to the CSU:

• Have a college grade point average of 2.0 or better in all transferable college units attempted;
• Be in good standing at the last college or university attended (eligible to re-enroll);
• Meet the admission requirements as a first-time freshman or successfully complete necessary courses to make up the deficiencies;
• Meet the eligibility index required of freshman: students may need SAT or ACT test scores, depending on grade point average and the requirements for the intended campus;
• Contact the planned campus to determine whether there are limits on admission as a lower division transfer student. Some campuses may require completion of English composition and general education mathematics. Many campuses require junior status to transfer.

Admission requirements for students who have completed 60 or more transferable units at the time of entry to the CSU:

• Have a college grade point average of 2.0 or better in all transferable college units attempted;
• Be in good standing at the last college or university attended (eligible to re-enroll);
• Complete 30 semester units of courses equivalent to general education requirements with a grade of “C” or better. The 30 units must include all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (English composition, oral communication, and critical thinking) and at least one course in college level mathematics.

Admission requirements for the Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T)

Complete an AA-T or AS-T degree that includes:

• 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. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
• Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in an AA-T or AS-T major as defined in the Delta College Catalog. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better or a “P” if the course is taken on a “pass/no pass” basis (Title 5 § 55063).
• Completion of the California State University General Education (CSU GE) Pattern; OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern.

Warriors on the Way (WOW) Program - CSU Stanislaus

Great news! It is now possible to earn a bachelor’s degree from a public institution without ever leaving Stockton or San Joaquin County.

Stanislaus State and Delta College have partnered to provide a seamless transfer experience for students from Stockton and surrounding areas. Delta College students can transfer to Stanislaus State’s Stockton Center, where they will be guaranteed the courses they need in any of six majors. No need to commute to Turlock!

Details about Warriors on the Way (WOW)

The following majors have a guaranteed sequence of courses at the Stockton Center that would lead to completion of the bachelor’s degree in two years. If you are interested in one of the below programs, we encourage you to join WOW.

• Administration of Justice: law enforcement
• Business Administration: accounting, finance, general business, management (human resources track), marketing
• Communication Studies: communication studies
• Health Science: health science 
• Liberal Studies: elementary teaching content preparation, integrated teacher education
• Psychology: psychology

Students who commit to participate agree to:

• Earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in one of the approved majors and complete additional prerequisites as required. Health Science requires completion of an Associates in Science (AS) in lieu of an (ADT).
• Meet CSU admission requirements and deadlines for the intended transfer term.
• Remain continuously enrolled at Delta College.
• Meet with a WOW advisor each semester.

Benefits to joining include:

• Upon successful transfer, a guaranteed two-year sequence of courses at the Stockton Center leading to completion of your bachelor’s degree.
• A waiver of your Stanislaus State admission application fee.
• Dedicated WOW advisors to keep you on track.
• Opportunities to participate in WOW events and activities.

Questions? Want to join?

Make an appointment with a Stanislaus State advisor at Delta. Visit the Career Transfer Center for a calendar of available times.

University of California (UC)

Students who have completed 60 transferable units at the time of entry to the UC must meet the following admission requirements:

• Have a college grade point average of at least a 2.4 (while this is the minimum GPA, a student should have a higher GPA to be competitive at admission)
• Complete two transferable college courses in English composition, one transferable college course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning, and four UC transferable courses chosen from at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences.

Students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable units at the time of entry to the UC must meet the following admission requirements:

• Meet the admission requirements for a first-time freshman (A-G subjects, grades, and test requirements), or successfully complete courses to make up any subject deficiencies;
• Have a college grade point average of 2.0 or better in all transferable college units attempted; and,
• The planned campus should be contacted to determine whether there are limits on admission as a lower division transfer student. Many campuses require junior status for transfer.

*NOTE: UC limits transferability of physical education courses to four units of combined activity (PEACTIV) courses and eight units of combined theory (PETHEORY) courses. Students are advised to see a counselor for additional information. For more information, visit (admission.universityofcalifornia.edu), or obtain printed materials in the Career Transfer Center.

UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) Program

Six University of California (UC) campuses, Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz; provide California Community College students the opportunity to develop a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) with one of these campuses. Approved TAGs guarantee admission to the UC campus indicated. UC TAGs are submitted during the month of September for admission consideration for the following fall term. Only UC Merced accepts TAG applications for the spring semester and those TAGs must be submitted in the month of June for admission consideration for the following spring term. Students who submit a TAG in September will also be required to submit a formal UC Application for Admission during the month of November for fall admission and the month of July for the spring semester. Students who fulfill the conditions as outlined on the TAG will be guaranteed admission upon completion of the formal admission process.

Students who are interested in obtaining a UC TAG are encouraged to meet with a Delta College counselor as early as possible to develop a Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP), a document that identifies all of the lower division courses offered at the community college that the student will need to complete in order to become TAG eligible and well prepared in their academic major once they transfer to the UC.

Another key step for students interested in obtaining a UC TAG is to create an account on the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) as soon as possible. The student enters personal information and all of the coursework that has been completed, as well as courses in progress and planned, according to the CSEP document. The UC TAP can help the student to monitor progress every semester. As a web-based site, the counselor and UC staff can engage with the student online at the UC TAP website by providing additional advising and support, and also to make available to the student, opportunities to participate in activities designed to help the student to transfer.

Another type of guaranteed admission, Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA), is offered by the University of Pacific and is available for select majors only. The California State University (CSU) grants priority admission consideration for students who will complete the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in an AA-T or AS-T major deemed similar to the degree at the CSU. Students who reside within the local area of a particular CSU campus that serves their region are also given priority admission. For more information and to develop a CSEP with a Delta Counselor, counseling appointments may be scheduled online at: www.deltacollege.edu/department/counseling-center.

Appointments with the Lead Counselor for Transfer and with the University Representatives who visit Delta’s campus can be made by calling (209) 954-5151, ext. 6339.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

California Community Colleges Transfer Guarantee Pathway to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Any California community college student with a GPA of 2.0 or higher (NOTE: certain partner HBCU will require a higher GPA) is guaranteed admission to all partner HBCU institutions using either of the following two options while at the California Community College:

• Complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) using the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education Breadth pattern; or
• Complete a minimum of 30 UC or CSU units. 

Those students completing an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree are welcomed to apply to all partner institutions; however, the benefit of guaranteed admissions is not offered and all degree applicable units are subject to transcript evaluation. 

Students who are interested in obtaining an HBCU Transfer Guarantee are encouraged to meet with the Lead Counselor for HBCU Transfer as early as possible for hands-on guidance through the transfer process, to discuss their schools of interest and review a list of HBCU partner schools, and to ensure they meet program requirements. This program guarantees admission to 39 HBCUs.

Transfer Advantages:

• Acceptance of completed transfer-level community college courses
• Application fee waiver code available to the online Common Black College Application
• A free single application for up to four participating partner HBCU institutions
• A simplified transfer process
• Priority consideration for housing when application submitted by the posted deadline
• Consideration for transfer scholarships if students have a 3.2 or higher grade-point average (based on funding availability)
• Pre-admission advisement by program staff and institution representatives

California Independent College or University

Each of these campuses maintain different admission requirements. To begin exploring and identifying the campus suited to ones needs, students should:

1. Visit www.aiccumentor.org. This web site provides information about California’s independent colleges and universities. Visit specific campus web sites for additional admissions information.
2. Visit the planned campuses.
3. Learn how to apply for financial aid in California.

General Education Transfer Requirements

Each of the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) campuses have different general education requirements. Depending on the chosen campus and major, the student may be advised to complete minimum general education courses or an entire general education pattern while at Delta College. The minimum general education pattern is called the campus-specific general education breadth pattern. There are three complete general education patterns. For transfer to CSU only, the student may complete the CSU-GE Pattern, depending upon the major. For transfer to UC and CSU, the student may complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Pattern depending upon the major. Students are advised to consult with a counselor, university representative, or university website to determine which GE pattern will satisfy the general education requirements needed at the planned transfer institution. Students completing an AA-T or AS-T degree for transfer to CSU or an HBCU should complete the entire CSU-GE or IGETC patterns unless otherwise specified. CSU-GE and IGETC patterns must be certified prior to transfer. Students completing a AA-T or AS-T degree do not need to have GE certified but should apply for the CSU-GE or IGETC Certificate of Achievement.

For more information on evaluations, please visit www.deltacollege.edu/department/admissions-records-registration.

General Education Certification

Following admission to a four-year college or university, and during the final semester of enrollment at Delta College, students may request General Education Certification for completion of the California State University General Education Pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum Pattern. The certification process provides community college transfer students the opportunity to complete all lower division general education course work prior to transfer. The General Education Certification form can be found under Evaluations at: www.deltacollege.edu/department/admissions-records-registration.

Major Preparation

Each four-year institution has a specific list of courses required to prepare a student for a major. Students should:

1. Complete an AA-T or AS-T degree if available for transferring to a CSU.
2. Meet with a counselor to discuss which courses are appropriate for the major they plan to pursue at a particular school. Counseling appointments may be scheduled online at: www.deltacollege.edu/department/counseling-center. The Counseling Center may be reached at (209) 954-5151, ext. 6276 for information regarding other counseling and support services.
3. Visit the web site, www.assist.org, to learn more about preparation for the major at the UC/CSU to which the student intends to transfer.
4. Visit the web site for the school to which the student intends to transfer.
5. Visit the campus of the school which the student intends to transfer and speak with an advisor in the major department to learn more about the specific preparation that is required.
6. Meet with a representative from the transfer institution in the Delta College Career and Transfer Center. Check with Transfer Center staff to determine if or when the preferred transfer institution representative will be available for appointments.

Other Requirements

Students may be able to satisfy additional campus-specific requirements of the transfer institution prior to transfer. These requirements may include foreign language, diversity, ethnic studies, or courses used to satisfy writing competencies at the receiving institution. Students are advised to consult with a counselor to determine if the transfer campus has such requirements. Counseling appointments may be scheduled online at: www.deltacollege.edu/department/counseling-center. The Counseling Center may be reached at (209) 954-5151, ext. 6276 for information regarding other counseling and support services.

Satisfying the American Institutions Requirement When Using IGETC

Students using the IGETC Pattern to transfer to a CSU campus should complete the CSU American Institutions Graduation Requirement outlined following the CSU General Education Pattern in this Catalog. This is not a requirement for transfer, but it is highly recommended that it be completed prior to transfer.

Students using the IGETC Pattern for transfer to a UC campus may have satisfied the American History and Institutions requirement through high school course work. Satisfactory completion of a one-year course in U.S. History, or a half-year course in U.S. History, and a half-year course in American Government in high school, satisfies this requirement at all UC campuses except at UC Santa Barbara, which requires a college-level course. UCLA requires that the student must have earned a “B” average in these high school courses. Students who did not satisfy the American History and Institutions requirement through high school coursework may do so by completing indicated courses on the IGETC Pattern. Students are advised to consult with a counselor to ensure successful transfer.

Graduation Information

The last day to file an application for summer, fall, or spring graduation is indicated on the Registration Calendar for each term. Students may apply for degrees and certificates in MyDelta. Degrees will be awarded at the conclusion of the summer, fall, or spring term. Graduates from summer and fall and candidates for graduation for spring are eligible to participate in the annual commencement ceremony which is held at the conclusion of the spring semester. Information about the annual commencement ceremony may be found on the College website.