2018-2019 San Joaquin Delta College Catalog 
    
    Mar 18, 2024  
2018-2019 San Joaquin Delta College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Graduation and Transfer Requirements


2018 San Joaquin Delta College Graduation Ceremony



Defining Educational Goals

The 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. 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.
  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 (G.E.) 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. 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.
  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 (i.e., English, mathematics)
    • 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.

Activity in a course Minimum Hours of In-Class Learning Activity Minimum Hours of Outside-of-Class Learning Activity Minimum Hours of Total Student Work Units of Credit
Lecture 16 32 48 1
Lab 48 0 48 1
Independent Study 0 48 48 1
Work Experience (Paid) Title 5 55256.5 0 75 75 1
Work Experience (Unpaid) Title 5 55256.5 0 60 60 1

How many units should you take?

Delta College’s suggested guidelines:

If you work: Take no more than:
40 hours per week 6 units
30 hours per week 9 units
20 hours per week 12 units
5 to 15 hours per week 14 - 16 units
“Full-time” Student Status 12 or more units

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.

If you take… Certificate Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree
One Class per Semester
(3 units)
5 years 7-10 years 13-20 years
Two Classes Per Semester
(6 Units)
2-3 years 5 years 10 years
Three Classes Per Semester
(9 Units)
1.5-3 years 3 years 6-7 years
Four Classes Per Semester
(12 units)
1-2 years 2.5 years 5 years
Five Classes Per Semester
(15 units)
1 year 2 years 4 years

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

Advanced Placement Examination Credit

Students may complete general education (GE) area requirements on the SJDC-GE Pattern, 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 areas are cleared as indicated in the chart below.

A satisfactory score in AP English Literature, AP English Language, IB Language A1 (English), or CLEP English Composition with Essay may be used to meet the prerequisite for courses that require ENG 001A .

Students should meet with a counselor to discuss options regarding the use of AP/IB/CLEP examinations to meet specific course requirements or prerequisites within their selected major.

Students who have earned a satisfactory score may receive units, but not a letter grade towards the Associate Degree. Units and course equivalencies granted by Delta College are not identical to units and course equivalencies granted by other institutions. Each 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 they are considering transferring to 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, the student will not receive credit for both the examination and the course. Students are advised to consult with a college counselor, university official, the College Catalog, and the advanced placement policy at the transfer institution.

College Board Advanced Placement Tests Passing Score Units Awarded SJDC GE Area CSU GE Area IGETC Area Amer. Inst.
AP Art History 3 3 3 C1 or C2 3A or 3B  
AP Biology 3 4 2 B2+B3 5B w/Lab  
AP Calculus AB (4) 3 3 1B B4 2A  
AP Calculus BC (4) 3 3 1B B4 2A  
AP Calculus BC/ AB Subscore (4) 3 3 1B B4 2A  
AP Chemistry 3 4 2 B1+B3 5A w/Lab  
AP Chinese Language and Culture 3 3 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP Comparative Government & Politics 3 3 5 D 4  
AP Computer Science A (4) 3 3 6      
AP Computer Science AB (4) 3 3 6      
AP English Language and Composition 3 3 1A A2 1A  
AP English Literature and Composition 3 3 1A+3 A2+C2 1A or 3B  
AP Environmental Science (5) 3 4 2 B1+B3 5A w/Lab  
AP European History 3 3 5 C2 or D 3B  
AP French Language and Culture 3 3 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP French Literature 3 3 3   3B+6A  
AP German Language and Culture 3 3 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP Human Geography 3 3 2 D 4  
AP Italian Language and Culture 3 3 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP Japanese Language and Culture 3 3 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP Latin 3 3 3   3B+6A  
AP Latin: Vergil 3 3   C2 3B+6A  
AP Macroeconomics 3 3 5 D 4  
AP Microeconomics 3 3 5 D 4  
AP Music 3 3 3      
AP Physics 1 (6) 3 4 2 B1+B3 5A w/Lab  
AP Physics 2 (6) 3 4 2 B1+B3 5A w/Lab  
AP Physics C (electricity/magnetism) (6) 3 4 2 B1+B3 5A w/Lab  
AP Physics C (mechanics) (6) 3 4 2 B1+B3 5A w/Lab  
AP Psychology 3 3 5 D 4  
AP Spanish Language and Culture 3 6 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP Spanish Literature and Culture 3 6 3 C2 3B+6A  
AP Statistics 3 3 1B B4 2A  
AP Studio Art - 2D Design 3 3 3      
AP Studio Art - 3D Desigh 3 3 3      
AP Studio Art - Drawing 3 3 3      
AP U.S. Government & Politics 3 3 4 D+US-2 4+US2 X
AP U.S. History 3 6 4 (C2 or D)+US-1 3B+US1 X
AP World History 3 6 5 C2 or D 3B OR 4  

 

International Baccalaureate Passing Score Units Awarded SJDC GE Area CSU GE Area IGETC Area
IB Biology HL 5 3 2 B2 5B w/o Lab
IB Chemistry HL 5 3 2 B1 5A w/o Lab
IB Economics HL 5 3 5 D 4
IB Geography HL 5 3 2 D 4
IB History (any region) HL 5 3 5 C2 or D 3B
IB Language A Literature HL 4 3 3 C2 3B
IB Language A Language and Literature HL 4 3 3 C2 3B+6A
IB Language B (any language) HL (8) 4 3 3   6A
IB Mathematics HL 4 3 1B B4 2A
IB Physics HL 5 3 2 B1 5A w/o Lab
IB Psychology HL 5 3 5 D 4
IB Theatre HL 4 3 3 C1 3A

 

College-Level Examination Program Passing Score Units Awarded SJDC GE Area CSU GE Area IGETC Area Amer. Inst.
CLEP American Government 50 3 4 D    
CLEP American Literature 50 3 3 C2    
CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50 3 3 C2    
CLEP Biology 50 3 2 B2    
CLEP Calculus 50 3 1B B4    
CLEP Chemistry 50 3 2 B1    
CLEP College Algebra 50 3 1B B4    
CLEP College Algebra - Trigonometry 50 3 1B B4    
CLEP College Mathematics 50 0        
CLEP English Composition 50 0        
CLEP English Composition Modular 50 0        
CLEP English Literature 50 3        
CLEP Financial Accounting 50 3        
CLEP French (7) Level I 50 3        
CLEP French (7) Level II 59 3 3 C2    
CLEP Freshman College Composition 50 0        
CLEP German (7) Level I 50 6 3      
CLEP German (7) Level II 60 3 3 C2    
CLEP History, United States I 50 3 4 D+US-1   X
CLEP History, United States II 50 3 4 D+US-1   X
CLEP Human Growth and Development 50 3 5 E    
CLEP Humanities 50 3 3 C2    
CLEP Information Systems and Computer Applications 50 3        
CLEP Introduction to Educational Psychology 50 0        
CLEP Introductory Business Law 50 0        
CLEP Introductory Psychology 50 3 5 D    
CLEP Introductory Sociology 50 3 5 D    
CLEP Natural Sciences 50 3 2 B1 OR B2    
CLEP Pre-Calculus 50 3 1B B4    
CLEP Principles of Accounting 50 0        
CLEP Principles of Macroeconomics 50 3 5 D    
CLEP Principles of Management 50 0        
CLEP Principles of Marketing 50 0        
CLEP Principles of Microeconomics 50 3 5 D    
CLEP Social Sciences and History 50 0        
CLEP Spanish (7) Level I 50 3 3      
CLEP Spanish (7) Level II 63 3 3 C2    
CLEP Trigonometry 50 3 1B B4    
CLEP Western Civilization I 50 3 3 C2 or D    
CLEP Western Civilization II 50 3 3 D    

Footnotes

  1. These units count toward eligibility for admission. The units may not all apply toward certification of the corresponding GE-Breadth area. See Executive Orders 1036 and 1100 for details.
  2. Areas of GE Breadth (A1 through E) 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.
  3. Students seeking certification in GE Breadth prior to transfer must have passed the test before this date.
  4. If a student passes more than one AP exam in calculus or computer science, only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate.
  5. Students who pass AP Environmental Science earn 4 units of credit. Tests prior to Fall 2009 may apply to either B1+B3 or B2+B3 of GE Breadth. Fall of 09 or later, those credits may only apply to B1+B3.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. The IB curriculum offers language at various levels for native and non-native speakers. Language B courses are offered at the intermediate level for non-natives. Language A1 and A2 are advanced courses in literature for native and non-native speakers, respectively.

Placement Levels and Course Sequencing

Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in the appropriate English and mathematics class as soon as possible. Students who believe their initial placement levels are incorrect may apply for review through the Matriculation Appeal Process. Appeals may be submitted through the Admissions, Records, and Registration Department.

Reading

Students who place at Level 1 in reading and wish to enroll in a course with a co/prerequisite of reading must enroll in READING 099A /READING 099B /READING 099C /READING 099D , ENG 078A , and/or ENG 078B , based on their reading placement score. Students who score Level 1 in reading and wish to enroll in a course with a prerequisite of reading Level 2 must reach Level 2 by successfully completing ENG 078B  with a grade of “C” or better, before they will be allowed to enroll.

Level 1 READING 099A /READING 099B /READING 099C /READING 099D , and
ENG 078A  and/or
ENG 078B  

English Composition

Level 1 courses are two levels below college level and may not be used to meet Associate Degree requirements. Level 2 courses are one level below college level and Associate Degree applicable. Level 3 courses are college level, Associate Degree applicable, and transferable.

English Placement Levels and Course Sequence

English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL students who do not have a U.S. high school diploma and foreign students will be placed based upon an ESL assessment. ESL students who do have a U.S. high school diploma may either use the ESL assessment or the reading section of the assessment/placement and the reading requirements.

English as a Second Language Placement Levels and Course Sequence

Mathematics

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses review foundation topics in arithmetic and Algebra; these courses are non-transferable, below college level, and may not be used to meet Associate Degree requirements. Level 4 courses are non-transferable and one level below college level but Associate Degree applicable. Level 5 courses are college level, transferable, and Associate Degree applicable.  The Level 6 course is STEM-intensive, college level, transferable, and Associate Degree applicable.

 Math Placement Levels and Course Sequence

Degree Requirements

Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degree Requirements (AA/AS)

  1. Unit Requirement
    Completion of not fewer than sixty (60) associate degree applicable semester units of course work with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

  2. General Education
    Students must complete one of the following General Education patterns:
    • San Joaquin Delta College Associate Degree General Education pattern with a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester units.
      OR
    • California State University General Education pattern.
      OR
    • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (CSU Version) General Education pattern.
  3. An Approved Major, or Area of Emphasis
    • Completion of the requirements of an approved Major which will require an approved program of study with a minimum of 18 units of course work as specified in the College Catalog.
      OR
    • Completion of the requirements of an approved Area of Emphasis which will require an approved program of study with a minimum of 18 units of course work as specified in the College Catalog,
  4. Competency Requirement
    A minimum competency must be demonstrated by a grade of “C” or better in courses offered in satisfaction of Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Reasoning (Area I. Language and Rationality).
  5. Residence Requirement
    Of the minimum sixty (60) semester units required, the student must complete:
    • The last twelve (12) semester units and attend during the semester of qualification for graduation at San Joaquin Delta College.
      OR
    • A total of at least twelve (12) units at San Joaquin Delta College.
      Units earned through Credit by Examination do not apply to the residency requirement.

Students planning to transfer should see a counselor to choose the appropriate courses to complete the entire CSU or IGETC General Education pattern.

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 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 Academic Divisions in which you will find them:

Degree Division
Administration of Justice, AS-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Agriculture Business, AS-T   Agriculture, Science and Mathematics
Anthropology, AA-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Art History, AA-T   Arts and Communication
Business Administration, AS-T   Applied Science, Business and Technology
Communication Studies, AA-T   Arts and Communication
Computer Science, AS-T   Agriculture, Science and Mathematics
Early Childhood Education, AS-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Elementary Teacher Education, AA-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
English, AA-T   Languages, Library and Learning Resources
Geology, AS-T   Agriculture, Science and Mathematics
History, AA-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Journalism, AA-T   Arts and Communication
Kinesiology, AA-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Mathematics, AS-T   Agriculture, Science and Mathematics
Music, AA-T   Arts and Communication
Physics, AS-T   Agriculture, Science and Mathematics
Political Science, AA-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Psychology, AA-T   Humanities, Social Science, Education, Kinesiology and Athletics
Spanish, AA-T   Languages, Library and Learning Resources
Studio Art, AA-T   Arts and Communication
Theatre Arts, AA-T   Arts and Communication

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, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
  3. 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).
  4. Completion of the California State University General Education Requirements Certificate of Achievement (CSU GE); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum-CSU Version Certificate of Achievement (IGETC-CSU).

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)

A. 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.
B. Students receiving an associate degree shall complete a minimum of 24 semester units of general education coursework which includes a minimum  of three semester units in each of the areas specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) 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
    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.
    1. 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).
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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. Awareness of Self and Society
    1. Courses which contain a breadth of subject matter essential for awareness of self and society.
    2. This category should reflect the needs of a dynamic society; therefore, courses may be added, deleted, or changed as the future needs of society may dictate.
    3. This area may be satisfied (3 units) through submission of Form DD214 or another official document verifying completion of U.S. basic military training.
  7. Ethnic Studies
    1. Designated Ethnic Studies courses will be offered in at least one of the areas outlined in Section B above.
    2. Ethnic Studies courses must focus on one or more ethnic groups in the U. S.
    3. Courses approved for Ethnic Studies designation will satisfy CSU General Education Breadth Area D-3.

(AP 4025, 5/11/10)

General Education Patterns

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. Counseling appointments are not available by phone. 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 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. 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. 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.

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

Minimum Admission Requirements

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. 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.

Transfer to a 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:

  • 60 CSU transferable units with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete either the CSU-General Education Breadth Pattern (CSU-GEB) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Pattern, CSU version (IGETC-CSU).
  • A minimum of 18 units in the major.

Transfer to a 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.

University of California (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 is 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 should enter his/her 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 his/her 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. 6219.

Transfer to a 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), UC or CSU Version, depending upon the major. Students are advised to consult with a counselor, university representative, or university web site 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 should complete the entire CSU-GE or IGETC (CSU) GE 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 (IGETC), UC or CSU version. 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 a 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. Counseling appointments are not available by phone. 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. Counseling appointments are not available by phone. 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-CSU Version

Students using the IGETC-CSU Version General Education 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.

Satisfying the American History and Institutions Requirement When Using IGETC-UC Version

Students using the IGETC-UC Version General Education 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.