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TRANSFER ADMISSION

Transfer Student Preparation

Prospective transfer students may obtain general information on Sacramento State educational opportunities and matriculation procedures from Sacramento State admission and outreach representatives at northern California community college transfer day and regional college night programs. Representatives are also available at selected transfer centers on a regular basis to provide specific information on CSU matriculation procedures, eligibility for admission, and evaluation of credit. Prospective students who don’t have access to a transfer center can schedule an appointment with an admission counselor for a pre-admission session. Applicants should bring unofficial transcripts to these sessions.

To make an appointment with academic department faculty to discuss academic program requirements and career alternatives, prospective students should call the relevant department office. Hour-long student-led weekday campus tours are scheduled one week in advance for small and large groups. To schedule a tour on line go to www.csus.edu/admissions/Campus%20Tours/index.html.

Acceptance of Transfer Courses

Sacramento State annually enrolls more than 5,000 new transfer students from more than 300 different colleges and universities, mostly California community colleges.

Frequently, course titles and numbers differ from campus to campus, making it difficult for transfer students to know in advance which courses will be accepted for transfer to another college. In order to provide students with the assurance that courses taken at their campus prior to transfer will meet Sacramento State lower-division requirements for either General Education or a specific major, three methods of prior approval exist.

General Education Courses

The CSU system has authorized California community colleges and other approved colleges to designate “transferable” courses planned for use in a four-year baccalaureate program. In addition, they have jointly designated courses that may be used to certify a portion of the CSU General Education objectives to a maximum of 39 semester units. Sacramento State will apply courses completed at a California community college toward the CSU General Education objectives as listed on the community college certification form.

Students may have their lower division General Education courses certified by a California community college as meeting either the CSU GE Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Core Curriculum (IGETC) in partial completion of the General Education requirements for the baccalaureate degree.*

Upon matriculation, the Degree Evaluations Office will review courses completed at non-CSU colleges and universities; credit will be granted toward the Sacramento State General Education requirements in compliance with applicable CSU system, Sacramento State, and academic department policies.

*See General Education Policies/Transfer Students.

Lower Division Major Prerequisites

Sacramento State also has developed an extensive program of major preparation agreements called “Articulation” or “Transfer Credit Agreements.” These are official documents prepared by Sacramento State faculty who carefully review coursework at other institutions and identify courses at those campuses that would be acceptable in lieu of Sacramento State courses. Students who take these courses can be assured they will receive credit toward their academic major at Sacramento State.

Sacramento State has thousands of Articulation Agreements with community colleges and four-year institutions throughout the state. These Articulation Agreements are widely distributed and should be readily available to students at their home campus Counseling Centers or online at www.assist.org.

Transfer Centers

University representatives staffing Transfer Centers on community college campuses advise community college students on transfer issues, providing an excellent resource for prospective transfer students.

Transfer Student Assistance

Students may receive assistance in transferring to Sacramento State through the Transfer Centers at the following campuses:

American River College (916) 484-8685
Cosumnes River College (916) 691-7456
Folsom Lake College (916) 608-6510
Napa Valley College (707) 253-3115
Sacramento City College (916) 558-2181
San Joaquin Delta College (209) 954-5634
Santa Rosa Junior College (707) 527-4874
Sierra College (916) 660-7441
Solano College (707) 864-7158
Yuba College (530) 741-6790

Undergraduate Transfer Admission Requirements

Transfer Policies of CSU Campuses

Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency is accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed at www.assist.org.  

CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses and any or all of the California community colleges, and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on www.assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90-semester (135-quarter) units may be transferred into the university from all sources.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshman admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower Division Transfers Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for CSU admission consideration as a lower-division transfer student if they have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted.

1. Will meet the freshman admission requirements (grade point average and subject requirements) in effect for the term to which they are applying (see “Freshman Requirements” section); or
2. Were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for missing college preparatory subject requirements, have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since  high school graduation, and have made up the missing subject requirements with a 2.0 or better GPA.

Applicants who graduated from high school prior to 1988 should contact the admission office to inquire about alternative admission programs. (Due to increased enrollment demands, many CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfer applicants.)

Making Up Missing College Preparatory Subject Requirements

Lower-division applicants who did not complete subject requirements while in high school may make up missing subjects in any of the following ways:

1. Complete appropriate courses with a C or better in adult school or high school summer sessions.
2. Complete appropriate college courses with a C or better. One college course of at least three semester or four quarter units will be considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
3. Earn acceptable scores on specified examinations, e.g., SAT subject tests.

Please consult with the CSU campus admission office, to which you are applying for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements.

Due to increased enrollment demands, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfer applicants

Test Requirements

Freshman and transfer applicants who have fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable college credit are strongly encouraged to submit scores, unless exempt (see “Eligibility Index” on page 21), from either the ACT or the SAT of the College Board. Persons who apply to an impacted program may be required to submit test scores and should take the test no later than November or December. Test scores also are used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT or ACT are available from school or college counselors or from a CSU campus testing office. http://www.csus.edu/testing/. Or Students may write or call:

The College Board (SAT)
Registration Unit, Box 6200
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6200
(609) 771-7588
www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration Unit
P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 337-1270
www.act.org

Upper Division Transfers Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:

1. The have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted;
   
2. They are in good standing at the last college or  university attended; and
   
3. They have completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade C or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses, which meet CSU general education requirement including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T)/Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student a clear transfer preparation and admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.

California Community College students who earn an associate degree for transfer (AA-T or AS-T) degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus, or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given priority consideration to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-S/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus.

Provisional Admission

Sacramento State may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college level work completed. Campuses may rescind admission for any student who is found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. In no case may such documents be received and validated by the university any later than a student’s registration for their second term of CSU enrollment.

International Transfer Students

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, "foreign students" include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of "foreign students." Verification of English proficiency* for undergraduate applicants, financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least eight weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. Undergraduate international and non-California resident students are not admitted to impacted programs.

International transfer students must have completed at least two years (60 semester units or the equivalent) of college work with a 2.4 grade point average. An exception to the two-year requirement may be made for foreign visa students whose secondary school preparation is equivalent to that of eligible California high school graduates.

*See TOEFL Requirement.

Special Admission Categories*

*Refer to Admission to Sacramento State/Special Categories.

*Veterans also refer to Application to Sacramento State/CSU Impacted Programs/Supplemental Criteria.

Admission of Auditors for Undergraduate Courses

Admission as auditor may be restricted during periods of over-enrollment. Applicants may check with the Office of Admissions and Outreach.

Impacted Programs

To obtain the most current information on impacted programs and supplemental criteria, please contact the Admissions and Outreach Office.

Catalog Rights for Degree Requirements

Transfer students may choose Sacramento State requirements in effect (1) at the time they began their college study at a California community college or a CSU, (2) at the time they entered Sacramento State, or (3) at the time they graduate from Sacramento State, provided they maintain attendance in college.*

*See Degree Requirements/Catalog Rights.

Reservation

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs as the University, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant's suitability and the best interests of the University.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

Allowance of Transfer Credit from Accredited Colleges and Universities

Generally, students will be granted credit for baccalaureate level courses successfully completed at regionally accredited two or four-year colleges.

All courses, except remedial, are accepted for degree credit from institutions awarding four-year degrees. Credit is reviewed by the Degree Evaluations Office and is granted in compliance with applicable national, state, Title 5, CSU system, and University policies and procedures. Such credit may be applied toward fulfillment of major, minor, or general education requirements when applicable; other courses may count as elective credit toward the baccalaureate degree. This credit will be listed in summary form on the Sacramento State transcript of academic record.

Transfer credit generally is not posted to the Sacramento State transcript of postbaccalaureate students, including those seeking a Second Bachelor’s degree. Check with the Office of Graduate Studies (278-6470) for exceptions.

Advanced Placement Examinations

www.csus.edu/admr

Sacramento State grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of three or better will be granted up to six semester units (nine quarter units) of college credit.

Credit For Instruction in Non-Collegiate Instruction

Office of the Registrar
Degree Evaluations
Lassen Hall Lobby
(916) 278-4862

Sacramento State grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, which has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Credit For Prior Learning

College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
Amador Hall 255
(916) 278-6504

Up to six units of credit may be awarded for learning, knowledge, or skills-based experience that has been documented and evaluated according to campus policy.

Transfer Credit From Overseas Institutions

Office of Global Education (OGE)
Lassen Hall 2304
(916) 278-6686

Credit is granted from recognized overseas institutions. Awarding of advanced standing varies depending on the educational system of the country. Certified copies of transcripts and degrees must be submitted in English translation. Sacramento State students who plan to study abroad through independent programs should contact OGE for information and referral.

Nontraditional Credits

Sacramento State allows the following degree credit, based on evaluation of nontraditional academic experiences and/or examinations to apply toward the baccalaureate degree:

1. Baccalaureate-level course credit certified by the Defense Activities in Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES). The amount of credit is limited to 24 semester units, the limit on the number of extension/correspondence course units that can be applied toward the degree.
2. Standardized examinations designated for system-wide credit by the Chancellor of the California State University. The names of these examinations, the passing scores required, and the number of semester units to be awarded is listed under system wide Credit by Examination.* The total amount of examination credit applied to the baccalaureate degree cannot exceed 30 semester units.
3. The Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board on which the student receives a score of 3, 4, or 5. Up to six semester units may be awarded for each Advanced Placement Examination passed. Refer to www.csus.edu/testing/.
4. Credit for basic training and commissions in the military service. The American Council on Education’s Commission on Education Credit and Credentials recommends the number of units allowed for each branch.
5. Commissions held while in the military service: 12 upper division units.
6. Civilian and military courses and schools recommended for credit by the American Council on Education’s Commission on Education Credit and Credentials.

*See Academic Policies/system wide Credit by Examination.

Additional Degree Credits Allowed

1. Credit for selected vocational/technical courses applicable to the Special Major in Fire Services and Construction Management and/or Mechanical Engineering Technology programs.
2. Transfer credit from provisionally accredited colleges may be granted upon completion of 24 residence units with a “C” grade point average at Sacramento State. Credits granted would normally be in course areas commonly taught in four-year baccalaureate degree programs. Credit is granted only for courses in which at least “C” grades are earned. No credit will be granted for courses in religion, education, psychology, or philosophy if completed at a sectarian college. Credit may be restricted when the institution is specialized, e.g., offering only one or a small number of related programs. Credit to be used toward the student’s major or minor must receive the recommendation of the appropriate department. Students who have attended institutions that are listed as business schools only may receive credit through challenge examination.

Limitations on the Transfer of Credit

Unit limitations apply to specific categories of credit that may be used to meet baccalaureate degree requirements:

1. A maximum of 70 hours transferred from two-year or community Colleges.
2. A maximum of 30 hours of examination credit.
3. A maximum of 24 hours in extension and correspondence (transfer, Sacramento State or in combination).
4. A maximum of 30 hours of any combination of correspondence, extension, and military service credit.
5. A maximum of 24 units in Special Sessions.

Transfer Grade Policies

Sacramento State utilizes the following policies in evaluating grades earned in courses accepted for transfer:

1. The grading policy of the regionally accredited institution where credit was earned is honored by accepting at face value all official transcript entries, including those:
   a. reflecting academic forgiveness actions;
   b. reflecting acceptance of grade point remediation for repeated courses; and
   c. regarding “incomplete” grades (e.g., “I”, “IS”, and “IU”).
2. All transfer courses graded Pass/No Pass or Credit/No Credit are computed at neutral value, except in those cases where the specific grading symbol is identified by the source institution as equivalent to a grade less than “C” in which case it will be taken at face value.
3. All transfer course grades or symbols used to designate unsatisfactory, failing, or non-passing work at time of withdrawal such as “UW”, “WU”, or “WF” are evaluated as failing grades “F” unless otherwise defined by the source institution.

Official Transfer Evaluations

Office of the University Registrar
Degree Evaluations Office
Lassen Hall Lobby
(916) 278-4862

The Degree Evaluations Office will prepare an official transfer credit evaluation summarizing prior college credit and indicating Sacramento State General Education requirements met. It will be mailed to first-time Sacramento State students by the end of their first semester. Questions about the evaluation should be discussed with the Degree Evaluations Office.

*If student passes more than one AP calculus or computer science, only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate. A score of 3 or above is required.

**AP exam in Government does not fulfill CA Government requirement.

***AP exam in US History does not fulfill Race & Ethnicity requirement.

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