Graduation and Transfer

Requirements for Certificates, Degrees and University Transfer

There are three academic objectives you can complete at Victor Valley College. These include:

• Occupational certificates
• Graduation with an Associate’s Degree
• Preparation for transfer to a four-year university where you can complete a bachelor's degree

Many students elect to complete two or even all three of these goals at the same time - which you can do with careful planning.

This section of the catalog will tell you how to accomplish these three objectives.

Course Numbering System - Each college course has a number assigned to it, which tells you whether it applies to the associate’s degree, transfers to a university, or doesn’t apply to a degree.

• Courses that begin with a zero "0" are non-credit.
• Courses numbered 1 through 49 are non-degree applicable (NDA), and are not intended to transfer to universities.
• Courses numbered 50 through 99 apply to the associate’s degree, but do not transfer to universities.
• Courses numbered 100 through 299 apply to the associate’s degree and transfer to most universities. Level 200 courses usually have prerequisites.

At the end of each course description, courses that transfer to campuses of the California State University or the University of California systems are indicated by “CSU” and/or “UC.”

Catalog Rights for Associate’s Degrees and Certificates

Each academic year, the Victor Valley College Catalog lists the requirements, rules, and, regulations that define what students must satisfy to qualify for an associate degree or certificate. Degree and certificate requirements may change from one catalog year to the next. When students first enroll at Victor Valley College, they will follow the catalog requirements during that academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer). Students have the right to complete requirements under the terms of any published catalogs while in continuous enrollment.  (Reference: VVC District AP 4027 - Catalog Rights)

Catalog Rights

The term "catalog rights" refers to the particular requirements, rules, and regulations that a student must complete based on the academic year in which he/she/they entered the college or have had continuous enrollment. Catalog rights apply for a maximum of six years prior to graduation for students in continuous enrollment.

Continuous Enrollment

Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in at least one transcripted course in at least one semester (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer) during an academic year. Students who do not meet the continuous enrollment condition specified above, and who re-enroll in the college, will fall under the catalog requirements for the academic year when re-enrolling at VVC. Consequences of not being continuously enrolled may include:

• Loss of priority registration
• Changes in requirements for certificates
• Changes in requirements for degree majors
• Changes in general education requirements
• Discontinuation of programs

Course Substitution

The student may submit a petition to substitute a course in a certificate. The substitution form can be obtained from the department chair.

• The required course has been discontinued
• The required course has not been offered at VVC in more than a year and a half
• The required course was canceled due to low enrollment

Course substitution applies to certificates only, and does not apply to degrees. 

Application for Graduation

Graduation ceremonies are held once a year in June. The graduating student is responsible for submitting an application for graduation by the established deadline to Admissions & Records.  This includes submitting all official transcripts from other colleges and all other documents verifying completion of any requirements. Students applying for an Associate's Degree or Certificate do not have to be currently enrolled. Students must apply within three years from the date all requirements are satisfied. Exceptions, for example, medical reasons or military service, should be submitted in writing including supporting documentation, to the Director of Admissions & Records.

Second and Subsequent Degrees

To earn more than one Associate's Degree, AA/AS, the following apply:

1. Students must complete an additional 18 units minimum from another major, for each additional degree.
2. No courses used in the major for one degree may be used in the major for a subsequent degree.
3. The general education requirements used for the first degree remain as the general education requirements for subsequent degrees.
4. The three aforementioned points do not apply when earning an AA-T/AS-T degree. See the Graduation Requirements for the Associate's Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) section for details.

Requirements for Occupational Certificates

We’ll start by telling you how to complete a certificate. This is the simplest goal, because there’s not a lot to figure out. Just turn to the section entitled “Academic Departments” for a brief overview of all the degrees and certificates offered. You will also see "Degrees" and "Certificates" tabs for each academic department which specify exactly which courses are required in order to complete the various programs.  In the Degrees and Certificates section, you’ll find listed the most common areas of study that people are interested in - whether VVC offers a program in that field or not. If we don’t have a particular program, at least you’ll find some information about some of the institutions that do.

Under each area of study, VVC may offer the following types of certificates.

Certificate of Achievement - is a sequence of courses of 8 semester units or more and is awarded to students who successfully complete all the requirements for a defined program of study approved by the Victor Valley Community College Board of Trustees as well as by the Chancellor’s Office for California Community Colleges. These are also called State Approved Certificates.  Certificates of Achievement are recorded on students’ official transcripts.

Certificate of Career Preparation - is awarded to students who successfully complete all the requirements for a defined program of study approved by the Victor Valley Community College Board of Trustees. These are also called Locally Approved Certificates.  Students who earn a Certificate of Career Preparation are presented with a paper award, but the college does not record the award on students’ transcripts.

Certificate of Competency - is a prescribed pathway of non-credit coursework that prepares students to take non-degree applicable coursework, including basic skills and English as a second language, or to take degree-applicable credit coursework leading to a credit certificate, associate degree, or transfer to a university.  

Certificate of Completion - is a prescribed pathway of non-credit coursework that leads to improved employability or job opportunities. It also prepares students to progress in a career path or to take degree-applicable credit courses. 

Students receiving occupational certificates must have completed all required courses with a grade point average of “C” or better.  For certificates that require 18 units or more, students must complete a minimum of 12 of those units in residence at VVC.  For certificates that require fewer than 18 units, students must complete at least 50% of the total required units in residence at VVC.

Only Certificates of Achievement (or State Approve Certificates) that require 16 units or more are eligible for Federal Financial Aid.  Certificates of less than 16 units are not eligible for federal or state aid, with the exception of the California College Promise Grant.  

As a practical matter, if your academic skills - English, reading and math - need some refreshing, you should take courses in those areas before, or along with, your other courses. Refer to your Placement Survey for an idea of which courses to choose. Employers of all kinds and at all levels want employees who can think well, speak well, write well, and get along with others. You can take courses in all those areas at VVC.

What many people do is complete a certificate program, then sometime later (yes, even years later!) come back to school and use those courses again as the major and often the electives for an Associate’s Degree or even as preparation for transfer. Other people work on certificates and the requirements for a degree at the same time.

It’s all up to you. Just remember: once a completed course is on your transcript, we can often use it to satisfy requirements for a second or even a third objective.

Graduation Requirements for Associate's Degrees (AA or AS)

Graduation generally requires the equivalent of two to three years of full-time study which leads to an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree or an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT).  The college’s graduation requirements allow students to earn an Associate Degree and, with careful planning, simultaneously meet requirements for an occupational certificate, the requirements for transfer to a four-year college or university, or both.  Students who wish to transfer should check with their intended institution regarding which courses meet that school’s requirements.

Below are the requirements for earning AA and AS degrees only.  This information is also available as a worksheet in Counseling - ask for the “green sheet."  The AA-T and AS-T degree (also known as the Associate Degree for Transfer) requirements are shown in the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) tab.  

General Requirements

• A minimum of 60 degree applicable (courses numbered 50 and above) units are required to earn an AA or AS degree.  Per California Code of Regulation Title 5, 55063, a minimum of 12 degree-applicable units must be completed in residence at VVC.  A maximum of 4 units of physical activity may be used, except in the Fine Arts major.
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all degree-applicable units including all units from other colleges attended, if applicable.
• ​Courses may count in one area only, either the major or a general education category. However, a course that has been used in a major or general education category may also satisfy these other graduation requirements: kinesiology, global citizenship, and information competency.
• Courses counted in one AA or AS major may not be counted in a second AA or AS major.

Note: If you’re planning to transfer to a university, the key idea to keep in mind when you plan your courses for your VVC major and general education requirements is that you want to fit your transfer university’s course requirements into VVC’s graduation requirements.  That is, use the university's required courses to meet VVC’s degree requirements. You will find more on that in the University Transfer tab.

Courses for Your Major

To earn an associate's degree, you must have a major.  Required courses for each major are listed in the "Degrees" tab for each academic department. All majors require at least 18 units.  Some majors require specific courses and/or more than 18 units.  Each course in the major must be completed with a “C” grade or higher. Courses used for the major may not be double-counted for general education categories I-V, which will be described next. Courses may be used only towards one AA or AS major. Cooperative Education 138 classes cannot be used in the major.

General Education Requirements

At least 21 semester units are required for your General Education (GE). The VVC General Education page shows which courses can be used to satisfy each of the GE area requirements. It’s a good idea to make your selections with an eye to your university transfer requirements, if applicable.

The General Education pattern at Victor Valley College is a comprehensive and integrated introduction to broadly applicable principles, concepts, and methods of:

CATEGORY I: NATURAL SCIENCES (MINIMUM 3 SEMESTER/4 QUARTER UNITS)

• Define and discuss the basic principles, concepts, and theories of the natural sciences.
• Explain and apply the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis, measurement, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and quantitative analysis. Critically evaluate the limitations, sustainability and social impact of scientific study.

CATEGORY II: SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (MINIMUM 6 SEMESTER/8 QUARTER UNITS)

CATEGORY IIA: SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

• Discuss and apply the central theoretical concepts and methods of contemporary social or behavioral science.
• Critically analyze individual or social behavior in a variety of contexts, including contemporary, historical, Western, non-Western, and minority.
• Identify and apply the principles of effective citizenship, including civility, respect for diversity, and exercise of social responsibilities.
• Explore, identify, and evaluate the factors that have shaped our global community to gain an understanding of the individual’s roles in relationship to other individuals and systems on a global level.

CATEGORY IIB: AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS

• Identify and discuss the basic national, state and/or local political processes including the US Constitution and the rights and obligations of citizenship through responsible engagement in civic duties.

CATEGORY III: HUMANITIES (MINIMUM 3 SEMESTER/4 QUARTER UNITS)

• Identify, discuss, and evaluate works of major philosophical, historical, literary, artistic, and/or cultural importance.
• Critically analyze conceptions of human meaning and forms of self-expression and self-understanding that represent the perspectives of different periods of time, cultures, social and ethnic groups.
• Reason effectively about values, including the application of ethical principles and ethical analysis of proposed solutions to social problems.

CATEGORY IV: LANGUAGE & RATIONALITY (MINIMUM 6 SEMESTER/8 QUARTER UNITS)

CATEGORY IVA: ENGLISH COMPOSITION

• Compose a variety of essays and revise these compositions for clarity, organization, and mechanical and grammatical correctness.
• Summarize, synthesize, and paraphrase various types of source materials.
• Define, access, and evaluate research information from a variety of sources and using a variety of tools.
• Prepare documented research papers using a variety of resource material and MLA citation/documentation.

CATEGORY IVB: COMMUNICATION & ANALYTICAL THINKING

• Create and deliver oral presentations that are suitable to the topic, purpose, and audience.
• Communicate orally with civility and attention to diversity using a wide range of media and in a variety of settings.
• Actively listen with literal and critical comprehension of ideas and information transmitted in oral language.

CATEGORY V: MATHEMATICS (MINIMUM 3 SEMESTER/4 QUARTER UNITS)

• Communicate mathematical concepts formally, using appropriate notation and terminology, and informally by using everyday language.
• Effectively organize, present, interpret and summarize quantitative information using symbolic, numerical and graphical methods.
• Solve problems by evaluating the available information and type of problem, choosing an appropriate technique, applying the technique, and verifying whether or not the solution is reasonable.
• Use mathematical concepts and methods to understand, analyze, and express applications in quantitative terms.

Competencies

INFORMATION COMPETENCY

• Determine the nature and extent of information needed and identify a variety of types of formats of potential sources of information.
• Utilize research tools and/or the Internet to effectively locate and retrieve information resources.
• Analyze and evaluate information using the criteria of credibility, relevance, authority, currency, and point of view or bias.
• Organize and communicate information for a specific purpose and in accordance with legal and academic standards.
• Demonstrated by successful completion of ENGL 101.0 English Composition and Reading (previously ENGL 1A) Information Competency component at Victor Valley College (VVC) with a minimum score of 70%.
  • Or successful completion of the VVC Library Information Competency project with a minimum score of 70% when ENGL 101.0 English Composition and Reading equivalent was completed at another college.
  • AP exam credit does not fulfill the Information Competency requirement.

Global Citizenship

• Explore, identify, and evaluate the factors that have shaped our global community to gain an understanding of the individual’s roles in relationship to other individuals and systems on a global level.
• Demonstrated by successful completion of noted courses in General Education Category II (A) Social and Behavioral Sciences and Category III Humanities. A non-general education course, POLS 221 Model United Nations, also fulfills Global Citizenship.

Kinesiology (Physical Education - PE)

A minimum of 1 semester unit is required to earn the AA or AS degree.  Any APE, KIN, KIND course; or TA courses that are cross-listed with KIND; or HLTH 102 will satisfy this requirement. A maximum of 4 units of APE/KIN/KIND/TA activity courses will count toward the degree (except for KIND/TA units in the Fine Arts major, which have no limitation).  

Completion of military basic training also fulfills this requirement. A copy of the student’s form DD214 or other documentation must be on file with the Admissions & Records Office.

HLTH 102 Contemporary Problems in Personal and Community Health and other APE/KIN/KIND/TA courses, which may have been used to fulfill major or GE areas may be double-counted with this Kinesiology requirement. Courses listed under Athletics do not satisfy this requirement.

Electives

The remaining units for the degree - approximately 21 - are called electives, because after satisfying your major and GE requirements, you may elect to take whatever you like, with some restrictions and recommendations. For example, you might want to complete courses towards an occupational certificate or towards possible transfer objectives.

Applying for Graduation

Finally, it is important to note that you will not automatically earn your degree upon completion of the requirements.  You must apply for graduation with the Admissions & Records Office at the appropriate time. Typically this is one semester prior to your final semester at VVC. 

Graduation Requirements for Associate's Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T)

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, 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 (ADT). The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) are intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing ADTs are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, though not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T or AS-T will be required to complete no more than 60 semester units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree, unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Below are the requirements for earning AA-T and AS-T degrees only.  The AA and AS degree requirements are shown in AA & AS tab.

General Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units. Per California Code of Regulation Title 5, 55063, a minimum of 12 degree-applicable units must be completed in residence at VVC. 
• Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units with a “C” or better (or a “P” if the course is taken on a Pass or No-Pass basis) in all courses required for the AA-T or AS-T major as identified in the college catalog.
• Completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSUGE Breadth) or the Intersegmetal General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Basic/Golden 4 CSU admission requirement.
• Minimum 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.
• Courses may be double-counted for major and GE areas. However, a single course may not fulfill more than one GE area even though it may be listed in more than one area.
• Courses counted for one ADT major may be used again in another ADT major for a separate degree.
• The local VVC graduation requirements of Kinesiology, Global Citizenship, and Information Competency do not apply to AA-T and AS-T degrees.
• Course work transferred in from the other California Community Colleges will be applied toward the ADT major and CSUGE/IGETC areas to fulfill the same requirements as they would have at the previous institution.

A student may use major courses in both a traditional Associate’s Degree and in an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT). For example, a student who completed an AA in Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in Social/Behavioral Science may use the relevant SOC and PSYC courses to meet the requirements for the AA-T in Sociology. Likewise, if a student completed the AA-T in Sociology, the relevant major courses could be used for the AA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Social/Behavioral Science degree. A student may earn more than one ADT. It is up to the student to decide which to use when applying to the CSU system for transfer. A student could use one ADT major for applying to one CSU campus and a different ADT major for applying to a different CSU campus.

VVC offers several Associate Degrees for transfer. To learn about the ADT degrees the CSU accepts from VVC, please use the ADT Search Tool. To learn about which California private universities accept ADT degrees, visit the AICCU.

Courses for Your Major

To earn an Associate Degree for Transfer you must have a major.  There are specific courses required for each major and they are listed in the "Degrees" tab for each academic department.  All majors require a minimum of 18 units, while some may require more. Each major course must be completed with a "C" grade or higher.  

General Education Requirements

ADTs required that you complete either the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.  You must follow one pattern exclusively (i.e. you cannot mix-and-match). Click the respective links to see the list of courses for each pattern.  

Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)

The Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID) is a statewide numbering system independent from the course numbers assigned by local California community colleges. A C-ID number next to a course signals that participating California colleges and universities have determined that courses offered by other California community colleges are comparable in content and scope to courses offered on their own campuses, regardless of their unique titles or local course number. Thus, if a schedule of classes or catalog lists a course bearing a C-ID number, for example COMM 110, students at that college can be assured that it will be accepted in lieu of a course bearing the C-ID COMM 110 designation at another community college. In other words, the C-ID designation can be used to identify comparable courses at different community colleges. However, students should always go to the ASSIST website to confirm how each college’s course will be accepted at a particular four-year college or university for transfer credit.

The C-ID numbering system is useful for students attending more than one community college and is applied to many of the transferable courses students need as preparation for transfer. Because these course requirements may change and because courses may be modified and qualified for or deleted from the C-ID database, students should always check with a counselor to determine how C-ID designated courses fit into their educational plans for transfer.

Students may consult the ASSIST website for specific information on C-ID course designations. Counselors can help students interpret this information.

The California Community Colleges Transfer Tool website has a search tool that shows which California State University (CSU) campuses accept which AA-T and AS-T degrees. Students completing an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a CSU campus, as long as they complete 60 transferable units, including the pre-major requirements and the CSU General Education (GE) or IGETC General Education pattern, and maintain a transferable cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0.  However, students are not guaranteed admission to particular campuses.  You may also meet with a counselor for more information. 

Case-by-Case Exceptions to Victor Valley College’s Catalog Rights policy based upon California State University’s Implementation Guidance for CSU General Education Policy and Transfer

• Conferring VVC ADTs for instances whereby students may claim pre-2021 catalog rights for the CSU system, but their selected major was established after that date.
• Pertains to Victor Valley College students who enrolled at VVC prior to the CSU’s implementation of the three-unit lower division Ethnic Studies general education requirement, and maintained continuous enrollment at VVC to the present time.
• Please see CSU Memo regarding GE policy for guidance and details. 

2021-2022

Students who initially enrolled at VVC, or reenrolled at VVC after a break in catalog rights during the 2021-2022 catalog year and maintained continuous enrollment as outlined in the VVC catalog.  During this year, the CSU system implemented the Ethnic Studies requirement. However, during this year VVC did not have approval for the ETH courses to count towards Area F of the CSU GE Breadth pattern.  They were later approved during summer 2022, and backdated to state Fall 2021 on assist.org. Therefore, all ADTs utilized the traditional A-E CSU GE Breadth pattern for graduation and advising.  Students graduating from VVC under the requirements for this catalog year may graduate without an Ethnic Studies course. However, they will be required to take Ethnic Studies for graduation at the CSU if they do not complete it prior to transfer.  Victor Valley College will allow these students to graduate with an ADT in a new major that was established at VVC after the implementation of the Ethnic Studies requirement and use the older CSU GE pattern. This will be done on a case-by-case basis. 

2020-2021 and Prior

Students who initially enrolled at VVC, or reenrolled at VVC after a break in catalog rights during the 2020-2021 catalog year and maintained continuous enrollment as outlined in the VVC catalog.

Victor Valley College will allow these students to graduate with an ADT in a new major that was established at VVC after the implementation of the Ethnic Studies requirement and use the older CSU GE pattern. This will be done on a case-by-case basis.  Students in this set of circumstances are not required to complete the Ethnic Studies requirement at CSU as long as they maintain CSU catalog rights established by the CSU system. 

Note that CSU campuses will expect to see CSU and IGETC general education certifications that include Area F Ethnic Studies following the timelines below.

Beginning Fall 2023 – a student transcript indicating CSUGE Fully Certified must include Ethnic Studies

Beginning Fall 2024 – a student transcript indicating Full IGETC Certification must include Ethnic Studies

Applying for Graduation

Finally, it is important to note that you will not automatically earn your degree upon completion of the requirements.  You must apply for graduation with the Admissions & Records (online or in-person) by the given deadline. Typically, you apply for graduation one semester prior to your final semester at VVC. 

Transferring to a Four-Year College/University

VVC transfers hundreds of students annually to campuses of the California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), private/independent universities within California, and out-of-state universities. These students traditionally do as well, or better, than students who began as first-time freshmen at the four-year university. To prepare for transfer, students complete freshman and sophomore level coursework (100 and 200 level courses at VVC) towards a bachelor’s degree at a community college, while simultaneously earning an associate’s degree (earning an associates degree is optional). For an overview of the courses you need to take at VVC in order to satisfy requirements at your intended transfer institution, find your major in this catalog, visit the university's website, speak with a VVC Counselor, visit ASSIST (major preparation courses for CSU and UC), stop by the Transfer Center (Building 23), or call us at (760) 245-4271 ext. 2138.

There are four types of systems of higher education which community college students have a choice of transferring to from a community college:

• University of California (UC)
• California State University (CSU)
• Private/Independent colleges and universities
• Out-of-state universities (visit each individual campus)

University of California (UC)

The UC system is world-renowned for its excellence in teaching and, in particular, research into what makes the world the way it is. Each of the ten campuses statewide (nine undergraduate) has its own distinct academic and social character, but all offer intellectually challenging bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in an academically rigorous environment. 

California State University (CSU)

The twenty-three campuses of the CSU system offer a wide variety of innovative and exciting bachelor’s, graduate-level programs, and limited doctoral programs whose goal is to prepare students to be effective in their career of choice. As with the UC system, each campus has its own unique offerings and offer well-regarded programs, many of which are internationally renowned. 

Private/Independent and Out-of-State Colleges and Universities

Private/independent universities in California and out-of-state universities provide an array of degrees and programs. Private/independent universities in California may offer bachelor's, masters, doctoral and professional degrees. Due to the unique nature of these universities, students are encouraged to visit the websites of their university of interest (i.e. transfer admissions website) and consult directly with a transfer admissions advisor/specialist at that particular university to learn about the requirements necessary to be a competitive applicant to their majors and university. We also encourage to meet with a VVC Counselor and/or the Transfer Center for more information.

Nontraditional Degree Programs

A number of nontraditional bachelors and graduate-level programs are offered by accredited institutions that are accelerated, online or hybrid, etc. These programs are designed for people whose distance, work or family situations prevent them from regular attendance in more traditional university setting. Visit the university's website, meet with a VVC Counselor, or visit the Transfer Center for more information. Visit the page on College Accreditation at the end of this section to learn about university (regional) accreditation.

Of Special Interest

Many students are interested in transferring to universities designated under the following categories (please visit individual websites for more information):

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCU)

California Community College and HBCU Transfer Partnership
White House Initiative on HBCU's

HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTIONS (HSI)

HACU-HSI

TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education

Transferring to the University of California (UC)

Transferring as an Upper-Division Transfer (UDT) Student

To transfer as an upper-division transfer (UDT) student (junior-level) to any of the nine University of California campuses, you must complete 60 UC transferable units with at least a 2.4 minimum GPA at VVC and complete required major-prep and general education courses. Although a 2.4 GPA is required for admissions consideration to a UC, to be considered a competitive applicant, many UC's require a GPA of a 3.0 or higher (at highly selective UC's a 3.5 GPA or higher is highly encouraged and preferred). You are required to complete general education and major-prep courses prior to transfer. For general education requirements, at minimum, you must complete the seven-course general education pattern for transfer admission eligibility (embedded within the IGETC pattern); however, many UC's honor the full completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC*) general education pattern. To learn about which classes you should take for your major prior to transferring to a UC, visit ASSIST.  

*A note on IGETC: There are some exceptions to the general recommendation to follow IGETC, most commonly for those students wishing to transfer to high-unit majors such as engineering, computer information systems, computer science, performing arts, or the physical/life sciences. For these majors, it is usually recommended that students focus on the major preparation courses (visit ASSIST for major preparation coursework details) of the specific campus they plan to attend, along with fulfilling the seven-course general education pattern. Some UC's will allow the completion of the IGETC general education pattern for high-unit majors. Visit the UC IGETC website to find out which UC's accept the IGETC general education pattern. Meet with a VVC Counselor, university representative, visit the individual UC websites, and the Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions for more details on what option is best for you. 

(Note: At this time, most UC's only accept upper-division transfers.) 

UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG)

Six UC's offer a Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) program with California Community Colleges to encourage students to transfer to a UC. The TAG program has specific major preparation, unit, GPA, and Math and English requirements to participate. Visit the UC TAG website to learn more, meet with a VVC Counselor, or stop by the Transfer Center.

Transferring to the California State University (CSU)

Transferring as an Upper-Division Transfer (UDT) Student

To transfer as an upper-division transfer (UDT) student (junior-level) to any of the 23 campuses of the California State University, you must complete 60 CSU transferable units with at least a 2.0 minimum GPA at VVC, including those required in your major and general education requirements. For most students, this means you should follow the California State University General Education Breadth (CSUGE). Within your general education requirements, you will need to complete the Golden Four (English Composition, Communication Studies/Speech, Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Reasoning/Mathematics) for transfer admission eligibility.  Most CSUs require you to be an upper-division transfer student. To be a competitive transfer student, you are encouraged to maintain a strong GPA (especially for CSU's outside of our local service area).

For students who have not yet decided whether to transfer to a CSU or to a UC campus, an alternative recommendation is to follow the IGETC general education pattern as it will satisfy both CSU and UC general education requirements for most CSU's and UC's.

CSU Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) 

VVC offers a select number of Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) that guarantee admission to a CSU. Specific course and GPA requirements must be met, and the CSU must deem the ADT major as "similar". For more information, visit the VVC ADT website see each department listing in the catalog. Due to additional requirements, some majors do not offer an ADT (e.g. engineering, nursing, social work, architecture, etc.). More information on ADT's can be found on www.icangotocollege.com. 

Transferring as a Lower-Division Transfer Student (LDT) - Fewer Than 60 Transferable Units

At this time, the majority of CSU and UC campuses do not accept lower-division transfer (LDT) students; if you wish to transfer to the CSU or UC system with fewer than 60 transferable units, check with the campus you are considering (i.e. website, transfer admissions counselor, etc.) before applying. Visit this CSU website or UC website for more information about LDT.
 

Transferring to Private/Independent or Out-of-State Colleges and Universities

In addition to state-funded universities, the state of California has approximately 75 accredited independent/private colleges and universities. Other states similarly have a varied and large selection of public and private universities from which to choose. Transfer requirements for private/independent and out-of-state universities vary by university. You are encouraged to visit each university's website, meet with a VVC counselor, and/or visit the Transfer Center for the most current information about transfer admissions.

Although VVC students transfer to universities all over the nation, below are some private/independent and out-of-state universities that VVC students have transferred to:

• Arizona State University
• Azusa Pacific University
• Biola University
• Cal Baptist University
• Chapman University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• La Sierra University
• Loma Linda University
• Loyola Marymount University
• Park University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of La Verne
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of Redlands
• University of Southern California
• Western Governors University

Some private and out-of-state universities may accept CSUGE or IGETC general education patterns to fulfill general education requirements at their institution. Please consult with the university you are considering, a VVC Counselor, or the Transfer Center to confirm.

Transfer Center

Begin thinking about your transfer goals early in your studies so that you can take a well-planned program of courses (academic plan) towards your academic goals. The Transfer Center, located in Building 23, allows you to use the computer lab to research programs, majors, admissions requirements, and learn about the variety of resources and services provided. In addition, the following services are provided by the Transfer Center.

University Representatives

Representatives from public and private four-year institutions are available to meet with prospective students at the Transfer Center. Representatives are available to discuss majors, admission requirements, applications, tuition, resources and services, etc. Please visit the Transfer Center or call (760) 245-4271 ext. 2138 to schedule an appointment.

University Transfer Fair

The Transfer Center hosts a University Transfer Fair every Fall semester where representatives from CSU's, UC's, in-state private/independent universities and out-of-state universities provide information about their institutions, majors, resources, financial aid and more to VVC students. Visit the Transfer Center for more details.

University Campus Visits (Tours)

In addition to researching universities you are considering, it is a good idea to visit the universities you are interested in transferring to to learn about admissions, resources and services, majors, and to learn if the university provides the environment you are seeking. Virtual and in-person campus tour opportunities are available. The Transfer Center organizes in-person group campus tours in both the Fall and Spring semesters. Visit our University Campus Tours website to view which universities we will be visiting. If you wish to visit a university in-person on your own, contact the university's admission or outreach office to schedule a tour. Visit the Transfer Center (Building 23), Transfer Center website, or call (760) 245-4271 ext. 2138 for more details.

When thinking about the type of university you would like to transfer to, you want to ask yourself the following: Do you want to be in an urban, rural, desert, or coastal environment? Do you want to be a small, mid-sized, or large campus? Are you looking for particular resources/services? How is their on-campus housing, or housing in the surrounding areas? What is the community surrounding the institution like? Will I feel comfortable in this environment?

 If you are unable to visit a campus in-person, you can now take a virtual campus tour.

• CSU Virtual Campus Tours
• UC Virtual Campus Tours
• Private and Out-of-State Virtual Campus Tours (visit each university's website)

Workshops

Workshops are provided in person and virtually on various transfer-related topics. In addition, university representatives lead workshops on transfer admissions, majors, resources and services, financial aid, etc. Visit the Transfer Center to view the workshops schedule.

Counseling

Counselors are available to all students for help in identifying personal and educational goals, selecting a major, planning courses to meet their objectives, and in dealing confidentially with personal situations that affect their education. We strongly recommend that all students planning to transfer meet with a VVC counselor to ensure they are taking the necessary general education and major preparation courses. In addition, career planning classes are available to help with self-development, academic knowledge, and career exploration. Look under "Guidance" in the VVC catalog, online class schedule, or your NAVIGATE student portal. 

Social Media

You can be informed about the different activities, workshops, and events the Transfer Center, and universities, are hosting by staying connected via our various social media communication platforms.

• Twitter (@vvctransfers)
• Instagram (@vvctransfers)
• Facebook (@VVC Transfer Center)
• YouTube (@VVC Transfer Center)
• TikTok (@vvctransfers)
• Snapchat (@vvctransfers)

Academic Transcripts 

Universities may request you provide them with official or unofficial transcripts after submitting your transfer application. You can order transcripts in the following ways:

• Ordering Official Transcripts Online You can securely order your transcripts online via WebAdvisor, which will be sent directly to you or to the university of your choice via mail or email (PDF). Official transcripts have a fee (please visit "Order Official Transcripts" on WebAdvisor to find out the transcript fees).  
• Mailed and In-person Requests - Visit Admissions and Records (Bldg. 23) to order transcripts in-person. These transcript orders take two to three weeks to process.

Applying for University Admission

The University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) are different and distinct branches of public higher education in California and have different requirements for admission. To apply to the UC or CSU, students will be required to submit an online application within the filing period (see below for filing period dates). The Transfer Center provides assistance with admission and supplemental applications. Students will also be required to submit official transcripts and possibly additional documentation when requested by the university. Check your emails and university portals often for additional requests from the universities or visit the university websites to obtain information about additional document deadline(s). 

Application Deadlines

Students should apply to every university for which they want to be considered during the priority application filing period. Visit the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) websites to get more information on admission requirements and processes. Students planning to apply to a private or out-of-state university must visit the university's website to find out when the priority application filing period is for each specific private university. Certain impacted or highly competitive majors may require earlier deadlines and/or supplemental (additional) applications. We encourage you to research university application deadlines; we also suggest you meet with a university transfer advisor/specialist and/or VVC counselor for assistance. 

Fall admissions application filing period:

• UC application period: August 1-November 30 (Although the UC application opens August 1st, you can begin submitting your UC application between October 1-November 30)
• CSU application filing period: October 1-November 30

Winter/Spring admissions application filing period: 

• UC application filing period: July 1-31
• CSU application filing period: August 1-31

Impacted Majors

At some UC and CSU campuses, more students may seek admission to popular areas of study (i.e. engineering, nursing, social work, architecture, computer science, and business) than can be accommodated. Occasionally, more applications are received than can possibly be accepted at the particular university. When this happens at a UC or CSU campus, certain majors are declared “impacted,” or "selective," and these universities may permit only limited enrollment. Students who apply to impacted majors may also be directed to alternate majors or campuses. Applicants to impacted or selective majors are subject to supplemental admission criteria and an additional application.

Students who seek to transfer into majors which are impacted or selective should complete all courses designated as “required lower division preparation” for the major, prior to transfer, along with maintaining a strong and competitive GPA. At some universities, completion of specific courses with minimum grades is required before transfer as a condition of acceptance into an impacted major.

• CSU impacted majors
• UC selective majors (visit individual UC websites)

Maximum Transferable Credit

A maximum of 70 transferable semester (105 quarter units) earned in California community colleges may be applied toward the baccalaureate degree at either a UC or CSU campus. The maximum number of units accepted at in-state private universities and out-of-state universities may vary.

Notice of Responsibility: Students should always study the catalog and website of the school to which they plan to transfer, and are responsible for directly contacting that institution’s admissions office for the most current, up-to-date information. No matter how much help you may receive from various sources, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that all transfer requirements and deadlines are met.

Transfer Websites

• California Colleges:  CaliforniaColleges.edu covers UC, CSU and private/independent colleges and universities, and provides virtual campus tours, student-campus matching assistance, information on financial aid, and admissions planners for first-time freshmen college students and transfer students.
• University of California (UC):  The University of California (UC), Office of the President, offers this site for information about UC. It also provides links to each of the ten UC campuses and provides outreach, financial aid, and admission information about the UC system. You can take virtual campus tours, develop a comparative view of different campuses, establish e-mail connections with campus personnel, and apply electronically.
• California State University (CSU):  This site provides information about California State University’s (CSU) educational programs, system wide policies and initiatives, historical and general information, admission requirements and procedures and access to links for all 23 CSU campuses. It also provides outreach, financial aid, and admission information about the CSU system. You can take virtual campus tours, develop a comparative view of different campuses, establish e-mail connections with campus personnel, and apply electronically.
• ASSIST:  The ASSIST website is the most up-to-date source for community college course transferability to UC and CSU campuses. It houses course-to-course equivalency agreements between VVC and many of the UC and CSU campuses. It also provides the list of major preparatory coursework students should take a community prior to transferring to a UC or CSU and a list of general education requirements. 
• Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AICCU):  Visit this site for information on the diverse services, resource, majors, and admissions requirements for independent/private (non-UC or CSU) universities in California.
• I Can Go to College: Earning an Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree makes for a much smoother transition from a California Community College into the CSU system. Please visit the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) section of the catalog to learn about the various AA-T and AS-T degree options you have and courses that must be taken to complete these degrees.
• UC Transfer Admission Planner (TAP): This website is for students interested in a UC campus. Students can begin inputting their college coursework to help them prepare for the UC application, helps show your progress, and also serves as the UC TAG application (if you decide and are eligible to TAG to one of the six UC campuses).  

College Accreditation

Not all accreditation is the same!

Please consult the university's website or meet with a VVC Counselor to ask about a university's accreditation.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an academic program. It means that a program or institution has gone through a rigorous review and evaluation process by experts in the field. It is essentially a stamp of approval by an organization that evaluates the quality of an institution or program. The highest level of accreditation is regional accreditation.

Will my courses transfer to another institution?

If you think you may want to transfer to another school in the future, move to another state, or obtain an associate or baccalaureate degree, it is important to ensure the college/university you attend is regionally accredited (see list of regional accrediting agencies below) to have a better guarantee your courses (i.e. credits/units) will transfer to another institution. (Each school has different requirements for transfer credits; contact the institution you wish to transfer to). Usually credits/units from non-regionally accredited colleges/universities will not be accepted by California Community Colleges, CSU's, UC's, private and out-of-state universities.

How important is accreditation to employers?

Employers want well-qualified employees, and usually are unimpressed by degrees from non-accredited schools or from schools that are accredited by non-recognized agencies. Many federal or state agencies require graduation from a regionally accredited school. In certain professions, internship and practicum opportunities are limited to students who attend an accredited program.

What are some potential consequences of attending a school with questionable accreditation?

• You may not find a job in your profession
  Depending on the profession and the state you live in, you may have difficulty finding a job. Some employers will not hire you unless you attended an accredited institution. If you are enrolled in a nonaccredited school, talk to students who graduated recently and ask if they were able to find a job.
• You may not be able to attend a four-year or graduate school
  It is in your best interest to attend an accredited institution if you plan to further your education. Your acceptance to a four-year or graduate school could be denied because the institution may not recognize courses taken at a non-accredited institution (or one accredited by a non-recognized agency).
• You may be wasting your time and money
  If you graduate from a non-accredited school and find out you cannot obtain employment, you will have lost valuable time and money.
• You may face challenges repaying student loans
  Two thirds of students borrow to pay for college. If you are one of these students, you may have challenges repaying your student loans if you don’t earn enough money or cannot find suitable employment.

Recognized Accrediting Organizations

There are national accreditors, faith-based accreditors, career college accreditors, and regional accreditors. Victor Valley College and other traditional public and private colleges and universities can only accept coursework from regionally-accredited institutions. Units can be accepted from colleges accredited by any of the following organizations. (VVC, like UC and CSU, is accredited by WASC.)

Regional Accrediting Organizations

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) - Western Association of Schools and Colleges Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Association of School and Colleges, Commission of Institutions of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commissions (NCA-HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

Here are some examples of accrediting agencies that VVC, UC, and CSU cannot accept:

• ABHE - Association for Biblical Higher Education
• ACCSC - Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges
• ACICS - Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Universities
• DETC - Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission