Frequently Asked Questions

    • How many units do I need to transfer?
      The standard for most, if not all, transfer institutions is a minimum of 60 units. This will be comprised of general education and major preparation courses, and will ensure that you enter your transfer institution at the junior level. CSU’s and UC’s very rarely accept transfer students who have less than 60 units completed. For individual college requirements, or requirements for colleges outside of the CSU and UC system, it is recommended that you check with the college’s admissions office, or check on their website.
    • Is there a maximum number of units I can transfer?
      As a general rule universities will apply a maximum of 70 semester units toward your bachelor’s degree. For more specific information, please visit the specific college’s website to see their policies on transfer credits.
    • Will the four year colleges accept more than 70 units?
      Most colleges and universities will accept 70 semester units toward the total number of units needed to complete a bachelor’s degree. If you have taken more than 70 units the content of the courses will be used to satisfy needed requirements. Students who have already attended a four-year institution should see a counselor about their unit limits. For more specific information, please visit the specific college’s website to see their policies on transfer credits.
    • What is the minimum grade point average for transfer?
      The minimum GPA needed to transfer to a California State University (CSUs) is 2.0 (2.4 for non-residents). The minimum GPA needed to transfer to the University of California (UCs) is 2.4. The GPA needed for transfer to private colleges varies. Note: Some majors and some colleges are impacted and will require higher GPA’s for admission.
    • What is GE?
      GE (General Education) is a program of courses in the arts and sciences. Courses are usually introductory and provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge in English, arts, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and physical and biological sciences. The CSU GE pattern is one way for students who transfer to the CSU system to complete the CSU lower division GE requirements at the community college level before transferring. Completing the entire CSU GE pattern is not a requirement for transfer. It is not possible to complete all of the GE needed to graduate from a CSU at the community college level.
    • What is IGETC?
      IGETC is the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum. It is a general education program which community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU or UC campus. Completion of IGETC is one option for students to use when preparing to transfer, but it is not always a requirement for transfer to either the CSUs or the UCs. IGETC may not be recommended for some majors such as engineering and science. Students who are planning to transfer to a CSU may complete the CSU GE pattern. Speak with an academic counselor to plan your transfer.
    • What is a major?
      A major is a program of study which leads to a degree. See the college catalog, articulation agreements, or a counselor to determine which classes are required for a specific major.  
    • What is a minor?
      A minor is a secondary field of study with fewer classes than the major. There is no option to complete a minor at community colleges.
    • Do I need to declare a major before I transfer?
      Not all colleges require you to declare a major prior to transferring; however, many do. For a specific CSU or UC campus, see the college’s application for admission for major requirements. For other colleges check the catalog or contact the college’s admissions office for major requirements.
    • How do I find out about transfer requirements for the school I plan to attend?
      There are several ways you can learn about transfer colleges. First, see your counselor. Then, come and visit the Career and Transfer Center. We provide ample information on UCs and CSUs specifically, but we are happy to help guide you through the process of searching online for other colleges that better suit your needs. If you are interested in attending a specific college, meet with one of the college representatives that visits BCC during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. These representatives can provide you with specific information about programs and requirements specific to your situation (for a complete list of college representatives, please see the “Upcoming Events” link on our homepage). You can also attend one of the many college fairs held by the four Peralta Campuses during the Fall Semester. This is an excellent time to meet with many different representatives and learn about their specific colleges.
    • What is IGETC certification and why is it important for transferring?
      Certification of CSU GE or IGETC is the official notice verifying that a transfer student has completed courses satisfying lower division general education requirements. This form can be completed with a counselor, or you can ask for the form at the Counseling front desk, complete it on your own, and submit it to Admissions and Records. If you choose not to meet with a Counselor and need help filling out the certification form, feel free to visit the Career and Transfer Center and we will provide you with the necessary assistance. IMPORTANT: For many majors, UCs require that an IGETC certification be mailed in after being accepted and submitting your intent to register. Check your student portal of your transfer institution for more information.
    • What is the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree?
      An associate degree is a two-year degree granted by a community college to students who complete a specified program of study, usually totaling 60 units. A bachelor’s degree (or baccalaureate) is a four-year degree granted by four-year colleges or universities upon completion of at least 124 semester units or 180 quarter units. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered by the California State Universities (CSUs), the University of California (UCs), and by private four-year colleges.
    • What is the difference between a CSU and a UC?
      The California State University (CSU) system of higher education in California grants the most bachelor degrees. It is considered the more practical, career-oriented of the two systems.  The University of California (UC) system is considered more of a research institution. The UC grants professional and doctorate degrees as well as bachelor and master degrees. It is considered the more theoretical in approach of the two systems