Transfer Degrees and Options Overview

One of the best places to begin a bachelor's degree is at a community college. UCC offers many of the freshman and sophomore courses students will find at universities, allowing them to stay close to home and complete courses at a fraction of the cost. UCC offers a number of options for building programs that allow a student to transfer to another college or university, including the Core Transfer Map (CTM), Oregon Transfer Module (OTM), Associate of General Studies (AGS), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT), or Major Transfer Maps (MTM). Agreements are in place for all Oregon public colleges and universities, some Oregon private colleges and universities, and even some out-of-state-schools.
 
Students will want to work closely with their academic and faculty advisors to develop a program of study that takes full advantage of UCC's offerings and transfers smoothly to the four-year institution of their choice. Advisors will help students refine their goals and identify courses that meet their interests and transfer appropriately. Students should begin by reviewing the existing transfer degree programs to see if any meet their needs. If a student is undecided, work with an advisor to build a custom program beginning with foundational and discipline courses.
 
Note that completing any of these programs does not guarantee acceptance to a target institution. Students will still be required to meet all admissions requirements they are looking to transfer to.

Core Transfer Maps (CTM)

Core Transfer Maps (CTM) are broad descriptions of course requirements for students at any Oregon community college or public university. Students who have not yet declared a major and plan to transfer may take classes that fit these categories at any Oregon community college and expect all classes to transfer and meet at least 30 credits of general education requirements for a bachelor's degree at any Oregon public university.

Note that many majors have specific course requirements for categories within the Core Transfer Maps. The CTM is intended as a starting point for students who plan to transfer to a university but are unsure of their intended major or transfer destination. Students who are certain of their major, but not their transfer destination, should determine if there is a developed Major Transfer Map for their chosen discipline, and follow that as a guide. Students who are certain of both their major and their intended destination should consult an advisor for information on an existing specific articulation agreement, Major Transfer Map, or degree map that will prescribe their course requirements.

Oregon Transfer Module (OTM)

The Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) is a 45-credit block of general education courses that are common among Oregon's colleges and universities. Courses are selected from an approved list of 100 and 200 level, general education requirements as determined by each Oregon community college, public university, or participating Oregon independent college or university. It is designed to improve student access to a college degree by enhancing opportunities for the transfer of credits earned at one institution to another.

Any student holding an OTM that conforms to the program guidelines will have met the requirements for the OTM at any Oregon community college or public university. Upon transfer, the receiving institution may specify additional course work that is required for a major, for degree requirements, or to make up the difference between the OTM and the institution's total general education requirements.

Associate of General Studies (AGS)

The Associate of General Studies (AGS) is a flexible degree option which enables a student to complete an Associate degree that is tailored to the general education requirements of the transfer school. Students must exercise caution in using the AGS option, as the degree does not guarantee transferability of courses completed. Educational planning for the AGS should be done with the help of an UCC advisor.

Associate of Science (AS)

The Associate of Science (AS) degree is designed for students planning to transfer credits to a baccalaureate degree program. The degree requirements allow students more flexibility in course selection, allowing them to focus on their major requirements. Unless directly articulated with another college/university the degree does not guarantee that students will be accepted as having completed all lower division comprehensive and general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree (i.e. this is not a block transfer degree as is the AAOT). There are no majors within this degree.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their UCC academic and/or faculty advisor, the specific transfer curriculum pages in this catalog, and the intended transfer institution to determine appropriate course choices.

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT)

The Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree that conforms to the established guidelines will transfer as a block to any institution in the Oregon University System and will meet the lower division general education requirements for that institution's baccalaureate degree programs. Students transferring under this agreement will have junior standing for registration purposes, however courses, class standing, or GPA requirements for specific majors, department, or schools may not necessarily be satisfied by an AAOT degree. Upon transfer, the receiving institution may specify additional course work that is required for a particular major or degree.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their UCC academic and/or faculty advisor and the intended transfer institution to determine appropriate course choices. 

Major Transfer Maps (MTM)

Major Transfer Maps (MTM) provide a clear, structured pathway for students who have a defined major in mind and plan to transfer from an Oregon community college to an Oregon public university. MTMs outline specific courses required for the intended major, ensuring that students can make a seamless transfer while avoiding unnecessary coursework. These maps include both general education and major-specific requirements, allowing students to follow a course sequence that aligns with their academic goals. By following the MTM, students can stay on track for a smooth transition to their university program.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic and/or faculty advisor and the intended transfer institution to ensure they are meeting all necessary requirements for their chosen major.