Core Transfer Map (CTM)
What is the Core Transfer Map?
The Core Transfer Map (CTM) is a set of eight courses (totaling at least 30 credits) that satisfy the core general education requirements at all Oregon public universities and some participating private colleges and universities.
This transfer tool is ideal for students who have not yet chosen a major but plan to transfer and want to ensure that their general education courses will count toward a bachelor’s degree.
Benefits of the CTM
- Guaranteed transfer: All CTM courses count toward general education requirements at any Oregon public university.
- Saves time and money: Avoids taking courses that may not transfer.
- Provides a strong foundation: Covers essential skills needed for bachelor’s degree programs.
Who Should Use the CTM?
The CTM is designed for students who:
✔ Plan to transfer from an Oregon community college to a university.
✔ Haven’t chosen a major yet but want their general education courses to transfer.
✔ Want a structured path to meet general education requirements.
If you have already chosen a major, you may want to follow a Major Transfer Map (MTM) instead, which provides a more structured transfer path for specific fields of study.
CTM Course Requirements
To complete a Core Transfer Map, students must take courses in the following general education categories:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Communication (1 course) | ||
| COM 111Z | Public Speaking | 4 |
| or COM 218Z | Interpersonal Communication | |
| Mathematics (1 college level course) | ||
| MTH 105Z | Math in Society | 4 |
| or MTH 110 | Foundations for Precalculus | |
| or STAT 243Z | Elementary Statistics I | |
| Writing (2 courses) | ||
| WR 121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| WR 122Z | Composition II | 4 |
| or WR 227Z | Technical Writing | |
| One Course from Each: | ||
| Arts & Letters (eg. English, Art, Music) | 4 | |
| Social Sciences (eg. History, Economics, Psychology) | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science w/Lab (eg. Biology, Geology, Chemistry) | 4-5 | |
| Elective Option | 3-4 | |
| Total Minimum Credits | 30-33 | |
- *
All courses must be selected from the Approved Courses List.
- 2
All course must be passed with a C or better, for transferring.
Special Guidance for STEM Students
Students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) fields should consult with an academic advisor to ensure that their math and science courses align with their intended transfer major. Some universities may require specific coursework beyond the CTM.
How to Complete the CTM
- Meet with an academic advisor to select the best CTM courses for your goals.
- Complete all required courses at an Oregon community college.
- Earn the minimum grades required for transfer (typically a C or better).
- Transfer to an Oregon public university, where your CTM credits will count toward your bachelor’s degree.
Key Considerations
- Completing the CTM does not guarantee admission to a university—students must still meet the admission requirements.
- The CTM is not a full degree but ensures that general education courses will transfer efficiently.
- Students must notify their university admissions office that they have completed a CTM to receive proper credit.
Next Steps
✔ Talk to an advisor about selecting the right courses.
✔ Check your transfer school’s requirements to ensure the best course alignment.
✔ Stay on track by completing at least 15 credits per quarter if aiming for a four-year graduation timeline.
For more details, visit Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission or speak with a UCC academic advisor.