University Transfer

Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Programs

The University Transfer degree programs are designed for the person who wishes to transfer to a four-year institution. The programs consist of two components: (1) universal general education transfer component (UGETC), and (2) general education premajor courses in English composition, humanities/fine arts, social/ behavioral sciences, and natural sciences, and mathematics. The educational plan leads to an Associate in Arts degree (AA) or an Associate in Science degree (AS).

The Associate in Arts Program concentrates heavily on the humanities and social sciences; it is recommended for students who will continue into a Bachelor of Arts degree program. In addition to the UGETC and general education courses, students complete transfer courses based on their intended academic study plan, for a total of 60 semester hour credits. As an additional option for students, the Associate in Arts Program is offered as an online degree program.

The Associate in Science Program concentrates heavily on the natural sciences and mathematics; it is recommended for students who will continue into a Bachelor of Science degree program. In addition to the UGETC and general education courses, students must take additional natural sciences, and mathematics transfer courses based on their specialized interests, for a total of 60-61 semester hour credits. The program of study for both the AA and AS programs provide opportunities for students to know the philosophy, literature, and art of their own culture and other cultures; to understand math and science; to communicate with others and develop a sense of community. Also, the program of study helps students achieve competencies in the following: reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and the basic use of computers.

Students in both programs are responsible for examining the requirements of the four-year university to which they plan to transfer for completion of their degree. Counselors and academic advisors are available to assist students in planning their programs accordingly. To ensure maximum transferability of credits, students should select a transfer major and preferred transfer university before completing 30 semester hours of credit. Both the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs require ACA 122 which assists students in identifying universities to which they may transfer and in the creation of an educational plan, two-year to four-year.

The North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement

The North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) is a statewide agreement governing the transfer of credits between NC community colleges and NC public universities. Its objective is the smooth transfer of students. The CAA provides certain assurances to the transferring student; for example; it

Assures admission to one of the 16 UNC institutions (Transfer Assured Admissions Policy);
Enables NC community college graduates of two-year Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of the university of NC to transfer with junior status.

To receive maximum benefit from the CAA, students may transfer as juniors if they follow these guidelines:

Earn an Associate in Arts Degree or an Associate in Science Degree.
Earn a grade of “C” or better in all CAA courses.
Earn an overall grade-point average of a “C” or a 2.0 at the time of transfer (course repeats will be included in the calculation).
Obtain acceptance at the UNC institution.

If students elect not to obtain an associate degree, they may still transfer UGETC courses, provided that they have earned a “C”, earned an overall grade-point average of a “C,” and obtained acceptance. If students do not complete an associate degree (60 semester hours), receiving institutions will evaluate the transfer credits on a course-by-course basis; and students will come under general education requirements of the receiving institution.