Program Overview
The Associate of Science in General Studies (ASGS) is a flexible, twoyear degree designed for students who plan to transfer to a fouryear institution to complete a bachelors degree in a science or technologyrelated field. The program provides a solid foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and criticalthinking skills while allowing students to explore elective courses that can fulfill general education requirements at most universities.
Key benefits include:
- Clear articulation agreements with many state and private universities.
- Ability to choose a focus area (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science) without committing to a specific major.
- Small class sizes and personalized advising.
- Eligibility for federal financial aid, scholarships, and workstudy.
Who Is This Program Best Suited For?
The ASGS is ideal for:
- Highschool graduates who want a smoother transition to a fouryear university.
- Adult learners seeking to complete their first two years of college while balancing work or family commitments.
- Students uncertain about a specific major but who know they want a scienceoriented bachelor's degree.
- Those looking to improve their academic record before applying to competitive programs.
Curriculum & Requirements
All courses are semesterbased. The typical plan of study includes 60 credit hours divided into core, elective, and generaleducation components.
Core Science Sequence (12 credits)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biology I with Lab | 4 |
| Chemistry I with Lab | 4 |
| Physics I with Lab (or Alternative Engineering Science) | 4 |
Mathematics (812 credits)
- College Algebra (4)
- PreCalculus (4) required for STEM transfers
- Calculus I (optional, 4) recommended for engineering or physics majors
General Education & Communication (16 credits)
- English Composition I & II (6)
- Public Speaking or Communication (3)
- Humanities elective (3)
- Social Science elective (3)
- Critical Thinking/Logic (1)
Electives & Free Electives (1420 credits)
Students may select electives that align with their intended bachelors major or explore interests such as:
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Psychology
- Business Fundamentals
Tip: Work with an academic advisor early to choose electives that will transfer as general education credits at your target university.
Transfer Pathways
Most community colleges maintain articulation agreements with regional universities. These agreements guarantee that courses meeting specific criteria will be accepted toward a bachelors degree.
Common Transfer Destinations
- State universities (e.g., University of XYZ, College of ABC)
- Private colleges with liberalarts focus
- Technical institutes offering applied science degrees
How Transfer Credit Is Evaluated
- Course Equivalency: The receiving institution matches your communitycollege course to its own catalog.
- Grade Requirement: Typically a minimum of a C (2.0) is needed for credit.
- Maximum Transfer Units (MTU): Most universities accept up to 60 transferable credits for a bachelors program.
Before you apply, request a Transfer Evaluation Report from the prospective universitys admissions office. This document outlines exactly which courses will count toward your intended major.
Admission Requirements & Advising
Admission to the ASGS program is openentry for most students. Requirements include:
- Highschool diploma or GED.
- Completed application form and fee.
- Placement test scores (e.g., ACCUPLACER) for math and English; remedial courses may be required.
- Proof of residency for instate tuition eligibility (if applicable).
All new students are assigned a Transfer Advisor who helps:
- Develop an individualized degree plan.
- Select courses that align with targetuniversity requirements.
- Navigate financial aid, scholarships, and workstudy opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my major after transferring?
Yes. While the ASGS is designed for STEM transfers, most universities allow students to switch majors within the first year, provided they meet prerequisite requirements.
Do I have to complete the full science sequence before transferring?
Most partner institutions require at least two of the three core science courses. Completing the full sequence strengthens your application, especially for competitive majors like engineering.
What if I need remedial courses?
Remedial (developmental) courses do not count toward the 60 credit requirement but are necessary to succeed in collegelevel work. You can often take them concurrently with creditbearing courses.
Are there scholarships specifically for transfer students?
Yes. Many colleges offer Transfer Scholarships based on GPA, major interest, and financial need. Check the financialaid office for current awards.
How long does the transfer process take?
Once you have completed 60 credits and met GPA requirements (usually 2.5 or higher), the application and evaluation process typically takes 46 weeks.
