Transfer Pathways

Students take various pathways to a certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree or advanced degree. A large percentage of those who enter a four-year institution as freshmen graduate from that institution. Others may enroll at one four-year institution and then transfer to another. And still others start at a community college and transfer to a baccalaureate institution.

Many community or technical college students who initially enroll in associate degree or certificate programs then decide to transfer to a four-year school.  A Statewide Transfer Policy helps students move between institutions while working toward their bachelor’s degrees.

A Transfer Student Rights and Responsibilities document approved by public and private two- and four-year institutions mirrors this policy and outlines both student and institutional rights and responsibilities regarding transfer.

Students completing the transfer degree programs listed below are guaranteed 90 transferrable quarter credits (even if they change majors) and up to 15 quarter credits for ‘technical’ courses. In addition, they will not be required to retake courses and course sequences already completed. General information is available in a brochure titled Transfer from a Washington Community College to a University.

If a student transfers to a baccalaureate institution before completing an associate degree, courses similar to those traditionally offered by universities will be accepted. However, courses may not transfer if the student’s baccalaureate institution does not offer a parallel course.

Direct Transfer Agreement Associate Degree (DTA) : 60 quarter credits of general education courses, plus courses that prepare students for classes in their major and electives.

Associate of Science – Transfer (AS-T) : Includes the math and science courses needed to prepare students for biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, computer science and engineering majors.

Major Related Program (MRP) : Course plans under the DTA or AS-T that prepare students for specific majors. Course plans include general education courses and a limited number of electives.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS-T) : A workforce degree developed to meet industry standards for immediate employment. Students can apply these toward specific applied baccalaureate degrees.

Transfer from a Washington Community College to a University

Transfer Student FAQs

Credit Transfer Limits at Washington’s Public Baccalaureate Institutions

Public Baccalaureate Transfer and Course Equivalency Website links

Transfer Issue Online Report Form

HECB contacts
Email: Jim West - Phone: 360-753-7890
Email: Randy Spaulding - Phone: 360-753-7823