If you are thinking about transferring to a four-year college or university, don't wait - stop in and visit us in the Transfer Center (Room 1365) to make sure you are on track to transfer to your college or university of choice.

The most important thing you should know is that the receiving college or university decides which credits transfer and if those credits meet its degree requirements.

• Within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system
  A course that meets a Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal at Saint Paul College will meet the same goal at a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Institution.
   
• Colleges and Universities outside of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system
  A course can meet a Minnesota Transfer Goal at Saint Paul College and yet may or may not be considered equivalent to a course at the receiving institution. The accreditation of both the sending and receiving institution can affect the transfer of credits earned, but it is not the only factor in determining transfer of credits. Institutions accept credits from courses and programs like those they offer. They look for similarity in course goals, content and level: “like” transfers to “like.” The name of a course is not sufficient to determine equivalency. Not everything that transfers counts toward graduation. Bachelor’s degree programs usually count credits in three categories: general education, major/minor courses and prerequisites/electives. The key question is, “Will your credits fulfill requirements of the degree or program you choose?”

Since all colleges and universities are unique and differ from how they accept courses and other types of college credits (CLEP, AP, IB international credites, etc.), it is important to talk to a Saint Paul College Transfer Specialist, consult college catalogs and Web sites and talk to advisors at the four-year institution.  Transfer guides to four-year institutions may be available to provide guidance in selecting the courses intended to transfer from Saint Paul College.

AA Degree, AS Degree, AAS Degree - What makes these degrees different?
To ensure a smooth transfer from Saint Paul College to a four-year college or university, it is important to understand the types of degrees offered at Saint Paul College:

• Associate in Arts (AA) degree
  The Associate in Arts (AA) degree is designed for transfer and offers flexibility in terms of the variety of collegse to which a student can transfer and in the variety of majors that can be can chosen. The AA degree requires mostly general education courses (40 credits), which is what gives it more transferability. The AA degree consists of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Completion of the MnTC with a 2.0 GPA meets the general education requirements at any of the public Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions and the University of Minnesota. Several private colleges also honor the AA degree. Some four-year majors require specific general education courses referred to as premajor requirements. Note: Course requirements may vary depending on the major and transfer college, so it is important to talk to a Transfer Specialist at Saint Paul College and to the appropriate person at the transfer college. Refer to the General Transfer Table.
   
  For students who are undecided about their major and who are interested in a four-year degree, the Associate in Arts (AA) degree is a good program to follow until deciding.
   
• Associate in Science (AS) degree
  The Associate in Science (AS) degree is intended to prepare students for immediate employment; however, students can transfer to complete a Bachelor’s degree when they transfer to colleges with which Saint Paul College has articulation agreements. The AS degree requires 30 credits of general education (MnTC) courses. Additional general education courses may be required to complete a Bachelor’s degree, particularly if students transfer to a college where an articulation agreement does not exist. Refer to the Transfer Articulation Agreements Table.
   
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree
  Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is intended mainly to prepare students for direct employment.  Students who are following as AAS degree and who are interested in transfer are strongly advised to talk to a Saint Paul College Transfer Specialist in the Transfer Center as transfer options are more limited. The AAS degree requires 20 credits of general education (MnTC) courses. Additional general education courses typically would be required to complete a Bachelor’s degree for students who transfer, particularly to colleges with which articulation agreements do not exist. Refer to the Transfer Articulation Agreements Table.

Things to think about in preparation for transferring...

• What are the math requirements for the college you plan to transfer to?
• Are there particular courses you should be taking to prepare yourself for your four-year degree major?
• What type of college or university is best for you? Public? Private? Weekend College Program? Online College?

Transfer Timeline - "What" you should do and "when":

0-12 Credits: Begin to think about your major, and where you want to transfer. Visit our career center!

24 Credits: Browse college websites and explore major options

30 Credits: Visit prospective colleges and look into transfer scholarships

35-45 Credits: Review degree audit and see a Transfer Specialist

60+ Credits (Final Semester): Send application to the college or university you plan to attend.
Apply for financial aid.
Apply for graduation in the Records Office.
Send final transcript to the college or university you plan to attend.

For help with transfer questions or concerns, e-mail the Transfer Center or contact your advisor at the transfer college.