TRANSFER RESOURCES
Your Pathway to a Four-Year University and a STEM Career
WELCOME TO TRANSFER RESOURCES!
Are you planning to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)?
This resource guide is designed to help community college students explore university options, understand transfer requirements, identify STEM degree programs, and find helpful academic and financial resources.
Our goal is to make the transfer process easier by providing students with the information and resources they need to plan their next academic journey.
Explore the following universities to learn about STEM degree programs, transfer admission requirements, and opportunities for your future.
1. San José State University (SJSU)Â
Take a Virtual Tour of San José State University
San José State University offers STEM programs through its College of Science, College of Engineering, and College of Health and Human Sciences.
Engineering Technology (B.S.) – Concentrations:
Biological Sciences (B.S.) – Concentrations:
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Systems Physiology
Additional Biological Sciences degrees:
Forensic Science (B.S.) – Concentrations:
Computational Science Concentration
Discrete Mathematics Concentration
Nutritional Science (B.S.) – Concentrations:
Applied Nutrition and Food Sciences
Dietetics
Public Health (B.S.) – Concentrations:
1. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
California community college students can earn an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T).
SJSU offers approved pathways connecting certain community college degrees with bachelor's degree programs.
Students completing an approved matching ADT may receive priority consideration.
Students should check the individual major requirements before selecting an ADT pathway.
2. Transfer Admission and Academic Planning
SJSU provides transfer admission counseling and academic planning.
Students can review transferable coursework and major preparation requirements.
Students can use articulation agreements to determine which community college courses meet SJSU requirements.
Transfer applicants should select their major carefully because changing majors after admission is not guaranteed.
Provides eligible students from participating East Side Union High School District schools with a pathway to SJSU.
Offers academic preparation and support.
Connects eligible students with university resources and opportunities.
1. Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
The SJSU MESA Engineering Program supports eligible students pursuing engineering and computer science degrees.
Services include:
Academic advising and mentoring.
STEM academic support.
Professional development workshops.
Career preparation.
Peer networking and student community activities.
Connections to engineering and technology opportunities.
2. STEM Research and Academic Support
SJSU provides programs designed to help students succeed in science and mathematics.
Opportunities include:
Undergraduate research support.
Faculty mentoring.
STEM academic enrichment.
Research preparation and professional development.
Connections to graduate school opportunities.
3. Geoscience for Society (Geo4Society) Program
Supports students pursuing Geology (B.S.) and Earth System Science (B.S.).
Provides graduate student, faculty, and alumni mentoring.
Offers paid undergraduate research opportunities in geoscience laboratories.
Provides scholarships of up to $15,000 annually for eligible students.
Offers career development workshops, networking, and professional development.
Helps students explore geoscience careers through field trips and outreach opportunities.
Important Transfer Information
SJSU has impacted majors, meaning some programs are more competitive than others.
Engineering and other STEM programs may require specific prerequisite courses.
Some majors require higher GPAs than the minimum CSU eligibility requirement.
Students should complete major preparation courses before transferring whenever possible.
Students should use ASSIST.org to check community college course articulation.
Transfer admission requirements and deadlines should be reviewed for each application cycle.
SJSU provides undergraduate students with opportunities to participate in research and gain professional experience.
Opportunities include:
Faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
Biology and biotechnology research.
Chemistry and laboratory research.
Engineering design and technology projects.
Computer science and software development projects.
Marine and environmental science research.
Student research presentations and conferences.
1. Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
Connects undergraduate students with faculty research mentors.
Provides compensated research opportunities.
Offers experience in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Helps students develop professional and academic skills.
2. Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Fellowship
Supports students working with SJSU faculty mentors.
Provides funding for eligible research projects.
Helps students gain research experience.
Offers opportunities to present research at university events.
Supports eligible physics and astronomy students interested in pursuing doctoral degrees.
Provides faculty mentoring and professional development.
Offers scholarship support.
Connects students with summer research opportunities.
Students should explore:
SJSU university-wide scholarships.
College of Engineering scholarships.
College of Science scholarships.
Department-specific STEM scholarships.
MESA-related academic and professional support.
Cal-Bridge scholarship opportunities.
Federal Pell Grants.
California Cal Grant programs.
Federal and state financial aid.
Students should complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, when eligible, to determine their financial aid options.
STEM Majors and Degree Programs
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer Impaction Requirements
Student Research Opportunities
College of Science Research Support
Financial Aid and Scholarships
California Community College Course Articulation (ASSIST)
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.
Take a Virtual Tour of CSU East Bay
California State University, East Bay offers undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, healthcare, and related fields.
Biological Sciences (B.A. and B.S.)
Cell and Molecular Biology
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Forensic Science
Microbiology and Biomedical Lab Sciences
Physiology
Health Policy
Public Health
Pre-Licensure
Post-Licensure
Transfer Preparation Programs and Student Support:
1. East Bay STEM Initiative (EBSÃ)
EBSÃ is a STEM student-support initiative at Cal State East Bay designed to improve access, participation, and success for students pursuing STEM degrees.
Its four pathways include:
First Year Experience: Academic support and community-building for new STEM students.
Computer Science Transfer: Supports California community college students preparing to transfer into the Computer Science program.
STEM Teaching: Helps prepare students interested in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Internships: Provides professional development, career preparation, industry connections, and opportunities to apply for designated internships.
2. Computer Science Transfer Pathway
EBSÃ provides additional preparation for community college students entering CSUEB's Computer Science program.
Student support includes:
Computer Science 301 pre-semester bootcamp.
Foundational computer science preparation.
Transfer student support and community-building.
First-semester course planning.
Guidance for meeting with academic advisors.
3. MESA and Community College STEM Support
MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) supports eligible community college students pursuing STEM degrees.
Potential support includes:
STEM academic advising.
Tutoring and study groups.
Peer mentoring.
Transfer preparation.
Career and internship guidance.
STEM workshops and activities.
Students should check with their community college to determine whether a MESA program is available.
4. EBCAN – East Bay Computer Science Alliance Network
EBCAN supports Computer Science transfer pathways and collaboration between Cal State East Bay and community colleges.
Students can explore resources through:
Cal State East Bay.
Chabot College.
Las Positas College.
5. Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
EOP provides additional support to eligible students.
Services may include:
Academic advising.
Student support services.
Educational guidance.
Assistance connecting with campus resources.
Students should:
Review ASSIST.org for transferable community college courses.
Check major-specific prerequisites.
Review CSUEB degree roadmaps.
Meet with an academic advisor.
Plan mathematics and science courses early.
Major Preparation
Students should:
Complete required lower-division major courses.
Review prerequisites for their intended STEM degree.
Check additional requirements for impacted majors.
Review nursing admission requirements separately.
Application and Transfer Planning:
Apply through Cal State Apply.
Review application periods and deadlines.
Submit transcripts when requested.
Monitor the Future Pioneers Portal.
Meet with a community college transfer counselor.
Review financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Student Opportunities:
STEM internships.
Computer Science bootcamps.
STEM teaching preparation.
Academic advising.
Peer mentoring.
Professional development.
Industry networking.
Community college transfer support.
University Catalog and Degree Programs
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer Student Academic Support and Resources
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT)
Transfer Credit Information and Course Articulation
California Community College Course Articulation (ASSIST)
East Bay STEM Initiative (EBSÃ)
STEM Lab and Student Resources
Undergraduate Research – OSCAR
Student Center for Academic Achievement (Tutoring)
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.
3. University of California, BerkeleyÂ
Take a Virtual Tour of UC Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley offers STEM programs through its College of Engineering, College of Chemistry, College of Computing, Data Science, and Society, College of Letters and Science, and Rausser College of Natural Resources.
Earth and Planetary Science (B.A.)
Atmospheric Science
Environmental Earth Science
Geology
Geophysics
Marine Science
Planetary Science
1. Community College Transfer Services (CCTS)
UC Berkeley's Community College Transfer Services helps California community college students prepare to transfer to UC Berkeley or another University of California campus. Services include transfer guidance, advising resources, application information, workshops, webinars, and transfer events. The program is open to students from any California community college.
2. Transfer Pre-Engineering Program (T-PREP)
T-PREP is a summer preparation program for incoming community college transfer students admitted to UC Berkeley Engineering. It provides academic preparation, workshops, professional development, a design project, and opportunities to connect with other engineering students.
3. Transfer-to-Excellence Summer Research Program
This program provides selected community college students with an opportunity to participate in engineering research, work with faculty research groups, and gain hands-on research experience. Admission is competitive.
The Transfer Student Center helps new and prospective transfer students understand campus resources, connect with other students, and work toward their academic and career goals.
5. Starting Point Mentorship Program
This program connects eligible community college students with UC Berkeley student mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and information about campus resources.
6. Engineering Student Support
UC Berkeley Engineering offers student support through advising, mentoring, workshops, tutoring, and academic assistance. Students should check the College of Engineering for programs available to incoming transfer students.
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.
San Francisco State University (SFSU)
Take a Virtual Tour of San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University offers undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, healthcare, and related fields.
Biology (B.S.) – Concentrations:
Concentration in Astronomy
Concentration in Astrophysics
Concentration in Natural Resource Management and Conservation
Concentration in Natural Resource Management and Conservation
Last admit term: Fall 2026
1. Through in Two Program (Formerly California Promise)
Designed for incoming California community college transfer students.
Helps eligible students complete their bachelor's degrees within two years.
Provides specialized academic planning and priority registration.
Requires an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T).
Students must enter an approved SFSU ADT pathway.
Priority registration begins after ADT verification and program acceptance.
2. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
California community college students can earn an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T).
SFSU offers approved pathways connecting community college transfer degrees with bachelor's degree programs.
Students completing an approved matching ADT pathway can finish their bachelor's degree with no more than 60 additional semester units.
ADT students receive priority consideration for CSU admission.
Helps students identify transferable courses and major prerequisites.
Provides information about course articulation and degree requirements.
Helps students plan their transition from community college to SFSU.
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) University Program supports eligible SFSU students pursuing engineering and computer science degrees.
Services include:
Academic advising and support.
STEM study groups and academic enrichment.
Professional development workshops.
Engineering student organizations.
Career development and industry involvement.
Special MESA job and internship opportunities.
Conferences and networking opportunities.
Eligibility considerations include:
Students majoring or planning to switch to engineering or computer science.
First-year transfer students receive priority consideration.
Students who are first-generation college students or meet specified financial eligibility requirements.
This partnership connects Skyline College and SFSU STEM students through the Center for Science and Mathematics Education.
Opportunities include:
STEM mentoring and student support.
Transfer Day and Explore SF Day activities.
Near-peer mentoring through Skyline College's STEM Center.
Supplemental Instruction and Learning Assistant programs.
Exposure to undergraduate STEM research.
Participation in the SFSU Student Project Showcase.
3. Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME)
Supports STEM education and student success.
Connects students with educational and research opportunities.
Supports partnerships between educational institutions.
Provides opportunities for students to participate in STEM learning activities.
Important Transfer Information
Some impacted majors may require higher GPAs or additional admission requirements.
Students should complete required major preparation courses before transferring whenever possible.
Students should check ASSIST.org to determine which community college courses transfer to SFSU.
An Associate Degree for Transfer is not required for general transfer admission, but it may provide additional benefits.
SFSU provides undergraduate students with opportunities to gain research experience and develop professional skills.
Opportunities include:
Faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
Biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering research.
Laboratory and field research experience.
Environmental and marine science research.
Student research presentations and showcases.
Professional development and career preparation.
Bristol Myers Squibb STEM Undergraduate Fellowship
This fellowship supports eligible undergraduate students interested in pursuing STEM research careers.
Participating majors include:
Biology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Program benefits include:
Financial support and in-state tuition assistance.
Summer and academic-year research opportunities.
Weekly research seminars.
Graduate school preparation.
Opportunities to present research at scientific conferences.
Students should explore the following financial resources:
SFSU undergraduate scholarships.
Federal Pell Grants and other federal financial aid.
California Cal Grant programs.
Department-specific scholarships.
STEM research fellowships.
Financial aid for eligible transfer students.
MESA-related professional and academic opportunities.
Students should complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, when eligible, to determine their financial aid options.
College of Science and Engineering
STEM Majors and University Bulletin
Associate Degree for Transfer Pathways
Center for Science and Mathematics EducationÂ
STEM Undergraduate Fellowships
California Community College Course Articulation (ASSIST)
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.
Take a Virtual Tour of UC Davis
The University of California, Davis offers undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental studies through its four academic colleges.
STEM Programs, Majors and Degrees
The University of California, Davis offers undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental studies through its four academic colleges.
Science
Technology and Computing
Engineering
Mathematics
Additional STEM-Related Programs
Transfer Preparation Programs:
AvenueE – Engineering and Computer Science Transfer Program
AvenueE supports community college students preparing to transfer to UC Davis for engineering or computer science.
Program support includes:
Academic and transfer preparation
Mentorship and student support
Engineering and computer science career preparation
Transfer Bridge opportunities
Professional development
AvenueE works with community college districts including Los Rios, Peralta, San Joaquin Delta, and Contra Costa.
TOP – Transfer Opportunity Program
TOP helps community college students prepare for transfer to the University of California.
Program benefits include:
Academic advising
UC Transfer Admission Planner assistance
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) application assistance
Transfer preparation workshops and seminars
Financial literacy resources
Transfer-specific campus tours
UC Davis transfer events
Application Planning
Students should plan ahead for UC application deadlines, TAG deadlines, and major-specific requirements. Admission requirements vary by major.
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.
Take a Virtual Tour of Cal Poly
Cal Poly offers STEM programs through its Bailey College of Science and Mathematics, College of Engineering, and College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Engineering and Computer Science
Biological and Life Sciences
Chemistry and Physical Sciences
Environmental and Agricultural Sciences
1. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Pathways
Cal Poly has established specific Associate Degree for Transfer pathways for California community college students.
Available pathways include:
Chemistry AA-T to Cal Poly's B.S. in Chemistry.
Environmental Science AS-T to Cal Poly's B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection.
Physics ADT to Cal Poly's B.S. in Physics beginning with Fall 2027 admission.
Students should check the approved ADT list because not every Cal Poly major has an established ADT pathway.
Cal Poly provides a Transfer Center to help community college students transition into the university.
Services include:
Transfer academic coaching.
Peer mentoring and transfer student networking.
Academic advising and course planning.
Information about campus resources.
Transfer student events and activities.
Assistance connecting with student organizations.
Orientation program specifically designed for incoming transfer students.
Provides information about academic programs and campus resources.
Connects students with faculty, advisors, and other transfer students.
Helps students prepare for their first quarter at Cal Poly.
1. CSU STEM Pathways and Research Alliance (CSU-SPaRA)
Cal Poly participates in CSU-SPaRA, a program designed to support students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees.
Opportunities include:
Academic advising and support.
STEM community-building activities.
Professional development.
Financial assistance for eligible students.
Undergraduate research opportunities.
Preparation for graduate education and STEM careers.
2. BEACoN Research Mentors Program
The Believe, Educate and Empower, Advocate, Collaborate, and Nurture (BEACoN) program connects students with faculty research mentors.
Students can receive:
Faculty mentoring.
Research experience.
Support with academic and professional development.
Opportunities to participate in funded research projects.
3. Community College Course Articulation
Students can use ASSIST.org to identify transferable courses.
Course articulation helps students determine which community college classes satisfy Cal Poly requirements.
Students should review major-specific transfer preparation before applying.
Important Transfer Information
Cal Poly is an impacted university, making admission competitive in every major.
Many admitted transfer students have GPAs higher than the minimum CSU requirement.
Each major has its own required and recommended coursework.
Students are evaluated against other applicants applying to the same major.
Work experience, internships, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience may be considered.
Students must select a specific major when applying.
Cal Poly generally accepts transfer applications for Fall admission from October 1 through November 30.
Students should check individual major requirements before applying.
Cal Poly emphasizes hands-on learning through its Learn by Doing philosophy.
Students have opportunities to participate in:
Faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
Engineering design and research projects.
Biological and environmental science research.
Laboratory and field research.
Agricultural and food science research.
Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURP).
Industry-sponsored research projects.
Student research presentations and conferences.
Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
Several Cal Poly colleges provide summer research opportunities.
These include:
Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program.
Eligible students may work alongside faculty members, gain research experience, and present their findings.
Students should explore the following financial resources:
Cal Poly university-wide scholarships.
College-specific STEM scholarships.
Transfer student scholarships.
Cal Poly Scholars Program.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
Federal and state financial aid.
FAFSA and California Dream Act financial assistance.
Department-specific research funding.
Cal Poly's Transfer Center reports approximately $50,000 in annual transfer-specific scholarship funding across several scholarships.
Students should complete the general scholarship application through their Cal Poly student portal to be considered for applicable awards.
STEM Majors and Academic Programs
Bailey College of Science and Mathematics
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Associate Degree for Transfer Pathways
Transfer Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Scholarships and Financial Aid
California Community College Course Articulation (ASSIST)
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.
UC Santa Cruz offers STEM programs through the Baskin School of Engineering and the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences.
Take a Virtual Tour of UC Santa Cruz
Engineering and Computer Science
Biological and Life Sciences
Chemistry and Physical Sciences
Mathematics and Earth Sciences
Environmental and Related Sciences
Transfer Preparation Programs:
1. Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
UC Santa Cruz offers a Transfer Admission Guarantee for eligible California community college students.
Benefits include:
Guaranteed admission to UC Santa Cruz when all TAG requirements are satisfied.
A clear academic pathway for completing community college coursework.
Assistance with transfer planning.
Access to UC Transfer Admission Planner resources.
An opportunity to plan for admission into an approved major.
Important requirements include:
Students must attend a California community college.
Students must have completed at least 30 UC-transferable semester units when submitting TAG.
Students generally need a minimum 3.0 UC-transferable GPA when submitting TAG.
Students must complete required general education and major preparation coursework.
TAG applications are submitted September 1–30 before the intended fall transfer year.
Computer Science is not eligible for TAG. Some other majors have additional screening requirements.
2. Transfer Preparation Program (TPP)
This free program supports students preparing to transfer to UC Santa Cruz or another four-year university.
Services include:
Individual transfer advising.
Peer mentorship from current UCSC students.
Major and career exploration.
Transfer application assistance.
Academic planning.
Workshops and special campus events.
Connections with other prospective transfer students.
The program particularly serves first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.
3. Computing Transfer Pathway Program
This program supports community college students interested in transferring into computing-related majors.
Opportunities include:
Transfer preparation and academic planning.
Guidance on major prerequisites.
Support navigating the computer science transfer process.
Connections to UCSC computing programs and resources.
1. Community College Partnership Program (CCPP)
UC Santa Cruz works with community colleges to create additional pathways for students interested in transferring.
Current partner colleges include:
Cabrillo College
Hartnell College
San Jose City College
Opportunities include:
Transfer Scholars Pathways.
One-on-one student mentoring.
Transfer preparation activities.
Campus visits and special events.
Summer Transition Program for eligible admitted transfer students.
Connections with current UCSC students.
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) University Program supports students pursuing engineering and computer science degrees.
Services include:
Academic advising and mentoring.
STEM academic support.
Engineering student community activities.
Professional development.
Career preparation.
Support for students from groups historically underrepresented in engineering.
3. Academic Excellence Program (ACE)
ACE provides additional academic support for students taking STEM courses.
Services include:
Small-group discussion sections.
Collaborative problem-solving activities.
Supplemental instruction in mathematics and science.
Peer learning and tutoring.
Additional opportunities to strengthen STEM coursework.
The Educational Opportunity Program STEM community supports first-generation and low-income students interested in STEM majors.
Services include:
STEM academic counseling.
Peer mentoring.
Academic skill development.
STEM tutoring connections.
Career exploration.
Research and professional development opportunities.
Important Transfer Information
California community college junior-level transfers receive priority consideration.
Some majors require specific lower-division preparation courses.
Certain STEM majors have additional screening requirements.
Students should complete as many major preparation courses as possible before transferring.
Computer Science and other competitive majors may require stronger academic preparation than the minimum UC admission requirements.
Students should review major-specific requirements before selecting their community college courses.
The UC application filing period for fall admission is generally October 1 through November 30 of the year before enrollment.
UC Santa Cruz is a research university offering undergraduate students opportunities to work with faculty and participate in scientific projects.
Opportunities include:
Faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
Biology and biotechnology research.
Marine biology and ocean sciences research.
Environmental science and sustainability projects.
Computer science and engineering research.
Laboratory and field research experience.
Research presentations and academic conferences.
Graduate school preparation.
1. Research Mentoring and Internship Opportunities
Students interested in STEM research can explore the Research Mentoring Internship and other undergraduate research programs.
Opportunities include:
Research orientation courses.
Faculty and graduate student mentoring.
Research experience across STEM disciplines.
Academic and career preparation.
Graduate school preparation.
2. Baskin School of Engineering Opportunities
Engineering students can participate in:
Engineering design projects.
Robotics and computer engineering activities.
Software development projects.
Technology and innovation programs.
Student engineering organizations.
Hands-on learning through Slugworks.
3. Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Students can explore research opportunities through:
Physical and Biological Sciences.
Baskin School of Engineering.
Environmental and ocean sciences departments.
Faculty research laboratories.
Undergraduate research programs.
Students should explore the following financial resources:
UC Santa Cruz undergraduate scholarships.
Transfer student scholarships.
Federal Pell Grants.
California Cal Grant programs.
University financial aid.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) assistance.
STEM-related scholarships and research funding.
Department-specific awards.
Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award.
NextGen Sam Applied Mathematics Program.
Students should complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, when eligible, to determine available financial aid.
Important University Resources
STEM Majors and Academic Programs
Division of Physical and Biological Sciences
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
Community College Partnership Program
Financial Aid and Scholarships
California Community College Course Articulation (ASSIST)
Note: Students should review the program's current eligibility requirements and participating community college districts before applying.