GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE

Requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree at GWC can be satisfied in one of three ways, Option I, II, or III.

Option I is designed primarily for students who are pursuing a specific career program or major and who do not intend to transfer to a four-year university. Option I may also be used by transfer students. However, there are courses listed under Option I that are not transferable to the four-year universities and therefore transfer students who wish to use this option should see a GWC counselor for assistance in planning the most appropriate educational program.

Option II is designed specifically for students intending to transfer to the California State University System. Students who complete this option will satisfy requirements for the A.A. degree and complete the maximum, lower-division general education units allowed by the 23 California State University campuses.

Option III is designed primarily for students who intend to transfer to the University of California, or who are unsure if they will transfer to a UC or CSU campus. Students who complete this option with a grade of "C" or better in each course, will satisfy requirements for the A.A. degree and complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) by which all lower division general education units required by the 23 California State University campuses and the 9 campuses of the University of California (except Eleanor Roosevelt and Revelle Colleges at UCSD which require additional GE units) are met. Option III may not be advisable for some majors at certain CSU and UC campuses. Students should consult a GWC counselor to make sure this is their best AA degree option.

The main difference between Option I and Options II and III is that:

Option I requires the completion of a minimum of 21 units of general education courses and 18 units of "major" courses plus electives to a total of 60 units.

Option II requires a minimum of 39 units of general education courses plus major and elective courses to a total of 60 units.

Option III requires a minimum of 34 (UC) or 37 (CSU) units of general education courses plus major and elective courses to a total of 60 units. There are important differences among the three options. In order to select the option which best meets their individual needs, students should see a GWC counselor.