Beginning this semester, Bakersfield College is offering a new 60-unit associate degree that guarantees admission into UC and CSU campuses under the degree’s catalog specifications, and without having to declare a major.
The CVHEC Transfer Associate Degree was crafted in part by Ken Meier, BC’s vice president of student learning. “The transfer agreement is particularly designed for those students who want to transfer to the university and get a bachelor’s degree, but are uncertain about their major,” he said.
The degree, however, is not a cure-all, as GPA requirements must still be met according to the desired institutions contract. Meier stresses that examining the course catalog for the institution you plan on transferring to should be part of your education plan. Also, certain majors that require “extensive lower degree preparation.”
After nursing, “undeclared” is the largest major at BC. At the same time, students tend to do better the sooner they have a degree path.
“Students undeclared often get either off target or find out they still have many courses to take after two years here of shopping around,” Meier said.
“By following this model, we’re suggesting to those students, if you haven’t declared a major yet and you know you want to transfer, and you pursue this model, if you graduate with this degree and GPA, you will be guaranteed admission.”
For more information, the CVHEC contract is outlined in detail in the Bakersfield College catalog, available at the bookstore.