When advising students who hope to transfer to a 4-year college after attending MCC, it is important not to assume anything; some students do not understand the difference between undergraduate and graduate degrees, or BA vs. BS degrees. Encourage students to start planning as soon as possible. They can research 4-year college websites – what majors do they offer, what is the outline of courses required? Suggest they connect with the 4-year college Transfer Admissions office and/or Academic department. Additionally, there are many services and resources available at MCC to help with transfer planning in the Advisement and Transfer Services department.
Most colleges have a maximum amount of credits they accept from a two-year college (typically 60 – 66, although this can vary). Only credits transfer, not GPA.
AP/IB/CLEP credit will need to be evaluated by the transfer institution. There is no guarantee students will be awarded credit even if awarded credit by MCC. Students should research this before transferring.
A Transfer Planning Worksheet can be found on-line to help students through the process.
Four-year colleges advise MCC students to take courses to fulfill two areas:
- Prerequisite courses required for the chosen major at the four-year college
- General education courses required by the four-year college (ex. SUNY gen eds, perspectives, core curriculum, etc.)
There are two types of transfer:
- “Regular” or Traditional Transfer
Student applies to several schools when completing studies at MCC
Student decides where to go after receiving acceptance, financial aid package, credit evaluation, etc.
- 2+2 Transfer Pathway
Student follows a prescribed set of courses for a specific college and major (the 2+2 advising guide) that may include courses not required for the MCC degree. The student still needs to apply to the 4-year college.
Student graduates with the associate degree prior to transferring
SUNY has created Transfer Paths that summarize common lower division requirements shared by SUNY campuses for similar majors within most disciplines. Over 50 majors are outlined.
SUNY General Education Requirements
MCC students who plan to transfer to a SUNY 4-year campus are responsible for meeting SUNY General Education Requirements (SUNY-GER).
Students must complete the 30 credit SUNY-GER from at least seven (7) of the Knowledge and Skills areas below and must include Basic Communications and Mathematics and demonstrate two competencies.
It is strongly advised to take ADV 182 SUNY General Education Requirements for more information.
Make sure to use the most up-to-date information when advising.
Four-Year College Course Equivalencies
Many four-year colleges have on-line databases or documents that will give students an idea of how their credits will transfer.
These are always subject to change and some MCC courses may not have been evaluated yet by the 4-year college.
These are transfer agreements that MCC has with numerous colleges. They are also called “Articulation Agreements.”
These can be found on the MCC Transfer Services website.
Transfer College Visits to Campus
Students can meet with many 4-year colleges right at MCC.
Students can also meet individually with a transfer counselor in Advisement and Transfer Services (1-231). Please refer them to the office or Starfish to schedule an appointment.
Faculty and staff can also contact the office directly for questions and assistance.
Transfer to Highly Selective Colleges
MCC students have a proven record of successful transfer to many prestigious colleges and universities. The services offered by transfer counselors at MCC assist students in becoming stronger candidates for admission. Feel free to refer students to Rebecca Mack in the Advisement and Transfer Services office.
All of the resources outlined are available on the MCC Transfer Services webpage:
http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/transfer-services/
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Go to the A-Z index, T, “Transfer Services”
