Articulation is the process of developing a formal, written agreement that identifies courses (or sequences of courses) on a “sending” campus that are comparable to, or acceptable in lieu of, specific course requirements at a “receiving” campus. Successful completion of an articulated course assures the student and the faculty that the student has taken the appropriate course, received the necessary instruction and preparation, and that similar outcomes can be assured.

Riverside City College has articulation agreements with the California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), and many private universities. Completing an articulated course for a specific major or for general education enables students to fulfill a university requirement for admission and/or graduation while at Riverside City College​​ prior to transfer.  ​

Articulation agreements between Riverside City College and the CSU and UC campuses can be found at www.assist.org

What is ASSIST?

ASSIST (Articulation System Stimulating Interinstitutional Student Transfer) is the official repository of articulation for California's public colleges and universities that displays reports of how course credits earned at a community college can be applied when transferred to a California State University or University of California campus. 

Transfer Planning​

Successful transfer planning involves completing articulated courses for general education and major preparation based on the university that you would like to transfer to. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan.

California Community Colleges are offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. These may include Associate in Arts (AA-T) or Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees. These degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. 

California Community College students who are awarded an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration (usually through a slight GPA bump) to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to a specific major or campus. 

Students who have been awarded an AA-T or AS-T are able to complete their remaining requirements for the 120-unit baccalaureate degree within 60 semester or 90 quarter units. Not all CSU campuses accept all of the AA-T/AS-T degrees. To view the most current list of Riverside City College Associate Degrees for Transfer and to find out which CSU campuses accept each degree you should meet with a Riverside City College counselor and also visit the websites listed below.

Transfer Counseling

It is important to understand that the AA-T/AS-T degree is designed specifically for transfer and is different than other types of associate degrees offered at Riverside City College. If we do not offer an AA-T/AS-T degree for your major you can still transfer to a CSU. Riverside City College students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs. Proper planning early is essential to make sure you meet all of the transfer requirements. Once you have met with a counselor and determined that the ADT is in your best interest, you must complete the following steps:

  • Complete courses on Student Ed Plan.
  • Submit CSU application, declaring ADT on admission application.
  • Apply for respective ADT degree through WebAdvisor. Ensure correct selection of the appropriate term and program code.
  • After ADT degree is posted, request official transcripts to be sent to university. It is your responsibility to meet all deadlines!

AA-T/AS-T Websites

AICCU ADT Commitment

Students can now transfer with an ADT to dozens of private, nonprofit colleges and universities.  The ADT Commitment is the Independent California College and University sector’s adaptation of the ADT pathway. While similar to the CSU ADT, there are also some differences due to the independent nature of the state’s nonprofit institutions.  You can find more information including a list of participating institutions on the AICCU Transfer Website.

Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)

  • Minimum score of 3 required on an AP exam for RCCD Associate Degree, CSU GE or IGETC credit.
  • Each university determines how an AP exam may count toward credit in a particular major and which scores they consider acceptable.

International Baccalaureate Examinations (IB)

  • Only passing scores on Higher Level (HL) IB exams are accepted.
  • Minimum score of 5 on an IB exam for RCCD GE and IGETC credit.  CSU GE requires a minimum score of 4 on some exams and 5 on other exams (see chart).
  • Each university determines how an IB exam may count toward credit in a particular major and which scores they consider acceptable.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP)​

  • Passing scores vary by exam subject (see chart).
  • Credit may be used towards RCCD Associate Degree and CSU GE requirements.  CLEP is not accepted towards IGETC or by the UC system at this time.
  • Each university determines how a CLEP exam may count toward credit in a particular major and which scores they consider acceptable.

Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)

  • Per CSU policy, passing scores may be used toward CSU GE area C2 Humanities.

Riverside Community College District General Education (RCCD GE) Requirements  (PLAN A)

For students pursuing an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree at Riverside City College who do not want to transfer to a university.  Students completing an ADT need to follow CSU GE or IGETC.

Riverside City College General Education Requirements

California State University General Education (CSU GE) Requirements (PLAN B)

For students who would like to transfer to a campus in the California State University (CSU) system.

CSU General Education Requirements

Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) Requirements (PLAN C)

For students who would like to transfer to a campus in either the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) system.  Some of the UC campuses do not accept or recommend IGETC for certain majors.  See a counselor for more details and view additional information on General Education and IGETC at IGETC Campus Guidance.

IGETC Requirements

Certain private and out-of-state universities will accept the CSU GE or IGETC patterns.  Others will not.  The AICCU Transfer Guide is one resource you can use to check whether certain private universities in California accept CSU GE or IGETC.  It is very important to see a counselor for assistance in selecting the right general education pattern based on your educational goals.

California's fully accredited independent colleges and universities provide a host of options at undergraduate, graduate and professional levels for students planning to continue their education beyond community colleges.

List of Articulation Agreements for Private and Out-Of-State Universities

Arizona State University

Academy of Art University

Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU)

Azusa Pacific University

Biola University

California Baptist University

Chapman University

Claremont Lincoln University

Concordia University Irvine

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Hope International University

La Sierra University

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University -Nursing

National University

Oregon State University (IGETC Information)

University of La Verne

University of Massachusetts Global (formerly Brandman University)

University of Oregon

University of Redlands

University of Redlands School of Business

University of the Pacific

University of Southern California

Western University of Health Sciences

Western Governors University WGU

Western University of Health Sciences

Southern California College of Optometry

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) ADT Commitment

Students can now transfer with an ADT to dozens of private, nonprofit colleges and universities. The ADT Commitment is the Independent California College and University sector’s adaptation of the ADT pathway. While similar to the CSU ADT, there are also some differences due to the independent nature of the state’s nonprofit institutions.  You can find more information including a list of participating institutions on the AICCU Transfer Website.

The Transfer Evaluation System site includes information for public view on transfer articulations including American Council on Education (ACE) for Military Articulation to Riverside City College (RCC). Although Riverside City College has made this available for public use, the database does not take the place of a counselor and proper student advising. Once you become a student at RCC, please make an appointment with a counselor to develop you Student Education Plan (SEP).  Schedule Appointment to meet with a RCC Counselor.