Progress Report of the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona

              ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS
2020 NORTH CENTRAL, SUITE 230
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004-4593
(602) 229-2500
FAX (602) 229-2555
June 10,1998
The Honorable Russell Bowers, Chair
Joint Legislative Budget Committee
17 16 West Adams
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Dear Senator Bowers:
It is with a continuing sense of accomplishment that we forward the attached semi-annual report
of the Joint Conference Committee regarding the progress made on the "New Model and
Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona." We submit this to the Joint Legislative
Budget Committee in partial fulfillment of the required semi-annual reports due in June and
December, 1998.
The attached report provides an update on the progress toward implementation of the
recommendations contained in the 1996 Report of the Transfer Articulation Task Force.
Progress has been made in several areas. These include:
An implementation date for the new degrees and Arizona General Education
Curricula (AGEC) has been set for January 1, 1999. Each of the community
colleges has worked to have the new transfer degrees and AGEC ready for
students by this date. Many will have the information in the 1998-99 catalogs
which will be available this summer. The universities are working to ensure that
policies and procedures are in place to support the smooth transfer of students
who complete either the AGEC or an Associate Degree.
There has been continued activity to fully implement the Arizona Transfer
Articulation Support Services (ATASS). Staff positions have been filled for the
Articulation Facilitator and the Course Applicability System analyst. The
demonstration project for the Course Applicability System is underway. Full
implementation is anticipated in Spring, 1999. The Statewide Data Warehouse is
underway with full implementation scheduled for June, 1999.
The Transfer Articulation Task Force has met twice during the last six months. This group
continues to provide significant support to the process by monitoring the implementation of the
transfer articulation process. This oversight and support is outlined in the report as:
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85721
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, ARIZONA 85287
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA 86011
Establishing a definitive timeline for full implementation of the new transfer
degrees
Establishing a definition for "General Electives" which will be accepted by all
institutions and limit the possibility for students to lose credits when transferring
Support of the new Criteria for UpperLower-Division Courses as recommended
by the Academic Program Articulation Steering Committee
Support for the continuation and expansion of the Arizona Transfer Articulation
Support Services.
Support for the coordination of information during the initial phase of
implementation through the efforts of the community college and university
administrators.
We thank you for the support through State funding provided for ATASS which will provide for
a smoother process for transfer students in Arizona. We anticipate a demonstration of the
ATASS systems (the Course Applicability System and the Statewide Data Warehouse) as part of
the December report and presentation. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss these
matters with you and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
Sincerely, & dd>
T.O. Beach Yudith A. Gignac
Co-Chair, Joint Conference Committee Co-Chair, Joint Conference Committee
Chair, SBDCCA ABOR President-elect
Attachment
C: Mr. Richard Stavneak, Director, JLBC
Members, Arizona Board of Regents
Members, State Board of Directors for Community Colleges
PROGRESS REPORT
ON THE
NEW MODEL AND SUPPORT SERVICES
FOR
TRANSFER STUDENTS IN ARIZONA
JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
OF THE
ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS
AND THE
STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGES OF ARIZONA
DRAFT
JUNE 1,1998
This report was approved by the Arizona Board of Regents at its meeting on May 21 -22,1998
and reviewed by the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges
with anticipated approval at its meeting on June 19, 1998.
JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A joint committee
of the
Arizona Board of Regents
and the
State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona
Members
Arizona Board of Regents State Community College Board
Mr. Rudy Campbell
Tempe
Ms. Judy Gignac
Sierra Vista
Mr. John F. Munger
Tucson
Mr. John Platt, Student Regent
ASU, Tempe
Mr. T. 0. Beach
Yuma
Mr. Patrick K. Carlin
Kingman
Ms. Karen Rizk
Prescott
Mr. Nick Balich
Phoenix
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June 1, 1998 Page 1
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE NEW MODEL AND SUPPORT SERVICES
FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS IN ARIZONA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1996, the Arizona Board of Regents and the State Board of Directors for the Community
Colleges of Arizona formed the Transfer Articulation Task Force, at the direction of the Arizona
State Legislature, to establish a seamless statewide articulation and transfer system. The
Legislature requested a semi-annual report from the Task Force, due June 15 and December 15,
1998. This report is provided to comply with the request and to provide an update on the
significant progress made toward the goal of seamless transfer for students in Arizona.
The current status of each of the elements of the new transfer model and the new support systems
is outlined below in Table 1. The date for implementing the new transfer degrees has been set
for January 1, 1999. The management and technical systems necessary to support the
implementation are complete or in progress in conjunction with the January date. The progress
made in the last six months continues under the oversight of the two boards as exercised through
their Joint Conference Committee (JCC) and the joint Academic Program Articulation Steering
Committee.
TABLE 1: Implementation of New Transfer Model and Services
COMPONENT I IMPLEMENTATION STATUS I
Transfer Blocks for
- General Education
- Major Requirements
- Associate Degrees
- - -
New Transfer Model:
Transfer Credit Limits
Transfer Degrees
Common Major Requirements
- Minimum of 6 credit hours
- As many as possible
Pathways for Transfer
Full Implementation January 1,1999
100% Complete
Full implementation by January, 1999
100% Complete
On-going - average # of credits for common
courses is 14.5
100% Complete
100% Complete
Full implementation by January, 1999
Full implementation by January, 1999
I New Support Services I Full Implementation June 30,1999 I
Management System In progress, Articulation Facilitator hired
Anticipated Completion, Spring, 1999
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June 1, 1998 Page2
Advising System
ATASS (computer-based information
systems)
- Course Applicability System
- Student Information/Data Warehouse
In progress; completion dependent upon
availability of resources
Demonstration project scheduled: June, 1998
Full state-wide implementation scheduled
June, 1999
Demonstration project scheduled: Jan., 1999
Full statewide implementation scheduled:
June , 1999
BACKGROUND
In 1996, the Transfer Articulation Task Force, a joint community college/university study
committee, was formed at the direction of the Arizona State Legislature. In November 1996, the
task force produced a landmark report which presents a new model for transfer programs and
recommends a new system of transfer services to support that model. The Report of the Transfer
Articulation Task Force was approved by the Joint Conference Committee, by the Arizona Board
of Regents and the community college State Board, and on December 4,1996, it was accepted by
the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
A progress report was provided to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on December 15,
1997. This report followed the structure of the recommendations in the Report of the Transfer
Articulation Task Force. It described the accomplishments of the Academic Program
Articulation Steering Committee and the Joint Conference Committee, which were given the
responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the Task Force report. On December
18, 1997, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee reviewed and approved the progress report. At
that time, the Committee requested a semi- annual report from the Task Force on their success
and progress toward achieving the goal of "seamless" transfer articulation.
This report is submitted in fulfillment of the Committee request and recommendations. It
provides an update which includes the accomplishments of the Academic Program Articulation
Steering Committee and the Joint Conference Committee. Specifically, a definitive timeline for
the implementation of the new transfer degrees is provided. The report also provides an update
on the progress of the implementation of the new transfer degrees and the Arizona Transfer
Articulation Support Systems (ATASS).
DEFINITIVE TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TWSFER MODEL
AND SERVICES.
The timeline outlined in Attachment A represents the plan of the Transfer Articulation Task
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June I, 1998 Page3
Force (TATF) to set clear deadlines for implementation of the new transfer model and new
transfer support services originally proposed in the 1996 TATF Report. The timeline is
organized to account for each element of the report.
A legislative budget footnotes requires a definitive timeline for reaching consensus on an
agreement that assures that community college students may transfer to Arizona public
universities without loss of credit towards a baccalaureate degree. An implementation date of
January 1999 for the new degrees which assure the "seamless" transfer has been proposed by the
Arizona Community College Presidents Council and approved by the Task Force. This modified
footnote now reads:
" The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and the State Board of Directors for
Community Colleges (State Board) shall continue the Transfer Articulation Task Force
comprised of university and community college members who are representatives of
faculty, academic administration, student services and the chief executive offices. It is
the intent of the Legislature that the Task Force meet quarterly to continually improve the
statewide articulation and transfer system, including the process for transfer of lower
division general education credits, general elective credits, and curriculum requirements
for majors with January 1, 1999 timeline for implementing an agreement that assures that
community college students may transfer to Arizona public universities without loss of
credit towards a baccalaureate degree. The ABOR and the State Board shall present a
semi-annual report of their progress to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on June
15,1998 and December 15,1998."
PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSFER MODEL
A. New Transfer Degrees: Implementation is in progress, with completion scheduled for
January, 1999. Upon the recommendation of the task force, the community colleges
have developed three basic transfer degrees, the Associate in Arts (AA), the Associate in
Business (ABus), and the Associate in Science (AS). A timeline for implementation has
been defined by the Transfer Articulation Task Force for hll implementation anticipated
in January 1999. Work continues on implementation of the new degrees by discipline-specific
articulation task forces, by the Arizona Academic Administrators' Association
(AAAA, which includes the community college chief academic officers) and in
individual community college districts.
B. Transfer Blocks for General Education, Major Requirements and Associate
Degrees. Implementation is in progress, with completion scheduled for January, 1999.
The concept of block transfer is incorporated into both the AGEC and the new degrees.
Completion of either the AGEC or the new Associates degree will transfer as a block to
the university and will apply to the graduation requirements for any major in the defined
pathway. The Task Force accepted a definition of "electives" for courses taken at the
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June 1, 1998 Page4
community college. (This is included as Attachment B)
C. New Pathways for Transfer. Implementation is in progress with completion scheduled
for January, 1999. The university baccalaureate degrees have been reviewed by the
ATFs to identifjr the pathways for articulation with one of the new community college
associate degrees or with a Transfer Guide designated pathway. Attachment C outlines
the preliminary lists of majors in each of the pathways. The General Requirement (GR)
Pathway has approximately 88 university majors enrolling 67% of the students. The
Special Requirements (SR) Pathway has an estimated 14 1 university majors enrolling
2 1 % of the students. The Transfer Guide/2+2 (TGJXR) Pathway has 85 university
majors enrolling 13% of the students.
PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR TRANSFER
MODELS
A. New Management System. Implementation is in progress, with completion anticipated
in Spring 1999. The Task Force continues to recommend several components regarding
the management of the new model:
1. Organizational Structure. Organizational review is planned for
December 1998.. Upon the completion of the CAS Demonstration Project
in December, 1998 the structure used to manage transfer articulation will
be reviewed and streamlined.
2. Articulation Facilitator. Hiringprocess completed andpositionfilled in
March 1998. Funding has been provided by the universities until June 30,
1998. Continuation funding has been requested fiom the Legislature with
a determination of this request anticipated imminently.
3. Responsibilities. Implementation is in progress, with anticipated
completion of Spring 1999. The Articulation Facilitator will review and
update the ATF Handbook. This revision will more fully define and
incorporate the General Education ATF and the Advising ATF into the
process and publications. As outlined in Attachment A, the
responsibilities of APASC, the Articulation Facilitator and the ATFs will
be better defined.
With the hiring of the Articulation Facilitator, it will be possible to
coordinate the articulation process and the responsibilities of standing
committees and task forces.
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June 1, 1998 Page5
4. LowerIUpper-Division Course Criteria. Implementation is in progress
with anticipated completion of August 1998. At its February 6, 1998
meeting, the Task Force accepted the APASC recommendation of criteria
for differentiating between lower- and upper-division courses. The Task
Force recommended that APASC work with the ATFs to implement these
criteria. (See Attachment D for "UpperILower Division Course Criteria.")
5. Program Articulation. Implementation is on-going. The ATFs have
identified common courses and have worked to develop new transfer
degrees and identifling new transfer pathways. This work will continue
through the implementation date of the new degrees in January 1999.
Attachment C includes the descriptions of programs as well as the defined
coursework for the Associate and Baccalaureate Degrees.
6. Faculty Selection and Training for ATFs. Implementation is in
progress. The Articulation Facilitator will coordinate ATF training,
stafing and reporting. The current orientation materials will be reviewed
and updated as necessary.
7. Accountability. Implementation in progress. The Articulation Facilitator
will develop a plan to implement the accountability measures
recommended by the Task Force. Implementation will be dependent on the
proposed student tracking data warehouse. The Articulation Facilitator
will assist the University Technical Support Group and the community
college Research Advisory Council to recommend an appropriate set of
measures supported by the data elements in the student tracking data
warehouse.
B. New Advising System. The Task Force recommended improvements in the current
advising process:
1. Advocacy. Implementation is on-going. The Academic Advising ATF
has compiled a list of Transfer Student Ombudspersons (TSO). Each
university and community college has identified a TSO.
2. Access. Implementation is in progress, completion of materials
anticipated December 1998. The university pre-transfer advisors and the
community college advising specialists for potential transfer students are
critical players in the proactive advising principle recommended by the
Task Force. Additionally, APASC will be responsible for developing
materials (both print and electronic) to inform students about the transfer
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June 1. 1998 Page6
process and updating such materials in a timely manner. The Articulation
Facilitator will assist the Advising ATF to resolve the remaining issues of
coordination, financing and updating of advising information. The Course
Applicability System is recommended by the Task Force as an appropriate
electronic vehicle.
3. Student Decision Making. Implementation is in progress. The AATF will
work to provide information to students regarding the key decision points
in the degree pathway process. It is anticipated that this information will
be included in the above mentioned materials developed by December
1998.
4. Advising Networks. Implementation is in progress. The AATF has
increased its meetings to two times per year in an effort to enhance its role
and formalize the advising network. The AATF met in September 1997,
February 1998 and April 1998. The task force will be assisted by the
Articulation Facilitator to coordinate reports to APASC and the JCC.
5. Staff Development and Support. Implementation is in progress, with
completion dependent upon funding for CAS. The AATF plans to respond
to the Task Force recommendation through the development of a transfer
manual. The completion of this manual will coincide with the
implementation of CAS. As noted below, CAS implementation is
scheduled to begin June 1998.
6. Evaluation. Implementation is in progress. The Task Force recommended
that with the oversight of APASC, an evaluation system involving staff,
faculty and students from all state public higher education institutions be
developed and implemented. With the assistance of the Articulation
Facilitator, the AATF will develop a plan and timefiarne.
C. New Computer-Based Information Systems. The Task Force recommendation for
enhanced information systems to manage the new support systems has been incorporated
into a plan called the Arizona Transfer Articulation Support Systems (ATASS).
1. Course Applicability System (CAS). Implementation scheduled to begin in June
1998 aspart of multi-stage implementation of ATASS. The funding necessary for
111 buildout of this system has been requested from the Legislature for FY 1999.
Implementation is scheduled to proceed in three stages: a demonstration project to
be completed by January 1, 1999, statewide implementation available to most
institutions by June 30, 1999 and full statewide implementation to all institutions
by June 30,2000 (see Attachment A for details).
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona
June 1, 1998 Page7
2. Transfer Student Data Warehouse Installation scheduled to begin in
conjunction with new degree implementation as part of multi-stage
implementation ofATASS (See Attachment A). The Data Warehouse will provide
the support necessary to gather data and report on the success rates of students
who enroll in postsecondary education in Arizona and more specifically, transfer
to the universities from the community colleges. The information will be
provided by the community colleges and the universities on an annual basis.
3. Articulation Support Services. Full implementation is dependent upon
securing suflcient funding. A cost efficient articulation support services team is
the anticipated vehicle for meeting the ATASS recommendations and other
related services outlined in the TATF Report. This concept is being pursued as
part of the FY 1999 funding request for ATASS.
SUMMARY
Much progress has been made in the last six months toward the full implementation of the New
Transfer Model and Services. The collaborative effort and commitment of the faculty and
administration of Arizona's colleges and universities has been the greatest asset toward this
progress. The full implementation of the model, including new degrees and the support services,
is expected by June 30,1999.
To sustain this change and the anticipated success, it will be necessary to support the Arizona
Transfer Articulation Support System (ATASS) and the related management and organizational
details. Continued support through the state operating budget will be required. The model will
serve Arizona students well, providing the seamless process for transfer from the community
colleges to the universities. It has the potential to serve as a national model, bringing recognition
to the state of Arizona and to the excellence of education provided in a true collaborative spirit.
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services
for Transfer Students in Arizona Attachment A
June 1, 1998 Page 1 of 5
--
ATTACHMENT A
DEFINITIVE TIMELINE
The timeline depicted in the following tables represents the plan of the Transfer Articulation
Task Force (TATF) to set clear deadlines for the implementation of the new transfer model and
new transfer support services originally proposed in the 1996 TATF Report1. The timeline is
organized to account for each element of the 1996 TATF Report following this general outline:
1. New Transfer Model
A. Transfer Credit Limits
B. New General Education Requirements
C. New Common Major Requirements
D. New Transfer Pathways
E. New Transfer Degrees
:
11. New Transfer Support Services
A. Management System
1. Review and refine organizational structure
2. Review and refine Articulation Task Force duties
3. Hire articulation facilitator
4. Develop criteria to distinguish between upper and lower division courses
B. Advising System
1. Identify Transfer Student Ombudpersons at each community college and
university campus (advocacy)
2. Identify pre-transfer advisors at university campuses (access)
3. Develop proactive transfer advising at community college campuses (access)
4. Develop resources for students about the transfer process (access)
5. Develop process for community colleges to notify students of decision points
(student decision making)
.
6. ' Recognize and expand the Advising ATF (advising networks)
7. Develop a training system and materials for advisors (staff development and
support)
8. Develop and implement advising evaluation system @Valuation)
C. Computer-Based Information SystemsIArizona Transfer Articulation Support Services
(ATASS)
1. Course Equivalency Guide [Part of the Course Applicability System (CAS)]
2. Transfer Guide [Part of the Course Applicability System (CAS)]
3. Statewide Student Information System [Transfer Data Warehouse]
'The 1996 Report of the Transfer Articulation Task Force and the 1997 Progress Report
on the New Model and Support Services for Transfer Students in Arizona are both available on
the Internet at http://www.abor.asu.edulaborUstudentl. Reports may also be ordered by
contacting the office of the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona at (602)
255-4037 or the office of the Arizona Board of Regents at (602) 229-2503.
STATUS KEY: C=completed, P=ln Progress, F=Future Implementation Dependent on Completion of Prior Task(s), TBD=To Be Determined, V=Varies by Institution
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services
for Transfer Students in Arizona Attachment A
June 1.1998 - Page 3 of 5 -
NEW SUPPORT SERVICES
(Management System)
Spring
1999
Component Summer
1998
Sfatus
REVIEW AND REFINE
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
-review and streamline organizational
structure (if needed)
-define responsibilities of standing
committees and task forces
-strengthen accountability of task forces
and committees
REVIEW AND REFINE
ARTICULATION TASK FORCE DUTIES
Fall
1998
Summer
1999
-broaden ATF focus to include program
articulation
CRITERIA TO DISTINGUISH
UPPER AND LOWER DIVISION
Interim structure is currently in place and will continue to function throughout this period. This
structure is summarized on the attached chart of "Entities Responsible for Implementing the TATF
Report. By Fall 2000, when the Arizona Transfer Articulation Support Services (ATASS) are fully
implemented statewide, the organization structure can be reviewed and streamlined as needed.
Fall
1999
P
P
P
May
May
May
Spring
2000
Summer
2000
Fall
2000
Spring
2001
Identify pre-transfer advisors at univ campuses V
(access)
Develop proactive transfer advising at cc campuses V
(access)
Develop resources for students about the transfer P
process (access)
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services
for Transfer Students in Arizona Attachment A
June 1,1998 Page 4 of 5
NEW SUPPORT SERVICES
(Advising System)
Develop process for cc's to notify students of V
decision points (student decision making)
Recognize and expand the AATF (advising P
networks)
Develop a training system and materials for P
advisors (staff development and support)
Develop and implement advising evaluation system P
(evaluation)
STATUS KEY: C=completed, P=ln Progress, F=Future Implementation Dependent on Completion of Prior Task(s), TBD=To Be Determined, V=Varies by Institution
Fall
2000
Spring
2001
Fall
1999
Summer
1999
Component Spring
2000
Summer
1998
Sfatus Summer
2000
Fall
1998
Spring
1999
*All elements of the Arizona Transfer Articulation Support Services timeline are subject to funding.
STATUS KEY: C=completed, P=ln Progress, F=Future Implementation Dependent on Completion of Prior Task(s), TBD=To Be Determined, V=Varies by Institution
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services
for Transfer Students in Arizona Attachment B
June 1, 1998 Page 1 of 1
ATTACHMENT B
Integrating the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
with the 1998 University Admission Requirements
(updated 1 1/4/97)
The General Education Articulation Task Force (GEATF), the Academic Program Articulation Steering
Committee (APASC) and the Joint Conference Committee (JCC) recommend that the Arizona Board of
Regents review and approve the following statement regarding an exemption from the 1998 Arizona
university admission requirements for students who complete specific post-secondary curriculum prior to
university transfer.
Students who complete the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A, AGEC-6, or
AGECS) with a minimum 2.0 on a 4.0=A scale, or students who complete an associate or
higher degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution with a minimum 2.0
on a 4.0=A scale for Arizona residents and a minimum 2.5 on a 4.0=A scale for non-residents,
shall be considered to be exempt from Arizona university admission
requirements.
APASC wishes to emphasize the following clarifications regarding this statement:
1) Completion of the AGEC or an associate degree or higher as described in this statement
exempts a student from admission requirements only; such completion does not guarantee that a
student will be admitted to a specific degree program.
2) Only completion of the AGEC or an Arizona Associate of Arts or an Arizona Associate of
Business or an Arizona Associate of Science degree guarantees block transfer to fulfill all lower
division undergraduate liberal studies requirements and specific lower division major
requirements. Block transfer is not guaranteed for an Associate of Applied Science Degree, or
any other associate degree, or any other combination of community college coursework; nor
does the completion of these other associate degrees, or other combinations of community
college coursework, gCtarantee that all units will transfer or be applicable to a degree program.
3) Beginning in 1998, university and community college researchers should gather data and
report on the success rates of students who are admitted under this exemption to monitor and
evaluate the relative success and performance of those admitted as:
a) AGEC completers
b) Arizona Associate of Arts completers
c) Arizona Associate of Business completers*
d) Arizona Associate of Science completers
e) Arizona Associate of Applied Science completers
f) Completers of other Arizona or non-Arizona associate degrees
* Added to evaluation list 10131 I97
STATUS KEY: C=completed, P=ln Progress, F=Future Implementation Dependent on Completion of Prior Task(s), TBD=To Be Det
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services
for Transfer Students in Arizona Attachment C
June 1, 1998 Page 1 of 19
ATTACHMENT C
NEW TRANSFER DEGREES
As Part of New Arizona Transfer Agreement
The task force proposes that community colleges develop three basic transfer degrees, the
Associate in Arts (AA), the Associate in Business (ABus) and the Associate of Science (AS).
The general parameters of the proposed degrees are on page 2 of this attachment.
Students must achieve a grade of "C" or better for all courses included in the new degrees. These
courses will be accepted for transfer to all three of the Arizona public universities. The new
degrees have been categorized by "pathways." There are three pathways: General Requirement
(GR); Special Requirement (SR); and Transfer Guide/2+2 (TG XR). A preliminary listing of the
majors in the pathways is included on pages 4 and 5 of this attachment. This listing is still under
review and will be finalized in December, prior to the implementation of the new degrees.
For several of the degrees, students will be provided a general pathway which permits a
baccalaureate degree to be completed in 56 credits. These degrees are listed on pages 6 and 70f
this attachment. Approximately 67% of the students who transfer from the community colleges
to the universities enter into one of these general pathway baccalaureate degrees.
A number of university majors require specialization at the lower-division or a sequence of
courses in order to best prepare the student. These majors have been listed as part of the Special
Requirement (SR) Pathway. Approximately 2 1 % of transfer students enter into one of these
majors. These SR Pathway majors have been specifically identified by the Articulation Task
Forces, with common courses and requirements outlined at the lower-division level. Examples
of some of the SR Pathway majors are provided on pages 8 - 18 of this attachment.
There are university majors which require a prescribed transfer guide that a student must follow
in order to transfer from the community colleges to the universities with little or no delay in
completing a baccalaureate degree. These majors are part of the 2+2 Pathway, otherwise referred
to as TG XR. Approximately 13% of transfer students enter into one of these majors. The
majors that are part of the 2+2 Pathway are listed on page 19 of this attachment.
Each page in this attachment has a two-tiered table. The top table represents the components of
the new Associate Degree that is applicable to a group of Baccalaureate degrees. The lower table
has the various Baccalaureate degrees (and their requirements in the case of the SR Pathway
majors) to which the Associate Degree articulates.
Attachment C
Page2of 19
0 .c
0
'in'
E
Attachment C
Page 3 of 19
SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY PATHWAYS
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT PATHWAYS
(SR)
141
UNIVERSITY
MAJORS
21% OF
STUDENTS
z
E u 4 9
8
2
q
4
4
q
b c
(D
q
b
E
(D
T
q u
2
0
c/)
SOME AA and
SOME AS
COMPLETERS
GENERAL REQUIREMENT
PATHWAYS
(GR)
88
UNIVERSITY
MAJORS
67% OF
STUDENTS
TRANSFER GUIDE+2+2 PATHWAYS
CTG XR'
85 UNIVERSITY
MAJORS
13% OF STUDENTS
Attachment C
Page 4 of 19
PRELIMINARY SUMMARY OF PATHWAYS
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT PATHWAY
(SR) UNIVERSITY MAJORS (con't)
BS Physical Science (NAU)
BA Greek (UA)
BA Latin (UA)
BA Portuguese (UA)
BA Judaic Studies (UA)
BA Latin American Studies (UA)
BA Linguistics (UA)
BA Mexican Amer. Studies (UA)
BA Near Eastern Studies (UA)
BA Russian & Soviet Studies (UA)
BA Music (ASU, NAU, UA)
BS Political Science (ASU, NAU, UA)
BS Psychology (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA)
BSW Social Work (ASU, ASUW, NAU)
BA Sociology (ASU)
BA Educ. Social Studies (NAU)
BA Theater Arts (ASU)
BA or BS Theater (NAU)
BS Education Theater (NAU)
BFA Theater Production (UA)
BS Biology (ASU, NAU, UA)
BS Botany (ASU, NAU)
BS Microbiology (ASU, NAU)
BS Wildlife conservation Bio (ASU)
BS Zoology (ASU, NAU)
BA or BS Chemistry (ASU, NAU, UA)
BS Health Education (NAU)
~ ~ ' c o m r n u nHi te~al th (NAU)
BSHS Medical Technology (UA)
BS Clinical Lab Science (ASU
BS Cellular & Molecular Bio (UA)
BA or BS Ecology & Evolutionary Bio (UA)
BA or BS Biochemistry (UA)
BS Health Science (NAU)
BSHS Physical Education (NAU)
BA or BS Mathematics (ASU, UA)BS only (NAU)
BS Atmospheric Science (UA)
GENERAL REQUIREMENT PATHWAY
(GR) UNIVERSITY MAJORS
BS Agriculture - Animal Sciences (UA)
BA American Studies (ASUW)
BA Anthropology (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA Art History (ASU, NAU, UA)
BS Business Administration (ASU, NAU, UA)*
BS Business (ASUW)
BA Chemistry (UA)
BA Creative Writing (UA)
BA Dramatic Theory (UA)
BA or BS Economics (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA English (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA)
BA Fine Arts - Art (ASU)
BA Geography (UA, ASU)
BS Geography (NAU)
BA History (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA)
BS History (ASU, NAU)
BA Interdisciplinary Arts & Performance (ASUW)
BA Interdisciplinary Studies (ASUW)
BA Interdisciplinary Humanities (ASU)
BA Journalism (UA)
BA Media Arts (UA)
BA Music (UA) t
BA Philosophy (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA Photographic Studies (ASU)
BS Physical Education - Fitness & Wellness
Management (NAU)
BA Political Science (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA or BS Politics (ASUW)
BA Psychology (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA)
BS Public Administration (UA)
BS Regional Development (UA)
BA Religious Studies (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA or BS Social & Beh. Sciences (ASUW, UA)
BA Sociology (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA)
*There are several Majors in this category
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT PATHWAY
(SR) UNIVERSITY MAJORS
BA Studio Art (ASU)
BS Education - Art Ed. (NAU)
BFA Visual Comm. (NAU)
BS Photography (NAU)
BA Communication (ASU, UA)
BS Communication (ASU)
BS Speech & Hearing Sci (ASU)
BA or BS Communication Studies (ASUW)
BA or BS Speech Comm (NAU)
BS Education (NAU)*
BA Education (UA)
BS Exercise Sci & Physical Educ. (ASU)
BS Recreation & Tourism (ASUW)
BS Phys Ed - Teacher Prep (NAU)
BS Exercise Science (NAU)
BSHS Physiological Sciences (UA)
BA or BS Family Resources & Human Dev. (ASU)
BS Merchandising (NAU)
BS Nutrition Science & Dietetics (NAU)
BS Nutrition Science & Health (NAU)
BS Family & Consumer Resources (UA)
BA Broadcasting (ASU)
BA Journalism (ASU)
BA Electronic Media (NAU, UA)
BS Advertising (NAU)
BS Journalism (NAU)
BS Photography (NAU)
BS Public Relations (NAU)
BS Dental Hygiene (NAU)
BFA Media Arts (UA)
BA Asian Languages (ASU)
BA French (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA German (ASU, NAU, UA)
BA Italian (ASU, UA)
BA Russian (ASU, UA)
BA Spanish (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA)
BA Classics (UA)
Attachment C
Page 5 of 19
PRELIMINARY SUMMARY OF PATHWAYS
TRANSFER GUIDE1 2+2 PATHWAYS
(TG XR) UNIVERSITY MAJORS
BS Administration of Justice (ASUW)
BS Aeronautical Engineering Technology (ASU)
BS Aeronautical Management Technology (ASU)
BS Agribusiness (ASU)
BS AgricuIture (UA)
BA or BS Applied Sociology (NAU)
BME Choral Music (NAU)
BS Computer Science & Engineering (NAU)
BS Construction Management (NAU)
BS Criminal Justice (NAU)
BFA Dance (ASU, UA)
BS Design - Interior Design (ASU, NAU)
BA Education (ASU, ASUW, UA)*
BS Electronics Engineering Technology (ASU)
BS Engineering (ASU, ASUW, NAU, UA,)*
BS Hotel and Restaurant Management (NAU)
BS Industrial Technology (ASU)
BME Instrumental Music (NAU)
BM Instrumental Performance (NAU)
*There are several Majors in this category
TRANSFER GUIDE1 2+2 PATHWAYS
(TG XR) UNIVERSITY MAJORS (con't)
BS Nursing (ASU, NAU, UA)
BFA Studio Arts (UA, NAU)
BS Operations Management (UA)
BM Vocal Music Performance (NAU)
BS Wildlife, Watershed, & Range Management (UA)
BS Public Management (UA)
BS Criminal Justice Administration (UA)
BS Forestry (NAU)
BS Computer Information Systems (ASU, NAU)
BS Management Information Systems (UA)
BS Computer Science (ASU, UA)*
BS Geology (ASU, NAU)
BS Geosciences (UA)
BA Jazz Studies (UA)
BS Justice Studies (ASU)
BS Manufacturing Engineering Technology (ASU)
BM Music Performance (ASU, UA)
BA Musical Education (UA)
BA Musical Theater (UA)
*There are several Majors in this category
Attachment C
Page 6 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (GENERAL REQUIREMENTS)
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
,
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA + 56 CREDITS = 120 credits
transfers to any of the following degrees (NOTE: All relevant programs at each university are listed, not all programs arc
1 I
ASU MAIN CAMPUS
BA in Anthropology
BA in Art History
BA in Photographic Studies
BAinFineArts-Art
BA in Economics
BA in English
BA in History
BA in Philosophy
BA in Political Science
BA in Psychology
BA in Religious Studies
ASU WEST
BA in Interdisciplinary Arts &
Performance
BA in American Studies
BA in English
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
BA in Social & Behavioral
Science
BA in Politics
BS in Politics
BS in Social & Behavioral
Science
BA in Psychology
NAU
BA in Anthropology
BA in Art History
BS in Economics
BA in English
BS in Physical Education -
Fitness and Wellness
Management
fered at each cameus)
UNIV OF ARIZONA
BA in Anthropology
BA in Art History
BA in Economics
BA in Creative Writing
BA in English
BA in Geography
BS in Regional Development
BA in History
BA in Journalism
BA in Media Arts
BA in Philosophy
BA in Psychology
BA in Religious Studies
BA in Sociology
BA in Dramatic Theory
Attachment C
Page 7 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS (GENERAL REQUIREMENTS)
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate denree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: A Bus + 56 credits = 120 credits
BS in Business
Administration - Economics
ABUS transfers to any of the following degrees (NOTE: All relevant programs at each university are listed, not all programs are offered at each campus)
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Purchasing &
Logistics Mgmt.
- Real Estate
BS in Business
-Global Business*
ASU MAIN ASU WEST UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
*l"his is the only business
degree offered at ASU West
NAU
BS in Business
Administration
-Business Economics - Finance - Management - Marketing
BS in Business BS in Public
Administration Administration
-Business Economics -Criminal Justice - Entrepreneurship Administration - Finance - Health and Human - General Business Services Admin. - Marketing - Public Mgrnt - Operations
Management - Human Resources
Management - Real Estate
Attachment C
Page 8 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN COMMUNICATION
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA (including common courses) + 56 credits = 120 credits
Associate of Arts degree transfers to degrees listed below
BA in Communication
ASU Main
Core Requirements.. ........ .12
Required and
Optional Courses.. ...... ..3 5 *
Upper Division Humanities
or Social Science. ......... 3
Electives .......................... 6
*Assumes 3 cr of Common
Courses completed for AA
BS in Communication
ASU Main
Core Requirements ........... 12
Required and Optional
Courses ....................... ..3 5 *
Course beyond GS
requirements .................. 3
Electives ............................. 6
*Assumes 3 cr of Common
Courses and Statistics
completed for AA
BS in Speech and Hearing
Science ASU Main
Major Courses.. ........... ..45
Supporting Courses. ..... .13 *
*Some courses are part of AA
Degree, this number may be
reduced
BA in Communication
Studies ASU West
Major Requirements ...... .48
Electives .......................... 8
Attachment C
Page 9 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN FRENCH
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA (including common courses) + 56 credits = 120 credits
NOTE: Associate of Arts Degree transfers to the following degrees
BA in French
UA
Core Courses.. ................ .9-24
Survey Course.. .............. .0- 3
Literature Course. ............O - 3
Add'l French Courses ..... 12-1 5
Electives .......................... 18
BA in French
ASU Main
Required Courses. .............. 18
Other French Courses ........ 12
Other Requirements ........... 1 5
Electives ............................ 11
Electives ............................ 1 1
BA in French
NAU
Major Credits. .................. 3 8
General Electives ............. 18
Attachment C
Page 10 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN JOURNALISM AND MEDIA ARTS (Part 1 of 2)
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA (including common courses) + 56 credits = 120 credits
NOTE: Associate of Arts Degree transfers to the following degrees
BS in Advertising
NAU
Major Courses.. .... ..30*
Minor Courses. ... 18-24
Electives ..............2 -8
*Assumes Public
Speaking and
Journalism Newswriting
completed as part of
AA
BS in Journalism
NAU
Major Courses ... 30-36*
Minor Courses. ....... 18
Electives. ............2 - 8
*Assumes all Common
Courses completed as
part of AA
BA in Broadcasting
ASU Main
Major Courses ......... 12*
Major professional
Emphasis ............ 15
Related field .......... .12
Electives.. ............... .12
*Assumes Media &
Society completed as
part of AA
BA in Journalism
ASU Main
Major Courses ......... 1 S*
Major professional
Emphasis ............ .12
Related Field.. ........ .12
Electives.. ................ 17
*Assumes Media &
Society completed as
part of AA
BA in Electronic
Media NAU
Major Courses ....... 39*
Minor Courses. ...... 18
*Assumes Public
Speaking completed as
part of AA
Attachment C
Page 11 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN JOURNALISM AND MEDIA ARTS (Part 2 of 2)
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA (including common courses) + 56 - 61 credits = 120-125 credits
Transfers to degrees listed below:
BFA Media Arts
University of Arizona
Media Arts.. ................... .60*
PreMajor.. ........................3
*This major requires 125
credits for baccalaureate
BS in Education -
Journalism NAU
Major Courses. ..............2 4*
Teaching Certification. ..3 1
Electives ......................... 1
*Assumes Journalism
Newswriting and Media and
Society completed as part of
AA
BS in Electronic Media
NAU
Major Courses ............... ..39*
Minor Courses ................. 1 8
*Assumes Public Speaking
completed as part of AA
BS in Public Relations
NAU
Major Courses. ............... .39*
Minor Courses. .............. 18-24
*Assumes Public Speaking
and Journalism Newswriting
completed as part of AA
Attachment C
Page 12 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN SPANISH
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate demee
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA (including common courses) + 56 credits = 120 credits
NOTE: Associate of Arts Degree transfers to the following degrees
BA in Spanish
UA
Qualifying Courses. ............. .6
Core Electives. ..................... 6
Concentration. .................... 18
Other Courses. ..................... 6
Electives. ............................ 20
BA in Spanish
ASU Main
Required Courses ............... 15
Spanish Literature .............. 6
Other Spanish Courses ....... 3
Spanish Electives ............... 6
Related Fields .................... 15
Electives ............................ 11
BA in Spanish
ASU West
Required Courses .............. 15
Spanish Literature ............. 6
Other Spanish Courses ...... 3
Spanish Electives ............... 6
Related Fields ................... 15
Electives ........................... 11
BA in Spanish
NAU
Major Credits. .................. 3 8
General Electives ............. 18
Attachment C
Page 13 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN MUSIC
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE:: AA (Including Common Cou ases) + 56 CREDITS = 120 credil
Music Theory .................. ..8 *
Music History ................... 15
Major Performing Medium. 8
Recital Attendance ............. 6
Placement Exam or Piano
Proficiency.. ................... 12
Electives.. ......................... .7-8
AA with emphasis in music transfers to any of the following degrees
Major Requirements.. ....... .45
Electives ............................ 11
Core Requirements.. .......... 1 O*
Add'l Music
Coursework .................... 18
Electives, Second or
Extended Major.. ....... ..28-29
BA Music
ASU Main
Music Courses .................2 7 *
Ensembles.. ..................... .12
Performance. ................... .12*
Electives ........................... 5
BA Music
NAU
BA Interdisciplinary Arts &
Performance ASU West
I *Assumes Common Courses I I *Assumes Common Courses I *Assumes Common Courses
BA Music
UA
I completed as part of AA I I completed as part of AA I completed as part of AA I
Attachment C
Page 14 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN THEATRE- ARTS
NOTE: 64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AA (Including Common Courses) + 56 CREDITS = 120 credits
AA with emphasis in Theater Arts transfers to any of the following degrees
BFA in Theater Production
UA (125 credits total)
Department General
Education Requirement.. .. 12
Major Core. ......................... 8
Options.. .......................... .4 1 *
*Assumes Common Courses
completed as part of AA
BS in Theater
NAU
Major Requirements.. ....... 38 *
Minor Requirements.. ...... .18
*Assumes at least 10 credits of
Common courses completed as
art of AA
BA in Theater Arts
ASU Main
Major Requirements.. ....... 54*
Upper Division
Humanities or Soc. Sci. 3
*Assumes Common Courses
completed as part of AA
BA in Theater
NAU
Major Requirements.. ........ 3 8*
Minor Requirements.. ....... .18
*Assumes at least 10 credits of
Common courses completed as
art of AA
Attachment C
Page 15 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN AGRICULTURE
NOTE: 60-64 credits will transfer to baccalaureate denee
Pre-requisite
Courses. .......... 19
SABR Core.. ...... .6
Agribusiness
Core. ............... 18
Upper-division
Agribusiness.. .1 5
BACCALAUREATE: AS + 56 - 60 credits = 120 credits
AS degree transfers to the following degrees
Pre-Veterinarian
Concentration. ..3 1
SABR Core. ........ 6
Electives.. .......... 19
Pre-requisite
Courses.. ........ 19
SABR Core. ...... 6
Agribusiness
Core. ............... 18
Upper-division
Concentration.. 1 5
BS Agribusiness
Food Service
ASU Main
BS Agribusiness
ASU Main
BS Agriculture
Agricultural &
Resource
Economics UA
BS Agribusiness
Pre-Veterinarian
ASU Main
Pre-Maj or
Courses.. ...... .2 1
Core Courses. ....1 8
Core Electives .... 6
Concentration.. ... 9
Electives. ............ 2
BS Agriculture
Agricultural Ed.
UA
Core Courses ......2 7
Support Courses.. 3
Electives.. .......... 26
(Second Major)
BS Agriculture
Biochemistry
UA
Organic Chem ...A
Physical Chem.. .3
Req'd Courses.. 14*
Core Courses .... 25
1 Core Electives. .. 6
*Assumes
Chemistry and
Calculus in AA
Attachment C
Page 16 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN CHEMISTRY
Note: 64 credits transfer to baccalaureate denree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AS (including common courses) + 56 credits = 120 credits
Associate of Science will transfer to following degrees
1
BS in Chemistry
ASU Main
Chemistry Courses..34*
Math .......................1 2*
Other requirements 1 1
*Assumes Chemistry I
& I1 and Calculus
completed as part of
AA
BS in Chemistry
NAU
Major Requirements 36
Minor 18 -24
BS in Environmental
Chemistry NAU
Major
Requirements.. .....5 8*
*Assumes Chemistry I
and II and Calculus
completed as part of
AA
BS in Geochemistry
NAU
Major
Requirements.. .... 56*
*Assumes Chernisty I
and I1 and Calculus
completed as part of
AA
BS in Chemistry
UA
Core Courses. .........2 9*
Core Electives. ........ 6
Electives.. ................ 2 1
*Assumes Language
Proficiency completed
as part of AA
Attachment C
Page 17 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (Special Requirements):EMPHASIS IN PHYSICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ASTRONOMY
Note: 64 credits transfer to baccalaureate degree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE: AS (including common courses) + 56 credits = 120 credits
Associate of Science will transfer to following degrees
*Assumes Physics completed
as part of AA
Physics courses. ................. 22
Approved electives.. ........... 10
BS in Physics
NAU
BS in Astronomy
NAU
BA in Education - Physics
ASU Main
Major Requirements.. ........ .43
General Electives. .............. .13
BS in Physics
ASU Main
Physics courses. ............... .33*
Math.. ................................ 12
Electives. ........................... 11
Major Requirements.. ........ 4 1
General Electives. .............. 15
Attachment C
Page 18 of 19
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (Special Requirements): EMPHASIS IN PSYCHOLOGY
NOTE: 64 credits transfers to baccalaureate deeree
BACCALAUREATE DEGREI
ksociate of Arts Degree transfe~
BS in Psychology
ASU Main
Major Courses. ..................3 1*
Computer Literacy ..............3
Upper Division Humanities
Or Social Science. ........... 3
Electives. ............................ 19
*Assumes Biology and Brief
Calculus part of AA
: AA + 56 credits = 120 credits
i to the following degrees:
BS in Psychology
ASU West
Major Courses.. ................. 3 1*
Related courses ..................1 8
Electives. ..................u. p to 7
*Assumes Biology and Brief
Calculus part of AA
BS in Psychology
NAU
Major Courses. ..................., 36
Related Courses. ..................1 7
Electives ..............................3
BS in Psychology
UofA
Major Courses.. ................ 36
Mathematics ...................... 3
Electives. ..........................1 7
Attaclmlcnt L
page 19 of 15
ASSOCIATE DEGREE (TGXR) Requirements for Baccalaureate are specific to each university and degree
I
BS Justice Studies
BA Education - Elementary Education - Secondary Education - Selected Studies - Special Education - Early Childhood Education
BS Aeronautical Engineering Tech
BS Aeronautical Management Tech
BS Electronics Engineering Tech
BS Industrial Technology
BS Manufacturing Engineering
Technology
BS Engineering
BS Design - Interior Design
BA and BS Mathematics
BS Nursing
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAMS Student must follow Transfer Guides for each program of study
BS Administration of Justice
BA Education - Elementary Education - Secondary Education - Special Education - Early Childhood Education
BS Education - Mathematics
ASU EAST
ASU MAIN CAMPUS NAU
BS Industrial Technology
BS Manufacturing Engineering
Technology
BS Agribusiness
ASU WEST
BS Criminal Justice
BFA Studio Arts
BS Education - Technology Education - Vocational Education
BS Computer Science &Engineering
BS Engineering - Civil - Electrical - Environmental - Mechanical
BS Construction Management
BS Hotel & Restaurant Management
BS Interior Design
BS Mathematics
BA Education - Mathematics
BM Instrumental Performance
BM Music
BM Vocal Music Performance
BME Choral Music
BME Instrumental Music
BS Nursing
BA & BS Applied Sociology
UNIV OF ARIZONA
BS Agriculture-Nutritional Sciences
BS Wildlife, Watershed & Range
Management
BFA Studio Arts
BS Engineering - Aerospace
- Agricultural & Biosystems - Chemical
-Civil - Computer - Electrical - Engineering Mathematics - Engineering Physics - Geological - Hydrology
- Industrial - Materials Science - Mechanical - Mining - Optical - Systems
BA & BS Mathematics
BA Jazz Studies
BA Music Education
BA Musical Performance
Musical Composition
BS Nursing
BA Musical Theater
Progress Report on the New Model and Support Services
for Transfer Students in Arizona Attachment D
June 1, 1998 Page 1 of 1
CRITERIA FOR UPPERfLOWER-DIVISION COURSES
The assignment of courses to upper and lower-division is a difficult task. APASC provides these
guidelines to ATFs and college/university curriculum committees for their review of course
level.
Lower-division courses generally focus on foundational theories, concepts, perspectives,
principles, methods, and procedures of critical thinking in order to provide a broad basis for more
advanced courses. The primary intent of lower-division coursework is to equip students with the
general education needed for advanced study, to expose students to the breadth of different fields
of study, and to provide a foundation for specialized upper-division coursework in professional
fields. Such courses have one or more of the following four purposes:
a) To acquaint students with the breadth of (inter) disciplinary fields in the arts, humanities,
social sciences, and natural sciences, and to the historical and contemporary assumptions and
practices of professional fields,
b) To introduce essential skills of literacy (e.g., information gathering, reading, and writing),
language (e.g., oral communication and language and culture other than English), numeracy,
and sciences to prepare for continuing work in any field of higher education.
c) To develop specific occupational skills designed to lead directly to employment based on a
two-year program of study.
d) To lay the foundation for upper-division coursework and to begin development of analytical
thinking and theoretical applications.
Upper-division courses are specialized, in-depth, and advanced, and emphasize problem-solving,
analytical thinking skills, and theoretical applications. These courses often build on the
foundation provided by the skills and knowledge of lower-division education. Upper-division
courses may require the student to synthesize topics from a variety of sources. Upper-division
courses may also require a greater responsibility, or independence on the part of the student.
Upper-division course2require instructors with specialized knowledge and preparation. Thus,
many intermediate and all advanced baccalaureate courses in a field of study are properly located
in the upper-division. In addition, disciplines that depend heavily on prerequisites or the body of
knowledge of lower-division education may properly be comprised primarily of upper-division
courses. Such courses have one or more of the following three purposes:
a) The in-depth study or application of theories and methods and the understanding of their
scope and limitations.
b) The refinement of essential skills associated with the baccalaureate.
c) The development of specific intellectual and professional skills designed to lead to postbacca-laureate
employment, graduate study, or professional school.
Ad Hoc Committee on UpperLower-Division Course Criteria