How to Transfer from an Associate of Occupational Studies to a Bachelor’s Degree

Many students pursue an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree with the goal of eventually transferring to a bachelor's program. However, the transfer process can be complex and may require careful planning.

Understanding Transferability

Not all AOS degrees are equally transferable to a bachelor's program, especially if the focus is on a specific vocational training or program. Instead, your AOS likely includes a higher emphasis on job-specific skills rather than the broad foundational liberal arts and sciences courses typically required for bachelor's degrees.

The transferability of your credits largely depends on the specific requirements of the bachelor's program you intend to transfer to. Some schools have more stringent requirements for transfer students.

Consult an Advisor

The best way to ensure a smooth transfer process is to consult with your community college academic advisor. They can provide guidance based on your program of study and help determine which courses can be most effectively transferred to a bachelor's program. Additionally, they can assist in finding a transfer agreement between your community college and the state university system you wish to attend.

Choosing the Right School

If your program included all the required basic general education courses, you can directly apply to your preferred school by sending your transcripts. However, it’s important to consider that not all credits are transferred to all schools.

Your best option is to apply to a public state university that has a transfer agreement with your community college. This agreement can greatly simplify the transfer process and ensure that your credits are recognized.

Select a Major

When selecting a bachelor's degree major, aim to choose one that is closely related to your AOS degree. This will minimize the number of additional classes you will need to take before advancing to upper-division undergraduate-level classes. Working closely with both the community college academic advisor and the admissions office staff from the desired state university can help you find a major that aligns well with your vocational skills and educational goals.

Conclusion

Transferring from an Associate of Occupational Studies to a bachelor's degree is a feasible goal, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the transfer process. By consulting with advisors, leveraging transfer agreements, and carefully selecting a relevant major, you can successfully navigate this transition and achieve your academic goals.