ASSOCIATE DEGREE FOR TRANSFER (ADT)
Los Angeles Pierce College has been named a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education for exemplary work in awarding Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to Latinx students.
Earning an AA-T or AS-T provides a number of benefits for students planning to transfer into the California State University (CSU) system, including:
Guaranteed admission into the CSU system (no guarantee to a specific campus) Allows students to use the same GE and Major Prep courses for transfer to some CSU campuses Guarantees a 60 unit (Los Angeles Pierce College) + 60 (CSU) unit pathway to CSU graduation
To get the full benefit, students must:
Apply to a CSU in a major that is deemed similar to the major at Los Angeles Pierce College (LAPC) Indicate on their CSU application that they will complete the AA-T or AS-T Petition for degree verification early by making an appointment with a Counselor
AA-T or AS-T degrees are currently available in the following majors at LAPC
CSU Coursework Information after Transferring with an AD-T
Some CSUs may require specific major coursework from ASSIST. Check with the CSU campus for further information.
Below are CSU Campus Websites with Guidelines for Students Entering with an AD-T
What’s the difference between traditional AA/AS and the new AA-T/AS-T degrees?
AA-T/AS-T degrees were developed with CSUs to streamline transfers. While some course requirements overlap with traditional AA/AS degrees, others differ. Check www.assist.org for specifics.
Will an AA-T/AS-T help if I have a low GPA?
Not significantly. Good grades still matter, especially for competitive majors or campuses. However, AA-T/AS-T degrees may offer a small admission advantage at some CSUs. Check campus websites for details.
Can I change my major after transferring with an AA-T/AS-T?
Possibly, but it may void the 60 + 60 unit transfer guarantee. Some programs restrict major changes, so don't assume you'll be able to switch.
Should I still get a traditional AA/AS if there's no AA-T/AS-T in my major?
Yes. Earning a traditional degree is still valuable and often overlaps with CSU transfer requirements. Speak with a counselor to explore your options.
How do I know if my Pierce College major aligns with a CSU major?
Ask a counselor, visit the Transfer Center, or check the “Degree with a Guarantee” website.
Can I complete an AA-T/AS-T at another college if Pierce doesn’t offer it?
Yes, but consult a counselor first. Each college has its own degree requirements, including residency unit minimums.
Can I earn both an AA-T/AS-T and a traditional AA/AS?
Yes. If you meet the requirements, you can earn both—even in the same subject (i.e. AS-T in Early Childhood Education and AA in Child Development).
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:
- Unlike CSU, AICCU institutions are not part of a system and each campus has its own admission and graduation requirements.
- If an ADT transfer student meets all the requirements of admission to a participating institution, admission is guaranteed to that college as opposed to a system.
The ADT Commitment is:
- Guaranteed admission for the ADT students meeting admission requirements;
- Guarantees a minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units will transfer;
- Guarantees the student starts with junior standing.
Visit the AICCU website for more information.
