All About ADTs (Associate Degrees for Transfer)

logo for Associate Degree for Transfer initiative

Are you planning to earn an Associate Degree for Transfer from a California Community College?  

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is one of the most efficient and supportive options available for California Community College students planning to transfer to the CSU system. Unlike a traditional AA or AS degree, which may prepare students for employment or general transfer, but does not provide guaranteed CSU admission or unit completion benefits, an ADT is a structured transfer degree designed specifically for students continuing in a similar major at a CSU. Each ADT includes all lower-division CSU General Education requirements and at least 18 units of major-related coursework, giving students a strong academic foundation before transfer. Students who complete an ADT and pursue a matching or similar major at a CSU receive priority admission, guaranteed junior standing, and a clear pathway to complete their bachelor’s degree in no more than 60 additional units. 

SFSU is proud to support transfer students with one of the largest selections of ADT-aligned majors in the CSU system by offering 264 approved ADT pathways. Explore the sections below for important insights and tips to help you plan your path and make the most of your ADT.

SFSU reviews each ADT to determine whether it prepares students for a matching bachelor’s program. An approved ADT pathway means:

  • The ADT shares the same major or a similar disciplinary focus as the SFSU major
  • The ADT provides appropriate preparation for upper-division coursework in the SFSU major
  • A student who completes the ADT can finish SFSU graduation requirements in no more than 60 additional units

Explore SFSU's list of approved ADT pathways here.

SFSU's Through in Two Program (formerly CA Promise)

This program specifically supports new transfer students who have earned an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and are following an SFSU-approved ADT pathway. The program complements students' ADTs by ensuring they stay on track with coursework, requirements, and milestones once they arrive at SFSU. 

Here are some helpful suggestions as you prepare to transfer:

  1. Monitor your community college transcript regularly to confirm your ADT is posted and includes a completion date.
  2. If your ADT isn’t posted before you submit your transcript to SF State, continue to monitor and request another transcript once it is posted.
  3. Make sure your official transcript is submitted to SF State by the transfer transcript deadline.
  4. If your ADT still does not appear on your transcript in time, contact sb1440@sfsu.edu for support.
  5. ADTs may be listed with various titles on transcripts (e.g., AA-T English, Associate of Arts for Transfer – English). Familiarize yourself with how your college lists the degree.

Transferring with an ADT can be a smooth and efficient path — knowing the details and preparing ahead of time will help ensure your success.