1. What can I study in the Online Degree Program? 

You can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Transfer Studies, as well as meet the CSU General Education requirements for transfer. By taking a full-load of classes, you can complete your AA in two years. At least four classes are offered each spring and fall semester, with fewer in the summer.
 

2. What is Transfer Studies? 

The Transfer Studies major is designed for students planning to transfer to either the University of California or California State University. To earn the Associate of Arts degree with a Transfer Studies major, students must complete either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) UC or CSU option or the CSU General Education Certification pattern. This latter option is offered through the College's Online Degree Program. 

Although the associate degree recognizes the completion of lower division general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus in the CSU or UC system, nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major. Some majors and schools require a higher GPA than is necessary for the associate degree. Students should meet with a counselor to determine the lower division major preparation needed for their intended transfer school.


3. What classes should I take in order for me to complete the degree requirements for the online AA in Transfer Studies?

See the list here: LINK NOT AVAILABLE YET

4. Will there be any other online AA degrees in the future?

College of the Canyons is developing future online AA degrees in the areas of English and Social Sciences.
 

5. Why pursue a degree fully online? 

Online learning offers you an opportunity to achieve your educational goals without coming to campus. If you have an irregular schedule, challenges with child-care, work, or are required to travel regularly, online learning might be for you. To determine whether online learning is the best way for you to complete your education, click here: Online Learning Readiness Assessments
 

6. If there is no initial class meeting, how will I find out when to start my online course?

Online orientation information will be provided for you in an orientation letter that will be posted online. These letters will be posted here: Orientation Letters
 

7. How will I take my exams? 

Just like in face-to-face classes, instructors will determine the most appropriate method of assessing students for each class. Some typical methods include:

Proctored exams in an approved testing center.

a.       If you live close to Santa Clarita, you may be able to take the exam in COC’s Tutoring Lab.

b.      If you live outside the Santa Clarita area, you will need to find an approved testing center, such as a local college or university. You must inform your instructor at the beginning of class that you will need to arrange for a proctored exam.

c.       If you are serving in the US military and are based outside the Santa Clarita area, you may arrange for a commanding officer to proctor your exam. Again, you will need to inform your instructor of this at the beginning of class.

Timed exams online. Some instructors may ask you to complete exams online, in a timed setting that ensures you will be focused completely on the exam. 

Take-home exams. Some instructors may ask you to complete your exams in a take-home fashion. While you would be able to do additional research on a topic, you would also be held to a higher standard of analysis, writing, and research. 

See your instructor’s orientation letter for details on testing.


8. If I have taken other online courses at College of the Canyons, will they count toward my Online AA degree?

Yes; all online courses at COC, even the hybrid courses, have equal weight toward your matriculation. You are not required to enroll in all online courses.
 

9. Is the Online Degree equivalent to other College degrees? 

Yes, the COC Online Degree is equivalent to other degrees offered by the College. The same low cost of $20 per unit applies, and financial aid is available.
 

10. What other programs does the College have that might meet my needs? 

PACE is an accelerated educational format for working adults to achieve their educational goals while meeting the demands of their busy lives. All PACE classes are hybrid and meet on selected Saturdays. While the traditional semester lasts for 16 weeks, most PACE classes last 8 weeks. If you take two classes at a time, you can complete 12-15 units per semester. For information please visit the PACE site: www.canyons.edu/pace, or call the PACE office at 661-362-3525.