Getting Started
Before jumping in and selecting a major and/or a university, you should ask yourself 'What do I want to do?" Exploring careers is a vital part of transfer success. Knowing what kind of degree you need for the job you want will keep you motivated, save you time, and save you money.
In addition, Academic Planning is the key to transfer success and it is never too early to start researching your transfer options. While at Norco College, you can get started on your lower-division general education and major preparation courses for transfer. Use the resources below to start your transfer journey.
There are many opportunities for you to explore careers while satisfying the requirements for transfer.
Start with "Why?": The first step in the career development process is to learn about how good decisions are made, acknowledge all the external factors that influence your decisions, and assess the core values in your life that define what you want in a career.
You can learn about external influences in an interpersonal communication (COM 9) or a psychology (PSY 9) course, and you can help further your "why" by taking a guidance course. We have several at Norco College to help you understand who you are, and explore careers and decision-making, and college success strategies. Check them out:
- GUI 47: Career Exploration and Life Planning
- GUI 48: College Success Strategies
The following Career Exploration tools are best used in combination with your counselor:
- Career Assessments- These tools are designed to help you reflect on your strengths and occupational preferences.
- Career Exploration – A collection of websites for personality assessments, career exploration and job market outlook.
- Counseling Webinars- Norco Counselors have created a series of information sessions for specific career goals.
To be eligible to transfer as an upper-division student to a California State University (CSU) or a University of California (UC), you need to satisfy General Education and Major Preparation. The General education pattern will depend on which school system (CSU, UC, Private, out of state) you want to prepare to transfer to. Your major preparation will depend on the University.
Requirements can differ depending on the university, be sure to meet with a counselor as you prepare for transfer.
There are currently two paths for General Education Transfer Requirements:
- California State University General Education - For students who would like to transfer to a campus in the California State University (CSU) system.
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) - For students who would like to transfer to a campus in either the California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) system. Some of the UC campuses do not accept or recommend IGETC for certain majors. See a counselor for more details.
At Norco College, you can complete your major preparation for many universities. Once you have explored career options, you should meet with a counselor to help you determine the best major that will help you prepare for your future career.
In addition, here are some tools to help you explore majors and major preparation requirements for CSU, UC, and Private universities. All tools listed below are best used in combination with your counselor:
- Assist – Explore major prep! this resource is best used in combination with your Transfer Center Education Advisor and your Counselor at Norco College.
- Transfer Bound - See what majors are available for transfer at California public institutions of higher education!
- What Can I Do With This Major? - an online resource that encourages students to explore careers related to different majors.
CSU | California State University Research & Quick Links
The California State University is one of the largest and most affordable university systems available. With 23 campuses to choose from, you are sure to find a CSU that meets your needs. Start your research early to find your perfect campus.
*Impacted = Majors designated as impacted receive many more qualified applicants than there are spaces available. As a result, the campus can use additional admissions criteria.
UC | University of California Research & Quick Links
The University of California offers a research-focused curriculum at 9 undergraduate campuses up and down the state. Start your research early to find your perfect campus.
Private University Quick Links
California's fully accredited independent colleges and universities provide many options for students planning to continue their education after community college. Admissions requirements vary by campus, as do application deadlines. Start your research early, then meet with a counselor to plan for success:
- Explore Nonprofit Campuses
- Transfer Guide to Private Schools
- Norco College Transfer Agreements with Private Universities
HBCU | HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITY QUICK LINKS
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) have an excellent academic track record. These colleges and universities are also leading institutions in awarding degrees to African-American students in the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering programs.
Academic Planning is the key to transfer success and it is never too early to start researching your transfer options. While at Norco College, you can get started on your lower-division general education and major preparation courses for transfer. Use the resources below to start your transfer journey.
