Articulation Agreements Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Articulation Agreements? What does that mean?
   Articulation is another name for the acceptance of transfer credit between one institution and another or the understanding between institutions that the course material covered is equivalent.
   
2. I checked the web pages and noted some question marks in place of course titles. What does ?? mean?
   We do not always receive exact course titles or the number of units of credit for courses on the paperwork from other schools which we use to input the equivalency information. The course number is the most important piece of information.
   
3. I attended UC Berkeley, but I don't see any equivalencies on your articulation pages for UCB.
   We have equivalency agreements with California community colleges since it is common for students from two-year colleges to transfer to four-year institutions. We also have a few isolated articulated courses with some UC schools and other institutions, but in general it is not expected that students will transfer between these schools. You may have particular a course(s) reviewed by our faculty via a Substitution Petition, which requires the student to provide specific information about the course(s) content.
   
4. My intended major is computer science, but my community college doesn't have courses equivalent to UCSC's Math 19A and 19B. Should I take the courses equivalent to 11A & 11B?
   It is always best to check with the department you intend to transfer into. It is hoped that students know where they will transfer so that they may obtain the information and contacts from that school; requirements vary, especially between UC campuses. At this time, computer science and engineering will accept 11A & 11B equivalents, but that may change very soon.
   
5. I took multivariable calculus at my community college but there are no articulations for 23A-B.
   Our Math 23A-B series is a hybrid of multivariable calculus and vector calculus. Our old calculus series included two quarters of single variable calculus, one quarter of multivariable, and one quarter of vector calculus. The new series includes two quarters of single variable calculus (Math 19A & 19B) and two quarters of multivariable and vector calculus combined. In the past, we found few equivalencies with our vector calculus course; now we find virtually no equivalencies with the 23A/23B series.
   Students who feel strongly that they have covered the material in 23A and 23B have the option to challenge this equivalency by bringing exams, homework, syllabi, etc. to our faculty for review. However, we have found that most students benefit from some review when they first enter UCSC. If you have your general education credits satisfied (having completed IGETC, for instance) you will have time to complete the mathematics degree, even if only two quarters or semesters of calculus are applicable. If you have time, it is suggested you take Linear Algebra and Ordinary Differential Equations before transferring to UCSC.
   
6. I have a high GPA from my community college. Should I continue to ask for grades here?
   There are as many motivations for or against electing grades as there are students. Your college can provide you with a comprehensive handout explaining the grading policy. Because we still also have the Pass/No Pass option for grades, there are some complex issues that other schools do not have. Some issues to consider are:
   • Will receiving a grade motivate you more than pass/fail?
   • Do you feel confident enough in the material to do very well? You shouldn't elect for a grade unless you plan to do "A" work.
   • Have you met the instructor of the course, read the syllabus, and understand the grading policy?
   • Are you aware that if you take a course for a grade and get a "D" that it will not count toward your major and if you retake the course, it must be for a grade (you do not have the P/NP option)? This also applies if you plan to retake the course elsewhere.
   • You will get a narrative evaluation for the course whether or not you elect for grades. Many graduate schools are able to interpret the evaluations, in lieu of a GPA.You may wish to contact a graduate program yourself, just to see what they say about grades vs. pass/no pass.
     
7. I have lots more questions....where can I go for answers?
   You may start by calling Andrea Gilovich, Mathematics Undergraduate Advisor at (831)459-4691 or email: gilovich@math.ucsc.edu

top of page