This glossary explains commonly used terms at colleges and universities when addressing the topic of transferring.
Articulation agreement
A formal agreement between RCC and a university that shows how specific RCC courses transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. Articulations help you choose classes that count toward your future degree. RCC has articulation agreements with Southern Oregon University, Oregon Tech and Western Oregon University.
Associate degree
A credential you earn after completing a program of study, usually 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits.
At RCC, you can choose from:
- Transfer degrees, such as the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, are designed to prepare you for a bachelor’s degree.
- Career-focused degrees, such as the Associate of Applied Science, are designed to help you enter the workforce quickly.
- The Associate of General Studies offers flexibility to match your goals.
Bachelor’s degree (Baccalaureate)
A four-year degree offered by universities. It typically requires at least 180 quarter credits or 120 semester credits. Common types include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.).
General Education Requirements
Introductory courses that build broad knowledge and essential skills. Many students complete general education requirements at a community college before transferring.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A number that shows your academic performance. Each letter grade earns points:
- A = 4.0
- A- = 3.7
- B+ = 3.3
- B = 3.0
- B- = 2.7
- C+ = 2.3
- C = 2.0
- C- = 1.7
- D+ = 1.3
- D = 1.0
- D- = 0.7
- F = 0.0
To calculate your GPA:
- Multiply the points for each grade by the number of credits for that class.
- Add all points together.
- Divide by the total number of credits attempted.
Courses taken as Pass or No Pass are not included in GPA calculations.
Junior
A student who has completed about 90 college-level credits, usually in 100-level or higher courses.
Lower Division
Courses at the 100 and 200 level. These are typically introductory classes you take during your first two years.
Major
Your main area of study. A major includes a set of required courses focused on one subject and prepares you for a specific career or transfer path.
Minor
A secondary area of study offered at a four-year university. A minor allows you to explore an additional subject alongside your major.
Quarter
The academic calendar used at RCC. Each term lasts about 11 weeks. Includes fall, winter and spring terms. Summer term is shorter, usually 4 to 11 weeks. One quarter credit equals about 0.67 semester credits.
Semester
A half-year term used by some colleges and universities. Each semester lasts about 14 to 18 weeks. Includes two main terms per year: fall and spring. One semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits.
Upper Division
Courses at the 300 and 400 level. These are classes usually taken after you transfer to a university.