Transferring Credits

Transferring credits isn't always as straightforward as it should be. Here are some things to consider about transferring credits:

• Make sure you take the right courses. Some courses don't always transfer, especially courses coded as "Technical".
• Some four-year college programs require very specific courses that may not be offered at your community college, and substitute courses may not be accepted.
• Make sure you take the right number of courses. Most four-year colleges will accept between 60 and 64 transfer credits, although some may accept more or less. You don't want to spend time or money on classes at your two-year college that won't transfer.
• If possible, ask the appropriate person at the university to preapprove courses you plan to take for credit transfer.
• Keep up your grades. Generally, you'll need at least a C for the course to transfer, but grade policies differ, so be sure to ask.
• Talk to your counselor at the community college about transferring course credits.
• Talk to the transfer advisor at the university about the university's transfer policy.
• Look into 2 + 2 programs and articulation agreements. Read below for more on these.

2 + 2 Programs

Many community colleges partner with local four-year colleges or universities to offer 2 + 2 programs. These are programs whereby the two-year college provides the first two years of instruction and the university provides the last two years. The student ends up with a bachelor's degree at the end of four years. Often, 2 + 2 programs are offered in one location, so the student doesn't have to move from college to college.

Articulation Agreements

An articulation agreement is an understanding between two colleges that a course offered at one institution will be accepted for transfer credit at the partnering institution. Articulation agreements help students take the right courses at the community/junior college that will transfer for credit toward a bachelor's degree at the university of their choice.

An articulation agreement exists between Mississippi's eight public universities and 15 community and junior colleges.

Mississippi's Articulation Agreement