Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree for Transfer in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 2 Cal-GETC General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) prepares students to move into a curriculum at a four-year institution leading to a baccalaureate degree in music, and then into careers in public and private teaching, professional performance, church music, music therapy, composition, arranging and orchestration. Please consult a counselor regarding specific course requirements for your transfer institution. Completion of the AA-T degree also provides guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system, although does not guarantee admission to a specific campus or major. Upon completion of the AA-T in Music, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of music theory, harmony, and musicianship at the final level of a traditional lower division music sequence. Through public performance, students will demonstrate proficiency on their primary instrument (or voice) that will allow them to perform accurately and musically within a large ensemble and in a solo setting. Upon application to music programs at four year institutions, students will need to pass an audition for acceptance as well as pass skills tests for placement into music theory, musicianship and piano classes. 

Note: Although this Transfer Curriculum may provide sufficient preparation for some general Bachelor of Arts programs in Music, it is recommended that students supplement these degree requirements with four semesters of piano (MUS 161, 162, 163, 164), one music appreciation class (MUS 101), and one technology class (MUS 142 or MUS 152) if they intend to transfer into Bachelor of Music programs in Performance, History and Literature, Music Education, or Composition.  Please consult a SAC counselor for course requirements for particular four-year institutions.

Requirements for all Associate Degrees for Transfer:

  1. Completion of 60 semester CSU transferable units.
  2. Completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). The CSU-GE (California State University General Education Breadth) or IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) pattern may be used in some cases; please see a counselor for details.
  3. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of at least a 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework.
  4. Minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major. If the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis the "P" must be equal to a "C" or better.
  5. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units in the major or area of emphasis.

Displaycompetency and artistry, throughexperience, in the creation and presentation of public performances of music.

Performproficiently (at the sophomore level)on their primary instrument in a 20-minute public recital. They will pass placement tests on their primary instrument, and be accepted at Cal State, UC, or other four-year institutions.

Demonstrate an understanding of music theory, piano, harmony and musicianship at thefinal level of a traditional lower division music sequence. They will pass placement tests in the areas of music theory and musicianship and be placed at the junior levelupon transfer to the Cal State, UC, or other four-year institutions.

Demonstrate, through public performance, a proficiency, at the sophomore level, on their primary instrument that allows them to perform, accurately and musically, within a large ensemble.

Demonstrate proficiency performing in a vocal, or instrumental ensemble, to be able to continue their involvement in music, in a performance ensemble, within the greater community.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

First Semester

15.5-16.5 units

Second Semester

16.5 units

Third Semester

14.5 units

Fourth Semester

15.5 units