Transferring to a Public College or University in Florida
Florida's higher education system is designed to allow students who wish to earn a bachelor's degree to complete their first two years at a two-year institution such as MDC. This approach to earning a bachelor’s degree is commonly referred to as the 2 + 2 system. The State of Florida has established a statewide articulation agreement that defines this approach and has adopted policies to:
- FIU Connect4Success (C4S) is a guided transfer pathway that guarantees admission* to FIU to students who complete the AA degree within 3 years at any Florida College System institution, including longtime partner Miami Dade College. Learn more about C4S.
- FAU LINK: Complete your Associate’s degree at MDC and continue your bachelor’s degree with guaranteed** admission to FAU. Learn more about the LINK program.
- UCF Transfer Connect is your one-stop transfer resource as you complete your AA degree at MDC and plan to transfer to UCF. You will have access to a personal UCF Success Coach to provide you with strategies and resources to transfer to UCF and help you graduate faster, maximizing the benefits of the 2 + 2 pathway. Learn More
* Admission is not guaranteed to Limited Access programs, which require more competitive criteria.
** Guaranteed and priority admission based on meeting FAU admissions requirements. Consistent with University policy. Limited access and restricted programs may require additional admissions process.
- Guaranteed transfer of 60 credits earned as part of the A.A. degree
- Transfer of A.S. degree program credits to specific Baccalaureate degrees. Visit the State of Florida’s Career Ladder Agreements page for a list of articulated A.S. degree programs and their hours. Then check with the four-year colleges and universities for details.
- No additional General Education requirements for those with an A.A. degree
- Equal opportunity with native university students to enter limited access programs (see note below for details)
- Acceptance of credits earned in programs such as Advanced Placement, CLEP, Dual Enrollment, and International Baccalaureate
- Advance knowledge of selection criteria for limited access programs. Limited access means that certain programs with limited capacity have additional admission requirements that may include: a higher GPA and standardized test scores; additional prerequisites; and auditions or portfolios.
- Adherence to the university requirements and policies that were in place when a student first enters a community college, provided continuous enrollment.
- Transfer of equivalent courses under the Statewide Course Numbering System
*A note on limited Access Programs - requirements apply equally to native university students as well as those transferring with a two-year degree. It is important to meet or speak with an Academic & Career Advisor or College Mentor in your selective admission program of choice to ensure you meet all of the requirements. Requirements may change so stay in touch with them regularly. If you do not have an assigned Academic / Departmental Advisor or College Mentor, go to the Academic & Career Services Office at your Campus for assistance.
Students who are planning to transfer without completing the two-year degree A.A. or A.S. degree will be evaluated on their high school transcripts as well as their college coursework. They will also compete for admission with the same criteria as all First Year applicants to the college or university.
State universities in Florida have a uniform foreign language admission requirement that can be met as followed: two years of sequential foreign language in high school, or completion of a postsecondary course at the elementary 2 level in one foreign language in college. Students can satisfy this requirement by CLEP exams or by other means determined by their institution. Please note that American Sign Language will satisfy the foreign language requirement for university admission but may not satisfy graduation requirements for some majors. To be safe, always contact your transfer institution or department for more specific information on the foreign language requirement.
Grade forgiveness policies vary from institution to institution. Additionally, some institutions and selective admission programs may not allow grade forgiveness in the calculation of GPA and as such may recalculate your GPA at the time of application before you are considered for admission or scholarships.