How Transfer Credit Works
Processing Time
- It can take up to one academic quarter for transfer credit to appear in your OASIS Academic Record. For transfer admits, it can take up to the end of Fall quarter for transfer credit to be fully uploaded.
- Once your transfer coursework is posted in OASIS, you’ll see:
- Course code and title from the original institution
- Institution name
- Units granted (converted to quarter units, if needed)
- Grade received
- Granted articulations or equivalencies (if applicable)
Reading Your Academic Record in OASIS
When viewing your transfer credit:
- If the course lists a UC Davis course code (e.g., PSC 041), it means you’ve received credit for that specific class.
- If it lists something like PSC TR 1, it means:
- The course transfers for units only (not as a specific UC Davis class), and
- It counts toward your total unit requirement for graduation.
- Additional courses in the same subject will appear as TR 2, TR 3, and so on.
How Transfer Courses Are Evaluated
Many students assume course titles determine equivalency — but that’s not the case! Each course is evaluated based on official articulation agreements or a faculty review of the course content.
What Is an Articulation?
An articulation is a formal agreement that defines how a course at one institution transfers to another. In California, articulations exist between California Community Colleges (CCCs) and UC/CSU campuses. You can view these articulations through Assist.org.
What Is an Equivalency?
If there is no existing articulation, an equivalency could be granted if your course is considered to cover the same or very similar material of a UC Davis Course. This is determined by faculty. For example: If you took CHEM 1A at UC Santa Barbara and believe it matches CHE 2A at UC Davis, the Chemistry department can review your course syllabus to decide if the content aligns. If approved, you’ll receive UC Davis credit for the equivalent course.
Equivalencies are used for:
- Courses from other UC campuses
- Courses from CSUs
- Private or out-of-state universities
Transfer Credit Evaluation Table
Course Type | Evaluation Method | Where to Check or Submit |
---|---|---|
California Community College (CCC) | Existing articulation | ASSIST.org |
UC, CSU, or other 2–4 year institution | Departmental equivalency review | Contact UC Davis department |
Non-California or Private Institution | Departmental equivalency review | Contact UC Davis department |