University Transfer
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After high school, Alanna Thompson chose UT to discover what she really wanted. Read more. What is University Transfer?
University Transfer means you start studying at Douglas, then transfer to another institution to complete your studies. The other institution will recognize the education you took at Douglas.
(Note: you don't necessarily need to leave Douglas to complete your degree - Douglas offers several high quality Bachelor's degrees!)
How University Transfer works
2 YEARS AT DOUGLAS + 2 YEARS AT A UNIVERSITY = BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Year 1: Douglas College
Year 2: Douglas College
Year 3: University
Year 4: University
- Take courses at Douglas
- Earn credits for each course
- Transfer up to 60 credits to a university - that's half of a 4-year degree
- Finish your studies at a university and graduate with your Bachelor's degree
10 reasons to do University Transfer at Douglas
Every year, thousands of students take University Transfer at Douglas, then transfer to SFU, UBC, UVic or another university to complete a Bachelor's degree. Here's why:
- Same courses! same content, same quality as courses at a major university
- Save $$: $4,000 over 2 years compared to a similar program of study at a major university
- Great teachers: while university profs are often busy with their research, profs at Douglas are dedicated to teaching in the classroom - they are passionate about helping you succeed
- More face time: with profs and classmates, thanks to smaller class sizes
- Discover your passion: try different subjects, find the ones that ignite your curiosity
- Set your own pace: take 4 or 5 courses at a time to finish quickly, or 2 or 3 courses if you have work or family responsibilities
- Stay close to home: minimize travel time and cost (especially if home is in the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New West, East Van, North Surrey, North Delta, or Ridge-Meadows)
- Get support: Douglas advisors and support staff help you deal with school and life
- Get recognized: after just 2 years of studies at Douglas, get your Associate Degree - great for your resume!
- Succeed! Research shows students who start at college do as well (or better) by the time they graduate as students who rush to start their first year at university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I study?
English, Music, Sciences, Criminology, Business and much, much more - the list of University Transfer subjects is huge.Check out courses in these areas:
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Humanities and Social Sciences
Commerce and Business Administration
Science and Technology
What kind of degree can I get?
With University Transfer at Douglas, get a good start on your:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor in Commerce and Business Administration
After 2 years of University Transfer studies, you can earn an Associate Degree - great to have on your resume.
In some cases, you can complete your Bachelor's degree at Douglas without transferring - for example in Business, Psychology and Physical Education. See the complete list of Douglas Bachelor's degrees below under the heading "Can I complete my Bachelor's degree at Douglas College?"
How many courses can I take at once?
It's up to you. Take 5 courses at a time, and you'll be half way to a Bachelor's degree in 2 years. However, many students take it slower - 2 for 3 courses at a time - so they can deal with work or family. You can select morning, afternoon or evening courses to fit your sched.
If I study at Douglas and then transfer to university, will my degree be different?
No. Your Bachelor's degree will be the same as everyone else's.
How do I pick the right courses?
It's good to explore different subjects for a while. Once you settle on a specific educational goal, it's important to take the right courses. For example, to get into SFU's Bachelor of Science program, you need to take certain Biology or Chemistry courses. There are many resources to help you plan, starting with our Academic Advisors. They can answer questions about your courses and how they'll fit into your education plans. Make an appointment to speak to one any time - even before you apply to Douglas!
To find out how and where specific courses transfer to other institutions, use the BC Transfer Guide.
Who should I talk to if I have questions about university transfer?
We recommend you talk to one of our Academic Advisors. They can answer questions about your courses and how they'll fit into your education plans. Make an appointment to speak to one any time.
If your questions are about applying to a specific program at another institution, it's best to contact that institution directly.
When can I start my University Transfer program?
- September
- January
- May
Apply early, apply now!
Do I have to stay at Douglas College for two years before I transfer?
No. Transfer any time. Two years' worth of credits is the most you can transfer.
What is an associate degree?
It's a credential that recognizes you for completing 2 years of studies. If you earn an associate degree and want to pursue further study, you can receive priority admission at some BC universities, and a guarantee of 60 transfer credits.
More about associate degrees.
Can I complete my Bachelor's degree at Douglas College?
Yes! There are 8 high quality Bachelor's degrees that you can complete here at Douglas:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialties in Accounting and Financial Services)
Bachelor of Arts, Child and Youth Care
Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing
Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
Next steps
- check out our programs and courses
- attend an Information Session
- talk to an Academic Advisor about your goals and plans
- visit the BC Transfer Guide to find out how specific courses transfer, and how transferring works
- if you have any questions about anything - call or send an email to our Office for New Students
- find out about Associate Degrees
- Apply Now
