student pointing to image of earth on screen

What is a Transfer Pathway?

A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.S. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific. 

It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.S. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.

For more information about Earth Science, please visit the program page.

College of DuPage also offers institution-specific information to help prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university; please visit the transfer opportunities page for more information.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredits
EARTH 1101 Physical Geology of Earth's Interior 4
ENGLI 1101 English Composition I 3
MATH 2231 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 5
CHEMI 1551 Principles of Chemistry I 5
 Credits17
Second Semester
CHEMI 1552 Principles of Chemistry II 5
ENGLI 1102 English Composition II 3
MATH 2232 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 5
EARTH 1102 Physical Geology of Earth's Surface 4
 Credits17
Third Semester
Gen EdSocial and Behavioral Sciences 3
Gen EdHumanities 3
PHYSI 1201
General Physics I
or Physics for Science and Engineering I
5
SPEEC 1100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
 Credits14
Fourth Semester
Select one of the following: 4-5
Survey of Biology  
Environmental Biology  
Principles of Biological Science  
Gen EdFine Arts 3
Gen EdSocial and Behavioral Sciences 3
PHYSI 1202
General Physics II
or Physics for Science and Engineering II
5
 Credits15-16
 Total Credits63-64

Program Milestones

First Semester

  • Consider joining or visiting with a professional, cultural or interest-based Student Club.

Second Semester

  • If you have not done so yet this semester, it is important to make an appointment with a Faculty or Program Advisor to discuss your future academic progress.

General Education Requirements

For general education requirements for the A.S. degree, please visit the A.S. degree catalog page.

Please note that the A.A. and A.S. Degrees currently require a minimum of 64 hours for completion. If the transfer pathway listed above has fewer than 64 hours listed, students will need to take additional coursework to reach that minimum. Students should consult with a faculty or program advisor to discuss their options.