Open Admissions Context

Per California Education Code § 76000, admissions into associate degree and certificate programs are open access. Community colleges must admit any California resident capable of benefiting from instruction, and enrollment in lower-division coursework cannot be restricted based on prior academic performance.

However, California Community College Baccalaureate Degree Programs (CCB/SB 850/AB 927) are permitted to implement supplemental program-specific admissions criteria, including academic performance, prerequisite completion, and program-specific screening methods. These criteria may be used only for admission into the upper-division coursework of the bachelor’s degree, not for entry into general college enrollment.

Baccalaureate Supplemental Application Process

Because CCB programs require upper-division readiness and major preparation, the college shall implement a supplemental application and review process separate from general admission.

Applicants must:

1. Apply to the college via CCCApply (if not already enrolled).

2. Submit the supplemental Baccalaureate Degree Program (BDP) Application, including:

   • Verification of completed/ongoing associate degree requirements

   • Transcripts from all prior colleges

   • Statement of interest (optional)

   • Additional program-specific documentation (e.g., certifications, portfolios, or work experience if applicable)

3. Participate in screening and selection, based on the program rubric.

4. Receive one of the following workflow notifications:

   • Application Received

   • Conditional Admission Offer (pending verification)

   • Admission Declined

   • Formal Admission

Minimum Admissions Eligibility Requirements

Each program must identify minimum standards necessary to begin upper-division coursework. The following represent standard CCB statewide requirements:

1. Required Associate Degree (Aligned Major)

Applicants must have completed—or be in the final semester of completing—an Associate Degree in the discipline directly aligned to the baccalaureate program.

• Examples: AS in Cybersecurity → BS in Cyber Defense & Analysis;
  AS in Respiratory Care → BS in Respiratory Care.

2. Minimum GPA Requirements

A standard campus framework should include:

• Minimum overall cumulative GPA: 2.5 (recommended statewide floor)

• Minimum GPA in major preparation courses: 2.5–3.0 (program-specific)

• Minimum grade thresholds (“C” or better in prerequisite and major prep courses)

Programs may raise minimum GPAs when demand exceeds capacity, provided changes are published in advance.

3. Completion of Program Prerequisites

Programs may require specific lower-division coursework (e.g., statistics, networking fundamentals, anatomy, chemistry).
Prerequisite work must be completed prior to enrollment in upper-division courses.

Equivalency Review Process (When an Aligned Associate Degree Is Not Held)

If the applicant does not hold the required associate degree but may possess equivalent preparation, the college may allow an equivalency determination.

A. Purpose of Equivalency

To determine whether the applicant’s combination of education, training, certifications, and experience sufficiently matches the learning outcomes of the required associate degree.

B. What the Equivalency Review Includes

1. Review of coursework from regionally-accredited institutions

2. Assessment of relevant industry certifications, licenses, or training

3. Evaluation of documented work experience demonstrating competency

4. Comparison to program learning outcomes and the required AS/AA curriculum

C. Review Process

1. Applicant submits Equivalency Petition, including:

   • Unofficial transcripts

   • Resume

   • Verification of employment/work experience

   • Certifications or licensure documentation

2. Program Chair or Designee conducts academic review.

3. Chair/designee issues a recommendation:

   • Full equivalency granted

   • Partial equivalency granted (requiring specific coursework)

   • Equivalency denied

4. Recommendation is reviewed by the Dean and recorded in the admissions file.

D. Discretion

Final equivalency decisions are at the discretion of the Program Chair or designee, consistent with local academic policy and accreditation standards.

Selection Criteria & Scoring Rubric

When qualified applicants exceed program capacity, the college uses a transparent, equitable scoring rubric. The rubric below is a standard CCB model and may be modified per discipline.

A. Selection Criteria Categories

B. Minimum Rubric Threshold

Applicants must score at least 70 points to remain in the selection pool.

C. Tie-Breakers

When multiple applicants meet or exceed the rubric threshold:

• Priority is given to applicants fully completing all major prerequisites.

• Secondary tie-breakers include cumulative GPA and total points in the experience category.

• Additional tie-breaker options may include residency within district boundaries or relevant industry employment.

Admissions Workflow & Standardized Letters

To ensure transparency and consistency, the following communications shall be used:

1. Application Received – Acknowledgment Letter

Subject: Your Baccalaureate Program Application Has Been Received

Body:
Dear [Applicant Name],
Thank you for submitting your application to the [Program Name] Baccalaureate Degree Program at [College Name].
Your application is now under review. Please note that admission into associate degree programs is open access, but entrance into the baccalaureate program requires supplemental screening based on program prerequisites, GPA minimums, and selection criteria.

You will be notified if additional documents are required.
Thank you for your interest in advancing your education with us.

Warm regards,
[Program Office]

2. Conditional Admission Offer (Pending Verification)

Subject: Conditional Admission Offer – [Program Name] Baccalaureate Degree

Dear [Applicant Name],
Congratulations! Based on your submitted application materials, you have received a conditional offer of admission to the [Program Name] Baccalaureate Program for the [Term].

This offer is pending verification of:

• Final transcripts from all institutions

• Completion of required associate degree or approved equivalency

• Completion of all prerequisite coursework

Once verified, you will receive a Formal Admission Letter.

We look forward to welcoming you to the program.

Sincerely,
[Program Chair / Admissions Office]

3. Admissions Declined

Subject: Baccalaureate Program Admissions Decision

Dear [Applicant Name],
Thank you for your interest in the [Program Name] Baccalaureate Degree Program.

After careful review, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer admission at this time. The selection process is highly competitive, and capacity is limited. You are encouraged to:

• Meet with a counselor for academic planning

• Strengthen prerequisite or major coursework

• Consider reapplying in a future admissions cycle

We appreciate your effort and wish you continued success.

Respectfully,
[Program Office]

4. Formal Admission Letter

Subject: Formal Admission – Welcome to the [Program Name] Baccalaureate Program!

Dear [Applicant Name],

Congratulations! All required documentation has been verified, and we are pleased to extend formal admission to the [Program Name] Baccalaureate Degree Program at [College Name].

You are now eligible to enroll in upper-division coursework for the [Term]. Additional onboarding information, orientation dates, and registration instructions will follow.

We are excited to support you on your path toward completing your bachelor’s degree.

Warmly,
[Program Chair / Dean / Admissions Office]

Admission Timeline

Colleges and Programs should establish timelines for admissions processing. Below is a sample timeline you may use when establishing your admissions timeline process.

Selection Criteria

• Overall G.P.A 2.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 program G.P.A.

• CalGETC or local Bachelor Degree General Education Pattern (IGETC or CSU GE may be accepted if student has catalog rights).

• Transfer Level Math

• Transfer Level English

• Complete the Supplemental Application and all required materials

Colleges should establish a point system when reviewing applications. This will assist in reviewing applications and developing an open and equitable admissions process.

Initial Screening – Sample Point System

Open