Strengthening transfer pathways

The challenge: Many capable community college students (or graduates) face barriers in transferring to 4-year institutions. Similarly, some 4-year college graduates face barriers transitioning to graduate study in psychology and/or work. Improving these pathways can help address enrollment challenges while promoting educational equity.

1. Principles for Quality Education in Undergraduate Psychologyopens in new window
   Why it’s valuable: This document provides specific recommendations for strengthening transfer pathways between 2-year and 4-year institutions. Use it as a framework when reviewing and revising your department’s transfer policies and articulation agreements.
2. Reducing Barriers for Community College Students
   Why it’s valuable: Offers concrete examples of how psychology departments have successfully revised transfer policies to remove unnecessary obstacles. Use these case studies as models when examining your own transfer processes.
3. Tracking Transfer: Community College and Four-Year Institutional Effectivenessopens in new window
   Why it’s valuable: This research identifies specific practices that improve transfer success rates. The report provides evidence-based recommendations you can use to advocate for institutional policy changes that support psychology transfer students.
4. Robinson et al. (2024): Fostering Equity in Two-Year College Psychology Educationopens in new window
   Why it’s valuable: Specifically focuses on using the APA Guidelines to create successful pathways for community college psychology students. Use this research to align your program with evidence-based practices for supporting transfer student success.
5. Community College Research Center FAQsopens in new window
   Why it’s valuable: Provides current data on community college enrollment trends and student demographics. Use this information when planning outreach efforts and designing support services tailored to the needs of transfer students.
6. Becoming a Psychological Scientist Video Series
   Why it’s valuable: Offers students interested in graduate school expert advice on every step of the application process, from choosing the right program to securing funding.

1. Transfer credit audit: Review your department’s course equivalency policies for psychology courses from local community colleges. Identify and remove unnecessary barriers that may delay degree completion for transfer students.
2. Community college partnership: Establish a regular meeting (even once per semester) with psychology faculty from feeder community colleges to discuss curriculum alignment and identify opportunities to smooth the transfer process.
3. Graduate school panels: Organize graduate school panels for students interested in advanced study. These panels can feature faculty, alumni, and current graduate students who share insights on different program options, the application process, and strategies for becoming a competitive applicant.