Seamless transfer or crooked seams? The differentiated outcomes of associate\u27s degree types completing the baccalaureate degree

摘要

In this study academic outcomes for Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Applied Arts degree students who transferred to a large public midwestern research university were examined. A group with transcripted technical credits of 16 hours at transfer were compared and contrasted with a peer group of college-parallel associate\u27s degree students and a group with a combination of career technical plus college-parallel credits. Each group\u27s academic performance measured by first semester grade point average (GPA), GPA at graduation, and time to degree was examined and a demographic profile was developed. Using GPA at graduation, three groups were compared on the basis of time to degree, bachelor degree type, and GPA at graduation. The impact of external and internal influences on the transfer process was examined. Recommendations for future research and the implication for statewide transfer policy also were examined.