From ADT to Golden Eagle

The pathway from Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) to La Sierra Golden Eagle is simple and straightforward, and it starts at a community college.

Students will enter any California Community College and complete an Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree. This is A Degree with a Guarantee.  Once completed, the Associate Degree for Transfer program promises:

  • Guaranteed admission to La Sierra University
  • A minimum of 60 semester credits / 90 quarter units will transfer
  • Students will enter at junior class standing
  • For those entering a similar degree program as their ADT, a bachelor’s degree can be completed within two years and only 100 quarter units

Intent to Enroll Form

The Process for ADT Students

  • There are 114 community colleges in California, but every community college does not offer every ADT. Check out the colleges closest to you to see what programs are offered that are most similar to the bachelor’s program you are interested in.
  • Want to make sure your ADT choice will have a seamless transfer to La Sierra? Check here!
  • If you know what career path you are wanting to take, but are unsure which ADT and bachelor’s will be the best to help you get there, contact us at .
  • Applying is the first step. Once you are accepted, be sure your degree is declared.
  • Next, meet with your community college transfer counselor or ADT counselor. Work with your counselor to make sure you are on track to complete your degree program and IGETC (general education courses) in the amount of time you want. Also find out if there are course options available to you within your degree. Most ADTs have options, and La Sierra has preferences. So knowing what your options are will be helpful.
  • Complete our Intent to Enroll form to be connected to La Sierra’s Pre-Transfer Adviser, who will help guide you through your time at community college, ensuring the courses you choose will provide you with the most direct path to success.
  • Before each new term, we will be in touch to advise you on your course schedule.
  • When it’s time to complete your FAFSA and apply to La Sierra, we’ll let you know.
  • During your final year in community college, complete and submit your FAFSA for the upcoming academic year (preferably between October 1 and March 2, since some funds are limited and available on a first come, first served basis). La Sierra University’s school code is 001215. Visit https://fafsa.ed.gov/.
  • We will contact you to discuss your financial plan and estimate, including transfer scholarships and financial aid options.
  • For more information on financial aid at La Sierra, visit https://lasierra.edu/sfs/.
  • During your final term in community college, submit your application to La Sierra. The preferred deadline for fall transfer applications is July 15, however, we are always accepting applications, so you are welcomed to apply anytime. More information on how to apply.
    • If you are planning to use a Spanish ADT to enter the Spanish bachelor’s program, your first year will be spent abroad in either Argentina or Spain. The application deadline for this program is July 30. Please contact World Languages Chair, Carlos Parra at before completing your application, which you can find here.
  • Once you graduate with your AA-T or AS-T, request your official transcripts, along with your IGETC certification, to be sent to La Sierra University Admissions Office.
  • When your transcripts have been evaluated and your ADT confirmed, you will be accepted to La Sierra University!  You will receive a letter from our Admissions Office notifying you of your acceptance with a list of next steps to take.
  • In your acceptance email from the Admissions Office, you will be provided instructions on how to log in to your student portal for the first time. Log in to see any registration holds you may have, as well as a list of things to do to get ready. Note: Criminal Justice students will be contacted by the Criminal Justice campus to complete preparations and will not attend Golden Eagle Day.
  • If there are available dates, register and attend a Golden Eagle Day (the calendar and registration link are in your portal). During Golden Eagle Day you will meet with your academic advisor to review your pathway and help you register and more.
  • If you are not able to attend a Golden Eagle Day, you are invited to attend Thursday of Welcome Week.
  • You are now ready for your first day!
  • Upon official acceptance to La Sierra University, we will connect you with your Office of Academic & Career Services (OACS) Advisor. Your advisor will introduce you to DegreeWorks (find more information here) and work with the ADT Office to help you map your degree completion plan. Your plan must be followed as specified by your advisor to ensure graduation within your preferred time.
  • After school begins, you will also be connected with your Faculty Mentor from your major’s department. Your mentor will help plug you in to all department activities, as well as assist you in making any major specific course choices that will benefit your future career path.

Accepted ADTs

Use the list below to see where your degree can take you. Click on the plus sign (+) next to the ADT or use the search box to see which bachelor's programs you can complete in two years, download the program planning guide or visit the program information page.

Currently, La Sierra is accepting 20 ADTs into 42 different bachelor's programs.

Please note:

  • All University Admissions deadlines must be followed for acceptance.
  • Students transferring to a bachelor’s degree program in Spanish will complete their first year abroad in Argentina or Spain through Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA). An ACA application must be submitted to the Studies Abroad Office no later than July 30 to be considered for Fall Quarter.  For more information on the application process, visit the ACA application process information page.