International Transfer Academic Program (1+1+2 Pathway)

Who can join this program?

ITAP is designed for international students who will start their U.S. education online and then come to the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

What is the minimum age to participate?

There is no official minimum age, but we recommend students be at least 15 years old. They must be 16 and have completed high school to be eligible for an I-20.

Can students join if they haven’t finished high school yet?

Yes. Students can join whether they are still in high school or have already graduated. Those under 18 who haven’t graduated must submit a High School Special Admissions Recommendation Form. Students over 18 do not need to show proof of high school graduation.

Who will be taking these online classes?

Both international students and American students.

Would the students be part of a cohort (everyone taking the same classes)?

Students won’t take the same classes. Students will take classes based on their transfer goals and education plan. They will meet with an academic counselor one-on-one to map out their plan and courses each semester.

What are the admissions requirements?

Applicants must submit the following to be admitted:

• Application
• Copy of Passport
• Evidence of English Proficiency
• High School Special Admissions Recommendation Form
  
  If not yet graduated from high school and under 18 years of age, must be signed by a parent/legal guardian and a high school principal or counselor.

When can students start the program?

Students can start in the fall (August), spring (January), or summer (May or June).

Do students need to complete the online orientation and placement?

Yes. Students should complete the online orientation, guided self-placement, and education plan to receive priority registration.

How do I register for courses?

Registration can be done online through InSite from your home country. Priority registration dates and times are listed in InSite under the Registration menu. Important dates can also be found on the Academic Calendar.

By when do I have to pay the tuition?

Students should pay the tuition for their courses at the time of registration. Students should note that, if they have a balance on their account, a registration hold will be placed on their account. This hold will block them from being able to register for the following semester. Once the tuition has been paid, this hold will be automatically removed from their account.

Will I be allowed to attend the first few classes before deciding whether to continue in or drop a course?

Yes, you may attend online courses for several classes. You are allowed to drop an online course at no charge as long as you do so by the drop deadline listed on your course schedule. If you do not drop by the drop deadline, you will be responsible for paying for the class even if you do not attend.

Please refer to DVC's Academic Calendar:

*Short-term class add/drop dates, refund dates and pass/no-pass dates are calculated individually by class based on the specific number of meeting days; therefore, these dates are not included in this calendar. Add/drop and refund dates are printed on the class roster. Check with the instructor. You may also go to InSite > Registration > My Class Schedule for drop and refund dates. The dates are listed under the “Last Date to Drop” column.

What will students need to do to enroll in person at DVC after taking online classes?

Students should complete the International Transfer Academic Program (Request for I-20 to Study in the U.S.) form.

This form is for students who have been studying online from abroad through DVC's online ITAP. If you are now ready to transition to in-person study in the United States, please complete this form up to one year in advance of your intended arrival in the U.S. Review our website for requirements, and upload a bank statement issued within the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of our estimated Academic Year Estimated Costs, along with a financial sponsor form (if you have a financial sponsor). If you will be under 18 at the time of your program starting in the U.S., you will also need to include Evidence of Secondary/High School Graduation, along with a Parent/Guardian Authorization for Minors Form. Once submitted and approved, your Form I-20 will be emailed within 5–7 business days, which you can then use to apply for your F-1 student visa.

Are students required to complete the entire first year online? If a student receives an F-1 visa earlier than expected, would the student be able to enter the U.S. in the second semester and continue in person?

Students are not required to complete the entire first year online. If a student receives a visa early, the student may choose to attend in person for the next semester. Students would be allowed to enter the U.S. within 30 days before the start date of the semester.

Do online courses have the same units (credits) as in-person courses?

Yes.

Are the units for online courses accepted by 4-year universities and colleges?

Yes.

What is the cost of online courses?

$447 per unit.

Will the online classes be asynchronous (not taught live; time zone does not matter)?

Mostly, though each course section will have its own schedule. Students should carefully check the scheduling notes for each course section to determine whether a given course section includes synchronous instruction.

How will students know which online courses have set class meetings when looking at course descriptions?

• Asynchronous courses (no set class meetings) will have “ONLINE” included in the meeting days/times column, and no days or times will be listed. Also, the comments section will not include references to any required orientations or synchronous class sessions.
• Synchronous courses (online courses that have set class meetings on specific days using Zoom software and on California/Pacific Standard Time) will list the days and times of instruction OR there will be specific synchronous meeting sessions listed in the comments section.

Is there a required number of units per semester?

No, there are no minimum units to take online. Students can take as many or as few units as they choose, depending on their plans.

Do students have to follow one of the sample academic tracks?

No. The tracks (Business, Psychology, Economics) are just examples. Each student will create a customized education plan with an academic counselor.

Can students take more than one year to complete the online portion?

Yes, students can extend their online studies over two years. They should speak with a counselor to ensure it won’t impact their transfer goals.

Is this program only for students planning to transfer to a 4-year university?

No. While the program supports transfer goals, students can also pursue an associate degree or certificate at DVC.

Will students earn an associate’s degree (AA/AS)?

It depends on the student's goals. Earning an AA/AS is not required for transfer, but students can pursue it if desired.

What are the computer operating system requirements for taking online courses?

Students can use any operating system (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) to take online courses.

What are other technical requirements for taking online courses?

It is recommended that students have access to a desktop or laptop with audio and video capability and reliable Internet access. Students may use mobile phones, though they will be expected to type extensively.

What video software will online courses use?

All courses will use Zoom. Students should contact course instructors to ask if any social media such as YouTube will be used that may not be accessible in their regions.

How will students access online courses?

All online courses will be delivered through the online management system Canvas.

Do I need to purchase textbooks for online courses?

Yes, most online courses require the purchase of textbooks. Textbooks can be purchased online from the DVC Book Center or from vendors such as Amazon. Some courses require the purchase of an online ‘course pack,’ which includes access to reading, exercises and quiz materials. Students can purchase online textbooks or course packs using a credit card. However, many courses use open online resources and do not require the purchase of course materials. Those courses are designated as Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) and can be identified with this logo: 

 

How much time per week can students expect to spend outside of class time for an online course?

Expect to spend 6 to 9 hours weekly (on and offline) for a 3-unit course.

What other online learning expectations should students be aware of?

Students should be prepared to actively participate in online courses through frequent interactions with instructors and classmates. This includes contributing to online discussions. Students should carefully review course syllabi.

Do UC campuses fully recognize the credits students earn through online coursework? Are there any limitations on credit transfer or admissions eligibility?

As long as the course students enroll in says it is UC transferable, then the credits will be recognized. There is no distinction if the class is taken online vs. in person in regard to the transcript and transfer of credits.

What is the minimum and maximum number of online credits students can take in the first year?

There is no minimum requirement, so students can choose to take one or more classes.

For the Fall/Spring semester, students can take a maximum of 19 units without permission. Generally, 20-22 units can be approved; more than that requires a meeting with a counselor for consideration.

For the Summer session, students can take a maximum of 12 units without permission. Generally, 13-14 can be approved; more than that requires a meeting with a counselor for consideration.

In addition to the required general education courses, will students be able to take math or other courses related to the intended major?

There are some limitations to the courses available online/in-person (for example, math is not offered online). We recommend meeting with a counselor to discuss which classes may be best to start online with, then students can complete the remaining classes in-person once arriving on campus.

Will students be able to meet one-on-one with faculty and seek assistance for academic questions about their classes?

Faculty usually have office hours each week. Faculty office hours are usually listed in the Canvas course and on the course syllabus. Students are encouraged to set up meetings with faculty to ask questions and receive academic support.

Is English language support available?

Yes, students can take online ESL classes if available.

Would students have education/study plans?

Yes, students would set up their individual study plans to match their goals.

Will students meet with academic counselors from DVC during the online portion of the program?

Yes, students must meet with an academic counselor at least once each semester. The counselors will help students with their education plans and course selection.

Can students in the program join student clubs?

Only after arriving in the U.S. Online student clubs are not available.

If students join the 1+1+2 online program, are they eligible to participate in the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program?

Yes, we suggest students meet with a counselor to map out an Education Plan, so they take the appropriate courses towards their transfer goal.

Below are Cal-GETC courses for CSU and UC that may be completed online during a student's first year. These courses were offered fully online in Fall 2026. Future course availability, online offerings, and seat availability may change. Use this list as a general guide and consult with an academic counselor to develop an educational plan and select courses that align with your academic and transfer goals.

It is also recommended that new students enroll in COUNS-100 – New Student Success Strategies (designed for new international students). Students may take this course online before they arrive during their first year of study (1 unit).

Students should complete the Intake Form and meet with an academic counselor to discuss their educational plan.

Complete the Intake Form

Students may complete these courses online during their first year.

Area 1 - English Communication

3 courses, 9 semester units

1A – English Composition

1 course, 3 semester units

• ENGL-C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing – 3 units
• ENGL 122AL – Academic Reading and Writing for Multilingual Students – 5 units

1B – Critical Thinking and Composition

1 course, 3 semester units

• ENGL-C1001 - Critical Thinking and Writing – 3 units
• ENGL-C1003 - Critical Thinking and Writing Through Literature – 4 units

1C – Oral Communication

1 course, 3 semester units

• COMM-C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking – 3 units

Area 2 – Mathematical Concepts And Quantitative Reasoning

1 course, 3 semester units

NOTE: DVC does not offer math courses fully online. Students may consider math offered online by another community college or take math once they arrive at DVC in person.

Area 3 – Arts And Humanities

2 courses, 6 semester units (1 Arts course, 1 Humanities course)

3A – Arts

1 Course, 3 semester units

• ARTHS-100 - Art Appreciation
• ARTHS-193 - History of Asian Art
• ARTHS-196 - History of Medieval and Renaissance Art
• ARTHS-197 - History of Baroque to 20th Century Art
• ARTHS-199 - Contemporary Art History
• MUSIC-110 - Music Appreciation
• MUSIC-112 – America’s Music – A Multicultural Perspective
• MUSIC-117 – History of Rock and R&B
• MUSIC-118 – History of Jazz
• MUSIC-119 - The History and Culture of Hip Hop Music
• FTVE-200 - American Cinema/American Culture
• FTVE-205 - Introduction to Film and Media Arts
• FTVE-210 - American Ethnic Cultures in Film
• FTVE-280 - American Cinema 1900-1950
• FTVE-281 - World Cinema 1900-1960
• FTVE-282 - American Cinema 1950 to the Present
• FTVE-283 - World Cinema 1960 to the Present

3B – Humanities

1 Course, 3 semester units

• ENGL-151 - The Short Story
• ENGL-152 - Film and Literature
• ENGL-163 - Asian American Literature
• ENGL-167 - Latin American Literature
• ENGL-175 - Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature
• ENGL-190 - Multicultural Literature by American Women
• ENGL-272 - Survey of Early World Literature
• HIST-124 - History of California – 3 units
• HIST-126 - The American West
• HIST-140 - History of Western Civilization to the Renaissance
• HIST-170 - History of Women in the United States To 1877
• HIST-180 - World History to 1500
• HIST-C1001 - United States History to 1877 – 3 units
• HIST-C1002 - United States History Since 1865 – 3 units
• HUMAN-105 - Introduction to Humanities: Arts and Ideas
• HUMAN-108 - Humanities: The Roots of Hell
• HUMAN-110 - Humanities: Ancient Civilizations (to 500 A.D.)
• HUMAN-111 - Humanities: The Middle Ages and Renaissance
• HUMAN-115 - Humanities: The Multicultural American Experience
• HUMAN-116 - Humanities: The Arts and Culture of Asia
• HUMAN-123 - Humanities: American Popular Culture
• HUMAN-124 - Humanities: California Culture
• PHILO-220 - Comparative Religion

Area 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences

2 courses, 6 semester units (2 different disciplines required)

• ANTHR-130 - Cultural Anthropology - 3 units
• COMM – 125 – Intercultural Communication
• COMM-180 - Introduction to Communication Theory
• ECON-C2001 - Principles of Microeconomics – 3 units
• ECON-C2002 - Principles of Macroeconomics – 3 units
• FTVE-240 - Survey of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
• GEOG-130 - Cultural Geography – 3 units
• GEOG-135 - World Regional Geography– 3 units
• HIST-124 - History of California – 3 units
• HIST-126 - The American West
• HIST-140 - History of Western Civilization to the Renaissance
• HIST-170 - History of Women in the United States To 1877
• HIST-180 - World History to 1500
• HIST-C1001 - United States History to 1877 – 3 units
• HIST-C1002 - United States History Since 1865 – 3 units
• JRNAL-110 - Mass Media of Communication
• NUTRI-130 - Food and Nutrition: Cross Cultural Perspectives
• PH-130 - Introduction to Community and Public Health
• PH-132 - Global Health
• PH-137 - Cultural Competence in Health And Social Service
• PH-140 - Human Sexuality
• PH-145 - Social Determinants of Health, Disparities, and Health Equities
• POLS-120 - Introduction to Politics
• POLS-220 - Comparative Politics
• POLS-250 - International Relations
• POLS-C1000 - American Government and Politics
• PSYC-C1000 - Introduction to Psychology– 3 units
• PSYC-122 - Psychology in Modern Life
• PSYC-141 - Psychology of Latinos/Chicanos in the United States
• PSYC-160 - Psychology of Women
• PSYC-200 - Life Span Development
• PSYC-220 - Psychology of Personality: Personal, Social, Cultural Differences
• PSYC-225 - Social Psychology
• PSYC-230 - Abnormal Psychology
• SOCIO-120 - Introduction to Sociology
• SOCIO-121 - Introduction to Social Problems
• SOCIO-123 - Introduction to Social Research
• SOCIO-124 - Gender, Culture, and Society
• SOCIO-125 - Families, Relationships, and Commitment
• SOCIO-131 - The Urban Community
• SOCIO-135 - Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
• SOCSC-101 - Introduction to Social Justice
• SOCSC-111 - Money, Power, and Politics in the United States
• SOCSC-120 - Women and Social Change in the United States: 1890-Present
• SOCSC-123 - American Popular Culture
• SOCSC-220 - Women in United States Society

Area 5 – Ethnic Studies

 1 course, 3 semester units

• ETHN-101 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies

These sample education plans are for students interested in transferring into Business, Economics, or Psychology. The courses listed were offered fully online in Fall 2026. Course availability and offerings may change in future semesters, so use these plans as a general guide only. Students should confirm course selection and educational planning with an academic counselor based on their academic and transfer goals.

Business Track Example

Transfer plan for Business Administration (UC Berkeley/UC Irvine) and Business Economics (UCLA). Students will need 60 units by the time they transfer.

First semester (online) - 13-15 units

• ENGL-C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (3 units) OR ENGL 122AL – Academic Reading and Writing for Multilingual Students (5 units) (Note: ENGL 122AL is 5 units and only 3 units are UC Transferable)
• ECON-C2002 - Principles of Macroeconomics – 3 units
• BUS-109 - Introduction to Business – 3 units
• Select 1 course from 3A – Arts – 3 units
• COUNS-100 – New Student Success Strategies – 1 unit

Second semester (online) – 13 UNITS

• ENGL-C1001 - Critical Thinking and Writing – 3 units
• ECON-C2001 - Principles of Microeconomics – 3 units
• BUSAC-186 - Financial Accounting – 4 units
• Select 1 course from 3B – Humanities – 3 units

Economics Track Example

Transfer plan for Economics (UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara), Economics/Business Economics (UCLA and UC Irvine), and Economics/Managerial Economics (UC Davis). Student will need 60 units by the end of the spring term before transfer

First semester (online) – 13-15 units

• ENGL-C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (3 units)
  OR
• ENGL 122AL – Academic Reading and Writing for Multilingual Students (5 units)
  Note: ENGL 122AL is 5 units, and only 3 units are UC Transferable
• ECON-C2002 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3 units)
• Select 1 course from 3A – Arts (3 units)
• Select 1 course from 3B – Humanities (3 units)
• COUNS-100 – New Student Success Strategies

Second semester (online) – 12 units

• ENGL-C1001 - Critical Thinking and Writing (3 units)
• ECON-C2001 - Principles of Microeconomics (3 units)
• Select 1 course from Area 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences (Non Econ) (3 units)
• ETHN-101 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3 units)

Psychology Track Example

Transfer plan for Psychology (UC Berkeley and UCLA). Students will need 60 units by the end of the spring term before transfer

First semester (online) – 13-15 units

• ENGL-C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (3 units)
  or
• ENGL 122AL – Academic Reading and Writing for Multilingual Students (5 units)
  Note: ENGL 122AL is 5 units and only 3 units are UC Transferable
• PSYC-C1000 - Introduction to Psychology– 3 units
• *BUS-240 - Business Statistics – 3 units
• POLS-C1000 - American Government and Politics
• COUNS-100 – New Student Success Strategies (1 unit)

*In place of Bus 240, students might also select Stat C-1000 (Introduction to Statistics), which is offered in-person so would need to be taken after arriving to the U.S.

Second semester (online) – 12 units

• ENGL-C1001 - Critical Thinking and Writing (3 units)
• ANTHR-140 - Biological Anthropology (3 units)
• **SOCIO-120 - Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
• BIOL-C1001 - Introduction to Biology (3 units)

** For SOCIO-120, students can also choose 1 alternative from: ANTHR-130 - Cultural Anthropology, POLS-120 - Introduction to Politics, OR POLS-220 - Comparative Politics