Transfer guide for Computer Science students
(Valencia College -> UCF)

Straightforward guide for Computer Science majors looking to transfer successfully.

Understanding the Transfer Process

Transferring from a community college to a university is a strategic move that saves money and allows you to mature as a student. However, the process requires careful planning from day one.

The best option at Valencia College is to pursue an Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree, since it covers all general education requirements, which includes some classes that are more related to the Computer Science field of study, as well as giving you guaranteed entry to UCF.

Below, I list out all the "Must take classes" required to transfer to UCF.

The "Must Take" Classes

You should complete these requirements at Valencia College before you transfer to UCF.

General Requirements & GPA

Pursuing an A.A. degree at Valencia College might feel confusing after getting the PDF that the school gives you when you complete your admission, but it can be explained in simpler terms:


  • Complete 4 classes of "Communication" Area. These classes include a lot of essay writing.
    Must take the following:
    • SLS-1122 New Student Experience
    • ENC-1101 Freshman Composition I
    • ENC-1102 Freshman Composition II
      AND
    • SPC-1608 Fundamentals of Speech OR SPC-1017 Interpersonal Communication.

  • Complete 2 classes of the "Humanities Area". These classes will be the easiest you'll take in college, so you should take them during a "hard" semester to reduce your overall workload.

  • Complete 2 classes of the "Social Sciences" Area. These are the basic government / history classes.

  • Complete 2 classes of the "Math" Area. Explained with details on the left of the section below.

  • Complete 2 classes of the "Science" Area. Explained with details on the right of the section below.
    • Two science classes (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) are required for the A.A. at Valencia College, but two additional ones are required for the B.S. in Computer Science at UCF.

  • Complete 24 credits of acceptable electives, which will be completed after taking most of your Math and CS core classes.

Mathematics Sequence

    In order from lower-level to higher-level math classes, take the following:


  • MAC-1105 College Algebra
  • MAC-1114 College Trigonometry
  • MAC-1140 Precalculus Algebra

    • Must complete ALL of the above before taking the next set.


    Note: at this point, the classes will get significantly harder.


  • MAC-2311 Calculus I
  • MAC-2312 Calculus II

    • Although not directly required for the CS Degree at UCF, the following classes can also be taken at Valencia and can be used as math electives:


  • MAC-2313 Calculus III
  • MAP-2302 Differential Equations

Core CS Concepts

Focus on Python and C, and make sure you understand the basic concepts of each programming language.


    Take the following computer programming classes:


  • COP-1000 Introduction to Programming (Python).
  • COP-2220C C Programming

    • The class COP-3330 Object Oriented Programming is recommended to be taken at UCF, but it can be taken at Valencia too (must take two classes instead):


  • COP-2800C Java Programming

    • AND


  • COP-2805C Advanced Java Programming

Science Electives

Science classes are not closely related to Computer Science, so they can be taken at any term since they do not affect any of the other CS classes.


Complete the following two Physics classes:


  • PHY-2048C Physics with Calculus I
  • PHY-2049C Physics with Calculus II

    • Furthermore, two more science classes are also required. Choose two from below:


  • BSC-1010C General Biology I
  • BSC-1011C General Biology II
  • CHM-1045C General Chemistry I
  • CHM-1046C General Chemistry II

Resources to Learn More

Valencia College A.A. Degree Requirements

More information and details about the requirements to earn an A.A. Degree at Valencia College.

Learn More

DirectConnect to UCF

Detailed information about transferring to UCF after graduating from Valencia College.

Learn More

UCF Computer Science B.S. Degree Flowchart

Flowchart showing the exact requirements for the B.S. Degree in Computer Science at UCF

Flowchart PDF

Coding Practice

Platforms to practice syntax and logic.

Visit LeetCode

Visual Learning

See how algorithms work visually.

Visit Visualgo

Theory & Lectures

Full Harvard lectures online.

CS50 Course