An articulation agreement is an officially approved agreement between two or more institutions, which allows a student to apply credits earned in specific programs at one institutions toward advanced standing, entry, or transfer into a specific program at the other institution. Articulation agreements are also called transfer agreements, transfer guides, or transfer pathways by various audiences.
An articulation agreement can have several advantages for a student. It matches coursework between schools and so helps students make a smooth transition from one institution to another by minimizing duplication of coursework. If a community college, for instance, has an articulation agreement with a four-year institution, the student will know that if he or she takes the appropriate courses at the community college, then those courses will transfer for credit to the four-year college.
Articulation agreements are between institutions or organizations and do not require the student to make individual arrangements. They are specific, formal, written agreements – agreed to and signed by participating colleges, universities, or organizations. Agreements may be updated often, so checking the college and university websites and admissions offices is important. Agreements are not limited to North Dakota colleges and universities, and numerous agreements exist with institutions from other states and countries.