The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Journalism provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU-impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

Journalism study at Santa Barbara City College provides the theory, practical skills, and experiences that inform students' personal lives, intellectual pursuits, and professional endeavors in the mass media. The Associate of Arts Degree, in particular, provides students with the foundational knowledge to successfully transition into a baccalaureate degree in journalism or any liberal arts major.