Program Description

Transitional Studies courses provide an excellent starting point for students who score at or above minimum entrance scores on the college’s placement test but below program entrance requirements. If college placement test scores indicate students need help in English, reading or math, our instructors help students refresh and upgrade skills that provide the foundation for success in their chosen majors.

Transitional Studies courses may transfer to other South Carolina technical colleges but do not transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Transitional Studies Department is to prepare students for success in college-level classes through strengthening writing, reading, mathematical and critical thinking skills.  

Type of Program

Day, night, weekend, blended, and online

Requirements for Completion 

Students move into college-level courses and programs by completing Transitional Studies course work with a grade of “C” or better.

Acceleration Opportunities

Test for Success Workshops

The Test for Success program is designed to prepare students for the College’s placement test and helps them navigate Transitional Studies course choices if they do not meet their program entrance requirements based on test scores. Students are encouraged to take Test for Success workshops in math, reading and English to brush up on skills before retaking the placement test.

Accelerate Math

The Accelerate Math program is offered to students who have placed into Transitional Studies Math (MAT 100 Introductory College Math (Non-Degree Credit) and MAT 105 Introduction to College Algebra). The program is a flexible, affordable and low-stress way for students to practice their skills and build their confidence in preparation for math courses. In many cases, Accelerate Math participants are able to advance to a higher level of math than their initial placement--saving time and money.  

For a $35 fee, students receive six weeks of access to web-based, self-paced math software. The software is designed to help students identify math strengths and weaknesses and develop an improvement plan. To help students navigate the software and math concepts, math faculty are available in the computer lab located in the Math Center on the third floor of the University Transfer Building (Bldg. 104) on the Barton Campus.

Accelerated Course Formats

To help students progress through courses as quickly as possible while also providing a solid foundation, the Transitional Studies department schedules a variety of accelerated course options each semester. Students should consult their advisors to identify the best opportunities for acceleration. Acceleration course formats include:

Emporium Math

By completing one five-credit course, students could potentially satisfy requirements for one or both Transitional Studies math courses. Students begin the course by taking a diagnostic test and working with their instructors to create a course learning plan. The emporium option is recommended for motivated self-learners who are computer literate, strong readers and close to the cut-off score for placing into a higher-level course. 

Accelerated Course Formats

Fast Track English  and reading courses
The Fast Track course option offers lecture-style classes compressed into seven weeks. 

English+ (English Plus) accelerated learning courses

English+ courses are opportunities for students who score at the high end of ENG 100 Introduction to Composition (Non-Degree Credit) placement to earn credit for both ENG 101 English Composition I* and RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) in the same semester.

• Qualified students register for two three-credit courses--a traditional ENG 101 English Composition I* with a supplementary RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) course that includes fewer students and more individualized instruction.
• The RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) course meets immediately after the ENG 101 English Composition I* course, and the same instructor teaches both courses.
• A typical RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) class meeting will include discussion and review of the material presented in ENG 101 English Composition I*; intensive work on grammar, editing, developing ideas, organization and documentation; and strategies to improve critical reading skills.

Students who successfully complete all learning outcomes for RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) and ENG 101 English Composition I* earn credit for both classes.

Students who are successful in RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) but do not pass ENG 101 English Composition I* will earn credit for RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) only, but they will have the opportunity to re-take ENG 101 English Composition I* as a stand-alone course the next semester.

Students who do not pass RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) or ENG 101 English Composition I* will be required to enroll in a regular section of RWR 100 Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit) in a subsequent semester.

English and Math Studio Course Acceleration

Student Acceleration Courses, ENG 012 Developmental English Workshop and MAT 114 Intermediate Algebra-Compressed, are one-credit-hour co-requisite courses designed to give qualified students the option to take curriculum courses earlier. The studio courses provide an opportunity to master objectives and outcomes for ENG 101 English Composition I* or designated curriculum math course. ENG 012 Developmental English Workshop is a co-requisite to ENG 101 English Composition I* and MAT 114 Intermediate Algebra-Compressed is a corequisite to the designated curriculum math course. 

To qualify for the studio course acceleration, students must meet designated placement scores.  The student should discuss options with an advisor.

Related Areas

English, Reading, Mathematics, English as a Second Language

Visit our web page at https://www.gvltec.edu/transitional_studies/.

TS English

TS English courses are taught in various formats: face-to-face, online, fast track, learning communities and English Plus.

Course List

Course	Title	Hours
ENG 012	Developmental English Workshop	1
ENG 032	Developmental English	3
ENG 100	Introduction to Composition (Non-Degree Credit)	3

Reading

Reading courses are taught in a variety of formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, learning communities and fast track.

Course List

Course	Title	Hours
RDG 032	Developmental Reading	3
RDG 100	Critical Reading (Non-Degree Credit)	3

Read-Write

Course List

Course	Title	Hours
RWR 100	Integrated Transitional Reading and English (Non-Degree Credit)	3

TS Mathematics

TS math courses are taught in various formats: face-to-face, online, emporium and learning communities.

Course List

Course	Title	Hours
MAT 100	Introductory College Math (Non-Degree Credit)	5
MAT 102	Intermediate Algebra	3
MAT 105	Introduction to College Algebra	5
MAT 114	Intermediate Algebra-Compressed	1

English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL courses strengthen the knowledge and use of the English language for non-native speakers. Courses are offered in listening and speaking; reading; writing composition; and grammar and punctuation. Classes are taught using a combination of teaching techniques, including lectures, group assignments and computer-assisted programs. Students who are non-native speakers of English and who wish to pursue a college degree are strongly encouraged to enroll in ESL classes.

Course List

Course	Title	Hours
ESL 010	Communication I	1
ESL 011	Reading/Writing I	1
ESL 012	Grammar I	1
ESL 013	Pronunciation I	1
ESL 014	Communication II	1
ESL 015	Reading/Writing II	1
ESL 016	Grammar II	1
ESL 017	Pronunciation II	1
ESL 018	Grammar III	1
ESL 019	Composition	1