Transfer of Credit

Credit for Undergraduate Coursework Successfully Completed at Other Institutions

The University welcomes students who have earned college credits from other institutions of higher education in accordance with the following policies:

  1. The University transfers credit from colleges and universities that are accredited by regional accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Credits from colleges and universities not approved by regional accrediting bodies are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
  2. A transfer student seeking a bachelor’s degree must meet the University’s graduation requirements, notably, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of their major program of study through the University and students must complete a minimum of 30 of their final 40 hours through the University.
  3. The University awards transfer credit only for official transcripts that it has received.
  4. Transfer credit will be awarded only for courses in which the student has received a grade of C or higher. The university’s validation of credits may include, but is not limited to, evaluation by the registrar's office, appropriate academic programs, and the office of academic affairs. If transfer credits accepted are not in semester hours, they will be converted to semester credit hours.
  5. The University does not accept developmental or remedial courses in transfer.
  6. All credits accepted by the University in transfer are accepted as credit only (i.e., the University does not transfer grades).
  7. Courses that are transferred to the University are transferred at the level they appear on the student’s transcript (i.e., 100, 200, 300, or 400-level). Courses at the 300 and 400 level that are transferred to the University will be applied to the 15 credit hours at the 300 level or above that all bachelor’s degree seeking students are required to complete. Courses at the 100 and 200 level that are transferred to the University may fulfill a 300 or 400-level major requirement (i.e., a 200-level transfer course may meet a 300-level major requirement course), but they may not be applied to the 15 credit hours that a bachelor’s degree seeking student is required to complete at the 300-level or above.

Students who Transfer to the University with an Associate Degree

The University will grant students who have earned an associate degree (AA, AS, AAS, AAA) up to 64 semester credits toward meeting the requirements of their bachelor’s degree. Students who transfer in an associate degree are still required to meet degree and residency requirements. Students who have earned an AA or AS degree generally meet the majority of their core curriculum requirements through their associate degree. Students with an AAS or AAA typically have to complete the majority of the university’s core curriculum requirements.

Articulation Agreements

The University occasionally enters into articulation agreements with other institutions of higher education. These articulation agreements provide for the completion of University degrees which incorporate credit earned in programs of study at other institutions. Exceptions to the university’s policies regarding transfer credits (e.g., the acceptance of non-graded courses, etc.) may be made within articulation agreements pending the approval of the appropriate faculty committee.

Credit Granted for Demonstrating Proficiency through Examinations

Advanced Placement (AP)

The University accepts AP credit. Students are required to pass the AP exam in each specific area prior to being awarded credit in that area. Students should consult the registrar for information regarding minimal scores. Official AP test scores should be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar.

Cambridge Exam (A-level)

The University grants credit for achieving specific scores on the Cambridge Exam (A-level). Students should request that official scores be sent to the Office of the Registrar. A list of current minimum scores and classes for which CLEP credit may be earned may be obtained from the registrar.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The University participates in the CLEP. Credit will be granted for CLEP general and subject examinations that are completed with a score at, or above, the minimum score for awarding credit set by the American Council on Education. A list of current minimum scores and classes for which CLEP credit may be earned may be obtained from the registrar. Degree-seeking students enrolled at the University who have earned the minimum score for awarding credit may have CLEP credit posted to their transcript by having the College Board send an official score report to the Office of the Registrar.

International Baccalaureate

Students who receive a score of four (4) or higher on the examinations of the International Baccalaureate program may be awarded credit from the University equal to the credit offered for equivalent (or similar) introductory courses offered by the university. The registrar determines (in consultation with appropriate academic programs) the scores required to satisfy specific entry-level course requirements. The ability of students to use credits earned through the International Baccalaureate program to meet the requirements of specific majors and/or minors (i.e., as opposed to general education requirements) is determined in consultation with the relevant department chairs.

Seal of Biliteracy

The University recognizes the Seal of Biliteracy from approved states – currently Iowa and Illinois – as demonstration of a level of language learning that is consistent with college level study. The University awards up to 12 credits in a second language for students who have received this certification.

To receive this credit, students should have their final high school transcript, indicating that the student has earned a Seal of Biliteracy, sent to the Office of the Registrar for verification and awarding of credits.

Military Experience/Training School

Veterans may receive credit for a physical education credit upon receipt of their DD Form 214. Additional credit may be granted from military training based on departmental review and following recommendation guidelines established by the American Council on Education (ACE). A military transcript should be sent to the Office of the Registrar to determine the academic credit. Military credits are reviewed and considered for equivalent coursework at the University based on the (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

Credit for Learning for Professional Experience

Students demonstrating college-level learning through experience may be able to obtain equivalency credits applicable to a degree. The process involves the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s work and life experiences to determine if the learning outcomes match a University course(s). Methods of demonstrating prior experiential learning typically include portfolio development or special examination by department. These credits may or may not be transferable to other colleges.

Transfer of Credit into a Graduate Program

Transfer polices vary by program. Please visit the program page or contact the graduate department directly for additional information.