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You
may find that it is better for you to transfer to another school at some time
in your educational career to reflect your changing needs. Maybe you have
finished the basic coursework you needed and now want to move into a more
demanding program. Maybe your financial situation has changed and you need the
flexibility to work.
Whatever
the reason, you may find that you need to transfer from a traditional program
to an online program, or vice versa. Yet you don't want to lose credit for the
work you have already completed. Can you transfer the credits?
The
answer, as in most situations, is "it depends." There are a number of
factors that will influence whether you can transfer the credits. Here are a
few things to consider:
Did you start with credits?
Students
who take classes in high school such as Advancement Placement or
dual-enrollment classes may be able to get college credit for those classes.
However, not every school gives credit for these classes, and those that do
don't all give the same credit.
If
you started out at College A and received credits for these classes, then you
transfer to College B, you may not get credit for those classes at College B.
They aren't classes you took while you were a college student, so they would be
treated the same as they would if you had applied to College B directly.
Did you complete a degree?
If
you finished an associate's degree, you can typically transfer all core classes
to any four-year degree, regardless of whether or not the four-year degree
would have recognized the classes you took for transfer credit. The same is
true if you complete a bachelor's degree and want to start a graduate program.
Most
schools will recognize any degree from an accredited institution.
Is the school accredited?
Whether
you finish a degree or just take a couple of courses, you must have done the
work at an accredited school to get the credit. Unfortunately, there are many
online programs at schools that are not accredited, or that are not accredited
with the proper agencies.
Generally,
if you attended an accredited university, at least some of your credits will be
transferrable.
What program are you entering?
Of
course, not all classes are applicable to all degree programs. If you started
at College A in a program on computer engineering but you want to transfer to
College B for a program in the humanities, it's likely that few of your credits
will transfer. After all, calculus is unlikely to be one of the required courses
for a degree in comparative literature.
How were the classes weighted?
While
Introduction to Mathematics might be a four-credit course at one school, it may
only be a two-credit course at another. Check the course catalog and curriculum
for your program and your intended program to find out how the classes compare.
You may have to talk with an academic advisor to find out what classes
correspond if the names vary.
What grades did you receive?
Of
course, if you performed poorly in a class, you are unlikely to be able to
transfer the credit. However, what is considered "poor" in one
program may be considered acceptable in another. Some schools have higher
passing scores than others. Check with your advisor to find out if any of your
low marks are likely to be able to transfer.
When
you decide to transfer your program, it is always best to talk with an academic
advisor. This person can help you analyze your personal record and let you know
how the rules will apply to your case specifically. An advisor can also let you
know if any special exceptions can be made where needed.
Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer
and researcher for CollegeScholarships.org, where recently she’s been
researching scholarships in alabama and grants for minorities.
In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
Many thanks to Alexis.
Enjoy your reading!
Enjoy your reading!
