Transfer Course Policy

Graduate transfer credit may be considered as part of the admissions process for applicants seeking to apply previously completed graduate coursework toward their intended program of study. Applicants requesting transfer credit must indicate their request as part of the graduate admissions application and submit official transcripts from the institution where the coursework was completed. Transfer credit requests submitted during the admissions process will be reviewed by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) in consultation with the appropriate academic department.

Current matriculated students seeking to complete graduate coursework at another institution after enrolling at Southern must submit a Graduate Transfer Request and receive approval prior to enrolling in a transfer course to ensure transferability.

Students may request up to 9 credits of graduate coursework to transfer into a graduate program between 30-36 credits, or up to 25 percent of the total credits for longer programs, not including prerequisites. Many graduate programs have more restrictive policies. All transfer coursework must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Graduate-level courses from a regionally accredited institution.
• Passing grade of "B" (3.0) or higher; pass/fail courses may not be transferred.
• Courses must have been completed within six years at the time of graduation.
• Courses must be applicable to the student's current program requirements.
• Courses may not have been previously used towards another degree.
• For sixth-year certificates, credits must be earned after the master's degree.

Official transcripts showing proof of completion must be submitted for all courses considered for transfer credit. For applicants, official transcripts must be submitted through the admissions process. For current students requesting transfer credit after matriculation, an official transcript must be submitted upon completion of the approved course(s). Credit hours only, not grades, may be transferred. The grade point average (GPA) is computed for grades earned at Southern only. Transferred courses cannot be revalidated if beyond the six-year limit for inclusion in a graduate program.

International Transfer Credit

For international institutions not recognized by a regional accreditor, graduate-level courses must be from an institution approved by a quality assurance body and/or Ministry of Education authorized to operate by their respective government.

Students must provide a certified evaluation of foreign transcripts and credentials (course by course with grades) from a NACES approved organization (naces.org), including a copy of the transcript being evaluated. Students are responsible for payment of fees charged by these agencies.