Transfer Credit and Alternative Study
Southern Connecticut State University accepts transfer credit earned from courses taken at regionally accredited institutions and recognizes learning experiences outside the traditional college classroom may be equivalent to those that occur in the classroom in terms of meeting the objectives of established courses and programs. Acceptance of transfer and alternative credit varies depending upon specific degree requirements and relevant departmental, School or College, and/or external accrediting agency standards.
Transfer Credit
Southern's Transfer Commitment
Transfer students accepted with a previously earned bachelor's degree will be exempt from all general education requirements and two courses will be waived towards the W-Writing Requirement. All other transfer students with a minimum number of initial transfer credits at the time of acceptance will be exempt from certain requirements as outlined below.
Transfer Students with 15+ Initial Transfer Credits
- Tier 1 First Year Experience Waived
Transfer Students with 30+ Initial Transfer Credits
(all of the above waivers in 15+, and)
- Enter the University with Sophomore Status
- Tier 1 Critical Thinking *will be waived for incoming transfer students with a 2.5 GPA, and three transfer courses equivalent to Tier 2 courses completed.
- Tier 1 Multilingual Communication *will be met with at least high school level 3 completion or, college level 2 language.
Transfer Students with 60+ Initial Transfer Credits or an Associate's Degree
(all of the above waivers in 15+ and 30+, and)
- Enter the University with Junior Status
- Tier 1 Multilingual Communication will be waived
- W-Writing Requirement: one course waived (two courses waived if 90+ Initial Transfer Credits)
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 will be met if all of the following general education requirements are complete at the time of transfer:
- 3 credits in MAT 103, 106, 107, 108, 120 or higher
- 3 credits in ENG 112 or 120
- 3 credits in Sciences (BIO, CHE, ESC, ENV, MAR, PHY)
- 3 credits in Social Sciences (ANT, COM, ECO, GEO, JRN, PSC, PSY, SOC)
- 3 credits in Arts & Humanities (ART, ENG, HIS, JST, LIT, MDS, MUS, PHI, THR, WGS, WLL) excluding ENG 110, 112, 119, 120
- 24 additional credits in any of the above disciplines, CSC, and/or a world language above the 101 level (SPA, ITA, GER, FRE LAT, CHI, JPN) excluding ENG 110, 112, 119, 120 and MAT 100, 100P, 102.
Transfer Students with 30+ Initial Transfer Credits from the CT Community Colleges
Students who have completed the CT Community College General Education Framework 30 Competency Areas below at the time of transfer will be waived from the following general education requirements at Southern:
- Tier 1 First-Year Experience
- Tier 1 Critical Thinking
- Tier 1 Written Communication
- Tier 1 Technological Fluency
- Tier 1 Quantitative Reasoning
- Tier 2 Natural World I: Physical Realm
- Tier 2 Natural World II: Life and Environment
- Tier 2 Cultural Expression
- Tier 2 Time and Place
- Tier 2 Social Structure, Conflict, and Consensus
CT Community College General Education Framework 30 Competency Areas (see course lists by college at https://www.ct.edu/tap#gen):
- Written Communication 6 credits
- Quantitative Reasoning 3 credits
- Scientific Reasoning, Knowledge, and Understanding 6 credits
- Historical Knowledge and Understanding 3 Credits
- Social Phenomena 3 credits
- Aesthetic Dimensions 3 Credits
- 6 Additional credits in Quantitative Reasoning, Historical Knowledge and Understanding, Social Phenomena, Aesthetic Dimensions, Oral Communication, Continuing Learning/Information Literacy, and/or Critical Analysis/Logical Thinking.
ConnSCU Transfer Agreements
SCSU has entered into additional transfer agreements with the colleges and universities listed below. Each agreement outlines a pathway and commitment between institutions for certain academic programs, as well as eligibility criteria for students interested in applying.
- Connecticut State Community College - Transfer Ticket Programs
- Eastern Connecticut State University - Nursing
- Gateway Community College - Social Work
- Gateway Community College - Liberal Arts & Science
- Housatonic Community College - Liberal Arts & Science in Humanities/Behavioral and Social Science
- Manchester Community College - Therapeutic Recreation
- Naugatuck Community College - Liberal Arts & Science
- Norwalk Community College - Liberal Arts & Science in Transfer Program/Mathematics and Science
- Tunxis Community College - Liberal Arts & Science
Transfer Credit Policy for Individual Courses
New Transfer Students
Southern evaluates transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions and issues an official transfer credit evaluation at the time of acceptance. Southern accepts transfer credit for prior courses with grades if "C- "or better. Transfer grades are not included in Southern's calculation of grade point average (GPA). Transfer credits are subject to course-by-course evaluation towards program requirements or they may be applied towards free electives in the program.
Students will be admitted with either freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior level standing based on the overall number of transfer credits and must meet all graduation requirements in order to earn an undergraduate degree from Southern. This includes completing a minimum of 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree and taking at least 30 credits at Southern. For more information on any transfer credit policy or procedures, please contact Transfer Student Services.
Students who previously completed an associate degree at one of the Connecticut public community colleges will be accepted with a minimum of 60 credits in transfer, including credit for passing grades of ‘D-‘ or higher, subject to course-by-course evaluation towards SCSU program requirements. SCSU also accepts passing grades of ‘D-’ or higher for courses taken prior to admission from Eastern, Western, and Central Connecticut State University.
Current Students
Current degree-seeking students, who plan to take courses at another institution, must complete a Transfer Credit Request, be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0, and receive prior approval to apply the transfer credit(s) towards their program requirements at Southern. Students who will not be concurrently registered for any courses at Southern must also submit a Leave of Absence form to maintain matriculation status while attending another institution.
Only courses completed at regionally accredited colleges or universities with grades of "C-" or better can be transferred. Upon completion, students must submit an official transcript to the Registrar's Office showing proof of completion. Students will not receive duplicate credit for any course in which they have already earned credit. Transfer grades are not included in Southern's calculation of grade point average (GPA). Students may search our database of transferable courses for schools within Connecticut.
For the Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 Semesters Only
In addition, as a result of COVID-19, where credit was earned in a pass-fail or credit-no credit grade option, transfer credit will be awarded for spring 2020 and fall 2020 courses depending on the intended major at the time of approval (see exclusions: spring 2020 exclusions or fall 2020 exclusions). Whereas transfer courses normally appear with a grade of T1 (Transfer grade of C or better), T2 (Transfer grade of C-), or T3 (Transfer grade of D+, D, D-), spring 2020 transfer grades for courses taken as pass-fail or credit-no credit will be determined as meeting the minimum grade equivalent of T1, T2, or T3 according to the definitions on the transferring institution’s transcript key.
Alternative Study
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program offers college-level courses and exams that students can take in high school. Students applying for admission to SCSU should have their official score report sent from College Board to the Undergraduate Admissions Office for evaluation. These credits may count towards the overall 120 credit minimum required for a degree in one of three ways:
- Major course credit.
- Liberal Education Program (LEP) course credit (i.e. general education requirements).
- Elective credit (i.e. course numbers such as 0100 and 0200 are generally elective credits).
Credit will not be awarded for any AP exam that duplicates the content of a college course for which a student has already received credit. Below is a chart that lists the minimum score acceptable for academic credit at SCSU for the current catalog year.
AP Capstone Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Research | 3 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Seminar | 3 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) |
AP Arts Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Art History | 3 | ART 104 or ART 105 (3 credits) |
Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
2-D Art and Design | 3 | ART 112 (3 credits) | |
3-D Art and Design | 3 | ART 113 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Creative Drive |
Drawing | 3 | ART 150 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Creative Drive |
Music Theory | 3 | MUS 220 and MUS 225 (5 credits) |
AP English Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
English Language & Composition |
3 | ENG 110 (3 credits) | |
English Language & Composition |
4 | ENG 112 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Written Communication |
English Language & Composition |
5 | ENG 112 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Written Communication |
English Literature & Composition |
3 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
English Literature & Composition |
4 | ENG 112 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Written Communication |
English Literature & Composition |
5 | ENG 112 and 217 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Written Communication and Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
AP History and Social Sciences Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Comparative Government & Politics |
3 | PSC 200 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Social Structure, Conflict & Consensus |
European History | 3 | HIS 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time & Place |
European History | 4 | HIS 100 and 101 (6 credits) |
Tier 2, Time & Place |
Human Geography | 3 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Human Geography | 4 | GEO 200 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Macroeconomics | 3 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Macroeconomics | 4 | ECO 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Social Structure, Conflict & Consensus |
Microeconomics | 3 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Microeconomics | 4 | ECO 101 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Global Awareness |
Psychology | 3 | PSY 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Mind & Body |
U.S. Government & Politics |
3 | PSC 260 (3 credits) | Tier 2, American Experience |
U.S. History | 3 | HIS 110 (3 credits) | Tier 2, American Experience |
U.S. History | 4 | HIS 110 and HIS 111 (6 credits) |
Tier 2, American Experience |
World History: Modern | 3 | HIS 0100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Global Awareness |
AP Math and Computer Science Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Calculus AB | 3 | MAT 150 (4 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Calculus BC | 3 | MAT 150 (4 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Calculus BC | 4 | MAT 150 and MAT 151 (8 credits) |
Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Computer Science A | 3 | CSC 152 (3 credits) | |
Computer Science Principles |
3 | CSC 0100 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Technological Fluency |
Statistics | 3 | MAT 107 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
AP Sciences Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Biology | 3 | BIO 102 and BIO 103 (8 credits) |
Tier 2, Life and Environment |
Chemistry | 3 | CHE 120 and CHE 121 (8 credits) |
Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm & Life and Environment |
Environmental Science |
3 | ENV 100 (3 credits) | |
Physics 1: Algebra-Based |
3 | PHY 0100 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Physics 1: Algebra-Based |
4 | PHY 200 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
3 | PHY 0100 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Physics 2: Algebra-Based |
4 | PHY 201 (4 credits) | |
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
3 | ELE 0100 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
4 | PHY 231 (4 credits) | |
Physics C: Mechanics | 3 | ELE 0100 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Physics C: Mechanics | 4 | PHY 230 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
AP World Languages and Cultures Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Chinese Language and Culture |
3 | CHI 101 (3 credits) | |
Chinese Language and Culture |
4 | CHI 200 and CHI 210 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication and Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
French Language and Culture |
3 | FRE 101 (3 credits) | |
French Language and Culture |
4 | FRE 200 and FRE 210 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication and Tier 2, Global Awareness |
German Language and Culture |
3 | GER 101 (3 credits) | |
German Language and Culture |
4 | GER 201 and GER 202 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication and Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Italian Language and Culture |
3 | ITA 101 (3 credits) | |
Italian Language and Culture |
4 | ITA 200 and ITA 210 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication and Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Japanese Language and Culture |
3 | JPN 101 (3 credits) | |
Japanese Language and Culture |
4 | JPN 200 and JPN 210 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication and Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Latin | 3 | LAT 101 (3 credits) | |
Latin | 4 | LAT 200 and LAT 0200 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication |
Spanish Language and Culture |
3 | SPA 101 (3 credits) | |
Spanish Language and Culture |
4 | SPA 200 and SPA 210 (6 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication and Tier 2, American Experience |
Spanish Literature and Culture |
3 | SPA 398 (3 credits) |
COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides an opportunity for students to obtain academic credit by obtaining a satisfactory score on nationally standardized examinations prepared by the Educational Testing Service. Students applying for admission to SCSU should have their official results sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office for evaluation. Current degree-seeking students should have their official results sent to the Registrar's Office. These credits may count towards the overall 120 credit minimum required for a degree in one of three ways:
- Major course credit.
- Liberal Education Program (LEP) course credit (i.e.general education requirements).
- Elective credit (i.e. course numbers such as 0100 and 0200 are generally elective credits).
Credit will not be awarded for any CLEP exam that duplicates the content of a college course for which a student has already received credit. Below is a chart that lists the minimum score acceptable for academic credit at SCSU for the current catalog year.
Note: The SCSU Code for CLEP exam registration is 3662.
CLEP Business Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Financial Accounting | 50 | ACC 200 (3 credits) | |
Information Systems | 50 | CSC 200 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Technological Fluency |
Introductory Business Law | 50 | MGT 240 (3 credits) | |
Principles of Management | 50 | MGT 300 (3 credits) | |
Principles of Marketing | 50 | MKT 200 (3 credits) |
CLEP Composition and Literature Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
American Literature | 50 | ENG 217 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature |
N/A | Not Accepted | |
College Composition | N/A | Not Accepted | |
College Composition Modular |
50 | ENG 111 (3 credits) | |
English Literature | 50 | ENG 217 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Humanities | 50 | ART/LIT/MUS/THR 0100 (3 credits) |
Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
CLEP History and Social Sciences Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
American Government | 50 | PSC 260 (3 credits) | Tier 2, American Experience |
History of the United States I |
50 | HIS 110 (3 credits) | Tier 2, American Experience |
History of the United States II |
50 | HIS 111 (3 credits) | Tier 2, American Experience |
Human Growth and Development | 50 | PSY 219 (3 credits) | |
Introduction to Educational Psychology |
50 | PSY 370 (3 credits) | |
Introductory Psychology | 50 | PSY 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Mind and Body |
Introductory Sociology | 54 | SOC 100 (3 credits) | |
Principles of Macroeconomics | 50 | ECO 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Social Structure, Conflict & Consensus |
Principles of Microeconomics | 50 | ECO 101 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Global Awareness |
Social Sciences and History | 50 | ECO/GEO/HIS/PSC 0100 (6 credits) |
Tier 2, Time and Place |
Western Civilization I | 50 | HIS 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time and Place |
Western Civilization II | 50 | HIS 101 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time and Place |
CLEP Science and Mathematics Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
Biology | 50 | BIO 100 and 101 (6 credits) |
Tier 2, Natural World II: Life and Environment |
Calculus | 50 | MAT 150 (4 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Chemistry | 50 | CHE 120 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
College Algebra | 50 | MAT 120 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
College Mathematics | 50 | MAT 103 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Natural Sciences | 50 | BIO/CHE/ESC/PHY 0100 (6 credits) |
|
Precalculus | 61 | MAT 122 (4 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
CLEP World Languages Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
French Language Level 1 Proficiency |
50 | FRE 100, 101 (6 credits) | |
French Language Level 2 Proficiency |
59 | FRE 100, 101, and 200 (9 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication |
German Language Level 1 Proficiency |
50 | GER 100, 101 (6 credits) | |
German Language Level 2 Proficiency |
60 | GER 100, 101, and 201 (9 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication |
Spanish Language Level 1 Proficiency |
50 | SPA 100, 101 (6 credits) | |
Spanish Language Level 2 Proficiency |
63 | SPA 100, 101, and 200 (9 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication |
For each of the world languages, there is only one exam, and it covers both Level 1 and 2 content. SCSU awards 6 semester hours of credit for mastery of Level 1 content (a score of 50) and 9 semester hours of credit for mastery of both Levels 1 and 2 (a score of 59 on French Language, 60 on German Language, and 63 on Spanish Language.)
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
Cooperative Education provides firsthand working experience for students while they are studying for their degrees. In their junior or senior years, students may spend a semester or a six-month period working full-time or part-time in business, industry, or government as part of their undergraduate programs.
The employing firm or agency works closely with the University in guiding the student through a practical learning experience. Students earn a wage from the employer, and are awarded from 1 to 12 academic credits by the University upon the successful completion of the employment period. These credits are applied to the student's academic program as free electives. For Interdisciplinary Studies, credit may be applied toward the 300-400 upper level requirement.
Junior or senior students who have completed 60 credits and have earned at least a 2.0 GPA are eligible to apply and participate in this program. Applications are available in the Center for Career Services. The student must receive written permission from his or her academic adviser, department chairperson, and dean as indicated on the application form. Employment periods are typically January 1-June 30 and July 1-December 31. Application deadlines are November 1 for January and April 1 for July.
The decision to recommend a student for participation in the program is based on academic and personal qualifications, on the nature of the work sought, on the number of cooperative employment opportunities available, and on the number of applicants. The final decision on the selection of candidates rests with the employer. The University does not guarantee the placement of students in Cooperative Education. For more information, contact Academic Advisement at (203) 392-8888.
DANTES SUBJECT STANDARDIZED TESTS (DSST)
This credit by exam program offers students the opportunity to use their knowledge acquired outside of the classroom to accomplish their educational goals. While the exams are funded for active-duty military, DSST exams are not just for those in the military. Adult learners, homeschooled students, and military veterans are also eligible to earn college credits through DSST. Students can visit DSST exams to review offered exams, test prep, and locate a test center.
Students applying for admission to SCSU should have their official results sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office for evaluation. Current degree-seeking students should have their official results sent to the Registrar's Office. These credits may count towards the overall 120 credit minimum required for a degree in one of three ways:
- Major course credit.
- Liberal Education Program (LEP) course credit (i.e.general education requirements).
- Elective credit (i.e. course numbers such as 0100 and 0200 are generally elective credits).
Credit will not be awarded for any DSST exam that duplicates the content of a college course for which a student has already received credit. Below is a chart that lists the minimum score acceptable for academic credit at SCSU for the current catalog year.
DSST Exams
Topic | Minimum Score | SCSU Course Equivalent | LEP Requirement Met |
A History of the Vietnam War | 400 | HIS 300 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time and Place |
Art of the Western World | 400 | ART 0100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Astronomy | 400 | ESC 0100 (3 credits) | |
Business Ethics and Society | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Criminal Justice | 400 | SCO 162 (3 credits) | |
Computer and Information Technology |
400 | CSC 101 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Technological Fluency |
Environmental Science | 400 | ENV 100 (3 credits) | |
Ethics in America | 400 | PHI 220 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Mind and Body |
Foundations of Education | 400 | EDU 0200 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Social Structure, Conflict & Consensus |
Fundamentals of College Algebra | 434 | MAT 100 (3 credits) | |
Fundamentals of Counseling | 400 | PSY 0100 (3 credits) | |
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
General Anthropology | 400 | ANT 101 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Social Structure, Conflict & Consensus |
Health and Human Development | 400 | PCH 201 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Mind and Body |
Human Resources Management | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
History of the Soviet Union | 400 | HIS 242 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time and Place |
Introduction to Business | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Introduction to Geography | 400 | GEO 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time and Place |
Introduction to Geology | 400 | ESC 0100 (3 credits) | |
Introduction to Law Enforcement | N/A | Not Accepted | |
Introduction to World Religions | 400 | PHI 207 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Mind and Body |
Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 400 | PSY 0100 (3 credits) | |
Management Information Systems | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Math for Liberal Arts | 434 | MAT 103 (3 credits) | Tier 1: Quantitative Reasoning |
Money and Banking | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Organizational Behavior | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Personal Finance | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Principles of Advanced English Composition |
400 | ENG 112 (3 credits) | Tier 1: Written Communication |
Principles of Finance | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Principles of Public Speaking | 400 | COM 101 (3 credits) | |
Principles of Statistics | 434 | MAT 107 (3 credits) | Tier 1: Quantitative Reasoning |
Principles of Supervision | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Substance Abuse | 400 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Technical Writing | 400 | ENG 304 (3 credits) | |
The Civil War and Reconstruction | 400 | HIS 0200 (3 credits) | Tier 2, American Experience |
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)
Students who completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or took individual International Baccalaureate (IB) exams at the Higher Level (HL) at their high school/secondary school should submit official score reports to the Undergraduate Admissions Office for evaluation.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Students who completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with a total score of 30 or higher and a score of 4 or higher on each exam will have the following Liberal Education Program (general education) requirements waived:
- Multilingual Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Written Communication
- Cultural Expression
In addition, students will be awarded up to 30 credits for scores of 4 or higher on Higher Level exams as outlined below.
Individual International Baccalaureate (IB) exams
Students will be awarded up to 18 credits for individual International Baccalaureate (IB) exams taken at the Higher Level (HL) with a score of 4 or higher. These credits may count towards the overall 120 credit minimum required for a degree in one of three ways:
- Major course credit.
- Liberal Education Program (LEP) course credit (i.e. general education requirements).
- Elective credit (i.e. course numbers such as 0100 and 0200 are generally elective credits).
Credit will not be awarded for any IB exam that duplicates the content of a college course for which a student has already received credit. Below is a chart that lists the minimum score acceptable for academic credit at SCSU for the current catalog year.
IB Exams |
IB Minimum
|
SCSU Course Equivalent |
LEP Requirement Met |
Biology | 4 | BIO 102 (4 credits) | |
Business Management | 4 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Chemistry | 4 | CHE 120 (4 credits) | Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Classical Languages | 4 | LAT 200 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Multilingual Communication |
Computer Science | 4 | CSC 101 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Technological Fluency |
Dance | 4 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Design Technology | N/A | Not Accepted | |
Economics | 4 | ECO 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Social Structure, Conflict, and Consensus |
Film | 4 | COM 258 and 360 (6 credits) |
|
Further Math | 5 | MAT 107, 150, and 178 (10 credits) |
Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Further Math | 6 | MAT 107, 150, 178, 372, and 375 (16 credits) |
Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Geography | 4 | GEO 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Time and Place |
Global Politics | 4 | PSC 270 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Global Awareness |
History | 4 | HIS 200 (3 credits) | |
Information Technology | 4 | CSC 101 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Technological Fluency |
Language and Literature | 4 | ENG 112 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Written Communication |
Language B, Language ab initio |
4 | FLA 200 (3 credits) |
Tier 1, Multilingual Communication |
Literature | 4 | ENG 217 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Cultural Expression |
Math-Analysis and Approaches | 4 | MAT 150 (4 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Math-Analysis and Approaches | 5 | MAT 150 and 151 (8 credits) |
Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Math-Applications and Interpretation |
4 | MAT 150 and 221 (8 credits) |
Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Math-Higher Level: Statistics and Probability |
5 | MAT 107 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Math-Higher Level: Discrete Mathematics |
5 | MAT 178 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Math-Higher Level: Calculus | 5 | MAT 150 (4 credits) | Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Math-Higher Level: Calculus | 6 | MAT 150 and 151 (8 credits) |
Tier 1, Quantitative Reasoning |
Music | 4 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Philosophy | 4 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Physics | 4 | PHY 200 and 201 (8 credits) |
Tier 2, Natural World I: Physical Realm |
Psychology | 4 | PSY 100 (3 credits) | Tier 2, Mind and Body |
Social and Cultural Anthropology |
4 | ANT 100 (3 credits) | Tier 1, Critical Thinking |
Sports, Exercise, and Health Science |
4 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Theater | 4 | ELE 0100 (3 credits) | |
Visual Arts | 4 | ART 0100 (3 credits) |
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students who wish to pursue special research or other projects may request Independent Study in any department in the University. Forms for application for Independent Study are available in the offices of the academic deans.
LIFE/WORK EXPERIENCE
Charter Oak State College has been designated as a Portfolio Assessment Center for State institutions that do not have internal portfolio assessment processes. Many SCSU departments and programs accept credits based on Portfolio Assessment awarded by Charter Oak State College and other regionally accredited colleges and universities when such credits are applicable to the student's degree program. Matriculated students may obtain further information about the Charter Oak State College Program from the Academic Advisement Center, located in Wintergreen 154.
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
Credit for military experience is determined according to American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. These credit recommendations appear on the service member’s Joint Services Transcript. Students with military experience, who are applying for Admission to SCSU, should have their official transcript sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office for evaluation.
NON-COLLEGIATE TRAINING PROGRAMS
Many businesses, industries, and other non-accredited institutions provide formal training opportunities for which some academic credit may be awarded. Application of credit as it relates to the student's degree requirements is determined by the Undergraduate Admissions Office in conjunction with the student's major department in accordance with American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations as published in the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. Official transcripts, diplomas or certificates are required. SCSU also accepts credits for programs conducted by non-collegiate organizations not evaluated by ACE in accordance with specific local agreements which comply with regulations of the Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) for Higher Education.
RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS-ROTC
Students may earn a commission in the United States Air Force or in the United States Army by completing requirements of the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program as part of their studies at the University.
AIR FORCE ROTC (AFROTC)
Students are able to take AFROTC classes at Yale University and receive commissions as second lieutenants.
The AFROTC program is available to Southern Connecticut State University students at Yale University's main campus in New Haven. Through the AFROTC program, Southern Connecticut State University students, without paying extra tuition, can pursue a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force. The freshman and sophomore courses carry no military obligation and are open to all students. Scholarships are also available for qualified students. These scholarships pay up to full tuition and fees, as well as money for books and a monthly tax-free stipend.
Students enroll in a four-year or three-year (if joining in their sophomore year) AFROTC sequence. Students commute to New Haven for AFROTC-specific classes and events. Up to 18 credits may be transferred to Southern and counted toward degree requirements as free electives.
Qualified students should contact the AFROTC office at (203) 432-9431 or visit our website at AFROTC.yalecollege.yale.edu/.
ARMY ROTC - MILITARY SCIENCE
The University of New Haven Army ROTC Program welcomes and challenges students to join "The UNH Corps of Cadets." Students will learn the foundational skills of overall leadership and management, while potentially earning benefits through tuition assistance and monthly stipends based on their performance. The instructors teach dynamic tactical environments or civilian careers.
Prior service and veteran students are particularly welcome in the UNH Corps of Cadets. The experience gained through service is priceless. It will only further develop peers in the ROTC program while refocusing knowledge through the prism of leadership. The UNH Corps of Cadets strongly supports the Yellow Ribbon Program, as well. For any questions, please contact Captain Sean Ritchie (University of New Haven) at (203) 931-2997 or visit the website at NewHaven.edu/31702/.
STUDY ABROAD
The University is proud to offer a wide range of study-abroad opportunities to undergraduate students in all majors. Semester and year-long programs are offered annually, as well as short-term summer, spring recess, and winter session study abroad programs led by SCSU faculty are offered annually, as well as semester- and year-long programs. All students who study abroad for the span of a semester or year shall have the opportunity to waive two Tier 2 general education requirements. Students, however, may not waive departmental degree requirements, unless authorized by the department, nor may they waive both of the Natural World science requirements.
The University has a vast number of exchange partnerships in locations throughout the world including: Liverpool, England; Baden Wuettemberg, Germany; Nice and Lille, France; Salamanca and Valencia, Spain; Yerevan, Armenia; Beijing, China; and many more. These exchange partnerships allow students to attend foreign universities while paying SCSU tuition and other fees. Additionally, there are study abroad opportunities in over 52 additional countries at or below the cost of attending SCSU. For further information, students should contact the Office of International Education, EN A-220, at (203) 392-6756, or visit the website at: www.SouthernCT.edu/oie.
All courses under a study abroad consortium agreement must be pre-approved through the Office of International Education and the Office of Financial Aid to maintain financial aid eligibility; therefore, it is necessary to allow several months of preparation time prior to departure. Grades earned abroad are evaluated in accordance with World Education Services recommendations and recorded as transfer credits on the Southern transcript (T1: C or better, T2: C-, T3: D+,D, or D-, and T4: F.) Transfer credits do not factor in to the grade point average; however, the transfer grade equivalent will appear on the student's transcript as attempted credit for the purpose of evaluating satisfactory academic progress. It is the student's responsibility to issue an official transcript of grades earned abroad to Southern's Office of International Education no later than 30 days into the next semester; otherwise, a failing grade will be issued.
WAIVER EXAMINATIONS
Waiver examinations may be available for students who, as a result of prior experience, have proficiency in subject areas equivalent to that of a student who successfully completes a course. Students should see the department chairperson of the appropriate subject area to see if a waiver examination is available.
Some departments offer waiver examinations in the fall and spring of each year. A student who receives an "A" or "B" on the waiver examination earns three credits and waives the course. A student who receives "C" on the waiver examination waives the course without credit. Any lower grade indicates a need to take the course.
Waiver credits are not considered when tabulating a student's GPA. An "E" is recorded on the student's transcript to indicate the course requirement is met by successful completion of a waiver examination without credit being awarded. An "EP" is recorded to indicate the same with credit being awarded. A waiver examination may be taken only once.