Okay, so I’m studying abroad next semester in Rome. I’m really excited, but also kind of stressed about making sure everything goes smoothly. I’m a junior at State University in the US, majoring in Political Science.
Specifically, I’m worried about credit transfer. I’m taking four courses while I’m in Rome:
- "Italian Politics and Society"
- "Ancient Roman History"
- "International Relations in the Mediterranean"
- "Elementary Italian II"
I checked the transfer credit database at my university, and none of these specific courses are listed. I did see that some other courses from this program in Rome have transferred in the past.
I’m mostly concerned about getting credit for the political science courses, especially "Italian Politics and Society" and "International Relations in the Mediterranean" because those are directly relevant to my major. The Roman History course would be nice to get credit for too, maybe as an elective.
What’s the likelihood these will transfer? And what can I do before I go to Rome (or even when I get there) to increase my chances of getting credit for them back at State University? Should I contact someone in the Political Science department at State before I go? What kind of documentation should I keep while I’m in Rome?
Answer
Whether your credits will transfer back home depends on a multitude of factors. These factors relate to the institutions involved, the type of courses taken, and your academic standing. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Accreditation of Institutions:
- Crucial Factor: The single most important factor is whether both the institution where you earned the credits and your home institution are accredited, and by what accrediting body. Accreditation signifies that an institution meets certain quality standards.
- Generally Accepted Rule: Credits from regionally accredited institutions (in the US) are usually more readily transferable to other regionally accredited institutions. Regionally accredited institutions are typically non-profit and academically oriented.
- National Accreditation: Nationally accredited institutions, often vocational or technical schools, may have credits that are less easily transferable to regionally accredited institutions. Credits might transfer to other nationally accredited schools more easily.
- International Institutions: If you’re studying abroad, the recognition and accreditation of the foreign university within its own country are vital. You’ll need to determine its equivalent accreditation status compared to institutions in your home country. Many foreign universities have strong international reputations which can help with credit transfer.
- Check Accreditation Status: Always verify the accreditation status of both institutions before you begin your studies. Use official accreditation databases.
2. Course Equivalency and Content:
- Direct Equivalency: Your home institution will likely assess whether the courses you took align with their own curriculum. If a course at the other institution is deemed "equivalent" to a course offered at your home institution (covering similar material at a similar level), it has a higher chance of being accepted.
- Course Descriptions and Syllabi: Be prepared to provide detailed course descriptions and even syllabi (outlines of the course content, readings, and assignments) to your home institution. This helps them evaluate the course’s rigor and content.
- Level of Course: Introductory level courses generally transfer easier than more advanced courses.
- Subject Matter: General education courses (e.g., introductory English, math, science, humanities) often transfer more readily than specialized courses within a particular major, especially if the major is unique or has specific requirements.
- Transfer Agreements: Some institutions have established "articulation agreements" or "transfer agreements" with other colleges and universities. These agreements pre-determine which courses will transfer between the institutions. Check if such an agreement exists between your institutions.
3. Minimum Grade Requirements:
- Passing Grade: Most institutions require a minimum grade for a course to be eligible for transfer credit. This is often a C or its equivalent. Courses with grades below this threshold will almost certainly not transfer.
- Grade Point Average (GPA): Some institutions might also have a minimum GPA requirement for transfer students or for the transfer of credits.
4. Credit Hour System:
- Conversion: Institutions use different credit hour systems (e.g., semester hours, quarter hours). Your home institution will need to convert credits earned elsewhere into their own system. This conversion might result in a slight loss of credit hours.
5. Institutional Policies:
- Residency Requirements: Many institutions have "residency requirements," meaning you must complete a certain number of credit hours (often the final year or a significant portion of your major) at the institution to earn a degree. This can limit the number of transfer credits they will accept.
- Maximum Transfer Credits: Many institutions have a maximum number of credits they will accept in transfer. This limit might be expressed as a total number of credits or as a percentage of the degree requirements.
- Time Limits: Some institutions have time limits on how old transfer credits can be. For example, they might not accept credits earned more than 10 years ago.
- Departmental Approval: Even if the registrar’s office initially approves the transfer, the specific academic department (e.g., the English department, the Biology department) might have the final say on whether a course can be used to fulfill requirements for a major within that department.
6. Your Academic Standing:
- Good Standing: You generally need to be in good academic standing at the institution where you earned the credits for them to be considered for transfer. If you were on academic probation or were dismissed from the other institution, it could negatively impact credit transfer.
7. The Transfer Process:
- Official Transcripts: You will need to request official transcripts from the institution where you took the courses and have them sent directly to your home institution’s admissions or registrar’s office.
- Evaluation Process: The process of evaluating transfer credits can take time. Be prepared to be patient and to follow up with the relevant offices at your home institution to ensure your credits are being evaluated.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Credit Transfer:
- Consult Early: Meet with an academic advisor at your home institution before you take courses elsewhere. They can advise you on which courses are most likely to transfer. Get written confirmation if possible.
- Choose Accredited Institutions: Prioritize courses at regionally accredited institutions (if in the US).
- Keep Detailed Records: Save all course syllabi, assignments, and other relevant materials.
- Understand Policies: Familiarize yourself with the transfer credit policies of your home institution before you take courses elsewhere.
- Follow Up: After submitting your transcripts, follow up with the admissions or registrar’s office to ensure your credits are being evaluated promptly.
- Be Persistent: If some credits are initially denied, don’t be afraid to appeal the decision. Provide additional information or documentation to support your case.
In summary, transferring credits is not guaranteed. A proactive approach, careful planning, and thorough communication with both institutions are essential to maximize the likelihood of successful credit transfer.
