How Credits Transfer
Generally, courses transfer as one of three types of credits: Elective Credits, General Education Credits, or Major Field of Study Credits.
- Elective Credits
- These are courses that are not accepted as part of your major or as part of your general education requirements but still count towards your degree.
- General Education Credits
- These are courses that are similar at many colleges and meet the general education requirements for many degrees. General education courses often include courses in basic English, history, science, math, and other subjects.
- Courses in Your Major Field of Study
- These are courses which may not meet the requirements of your major at your new college. Prerequisites to courses in your major field of study usually can be transferred.
The admissions committee or transfer committee, made up of admissions officers and faculty members, usually decides (based on information you and your sending college provides) which of your credits will transfer and into which category your transferable credits will fall.
Keep in mind that the people making the decision on which of your credits will transfer do not always have access to all of the information they need to make appropriate decisions. It's important that you involve yourself in the process and be willing to provide additional information regarding the courses you've taken.
