Transfer Credit

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Equivalency Guides and Policies

Central Washington University accepts a maximum of 135 total transfer credits from regionally accredited four-year schools, including a maximum of 105 total credits from regionally accredited community colleges. Credits are evaluated by Registrar Services based on official transcripts. Credits earned in courses numbered 100 and above are generally accepted toward total transfer credits provided the courses require university-level study.

Transfer courses equivalent to CWU courses will apply toward the baccalaureate degree exactly as do the CWU courses for which they are being substituted. Equivalency is established by a course review from the appropriate academic department. Other transfer courses that have not been established as exact equivalents may transfer as general electives and may also be allowed in the degree program with approval from the appropriate academic department chair and, as appropriate, college dean.

Credits earned at institutions which are not fully accredited by a regional accrediting association are not accepted. Consideration for exception to this policy may be made by written petition to the dean of the appropriate college after earning a minimum of 45 credits at Central with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

The university recognizes college credit from a number of sources, including Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and military educational experience or correspondence credit. Up to 45 quarter credits from these programs may be counted toward graduation.

The university endorses the Policy on Inter-College Transfer and Articulation among Washington public colleges and universities published by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The policy deals with the rights and responsibilities of transfer students, and the review and appeal process in transfer credit disputes. Contact Registrar Services for more detailed information.

Academic associate degrees which are part of the Direct Transfer Agreements (DTA) between the university and Washington community colleges will meet the general education requirement of a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges offer several kinds of associate degrees, therefore, students who plan to transfer to the university should check with their counselors to make sure they are enrolled in the appropriate direct transfer degree program. Students who earned the AA degree prior to the date of the DTA between the university and individual community colleges may petition the provost or his designee for acceptance of their degree to meet general education requirements.

Associate of science degrees with transfer agreements between the university and Washington community colleges will meet the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree when students complete additional courses at CWU. Transfer students without a transferable associate degree from a Washington State community college wishing to complete such a degree must complete it by the time they have completed 45 credits or within one calendar year, whichever comes later, after initial enrollment at Central in order for the AA degree to satisfy the general education requirements at Central. A student cannot earn an associate degree and bachelor’s degree in the same quarter.

Academic associate of art degrees from a public community college outside of Washington State, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), will meet the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree.

Students transferring to CWU from another Washington State public baccalaureate institution, whose General University Requirements or General Education Requirements were complete at the sending institution, will also satisfy all of the CWU General Education Requirements, provided official documentation is received from the sending institute and certified by CWU.

Students may receive credit for advanced placement, depending upon the scores achieved on the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Test (AP). Students must request that their AP test scores be sent to the Registrar Services at Central. Scores of 3 or better on Advanced Placement Examination will be awarded as free electives for departments without specific policy.

Students will be awarded college-level quarter credits for each score at the 50th percentile on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) humanities, social science/history and natural sciences examinations. These credits will meet the general education requirements in the appropriate areas. Students may also be awarded credit for subject examinations as determined by appropriate academic departments at the time of application for credit.

No more than 45 total quarter credits through CLEP or other sources of nontraditional credit may apply to graduation requirements. CLEP credit is not awarded for English.

Central recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as a coherent, challenging course of study and responds individually to each participant’s IB transcript for award of college credit. Students may be awarded credit for completing individual areas of study within the program. IB students should submit official transcripts to Registrar Services, which will review the program of study and examination scores with the appropriate department chair.

Upon submission of the DD214 or DD295, matriculated students may receive up to 30 lower division elective credits for completion of military educational experience as recommended by the American Council on Education.

Credit will be accepted from non-U.S. institutions of higher education when (1) it has been earned at an institution linked to CWU either by a bilateral or consortial (e.g., International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) agreement, or when an institution has been certified by the CWU Office of International Studies and Programs as a legitimate, recognized institution of higher education (tertiary level) within a particular country; (2) the student has received a passing grade recognized by the institution; and (3) an official record or transcript has been received by the university.

Central Washington University offers the following undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Applied Science

Students wishing to earn a BA, BAS, BFA, BM, or BS degree must complete (1) the general education program; (2) a concentration of at least 60 credits which may be satisfied by a specified major, or a specified major and minor, or a specified major and courses in other fields as prescribed by the major department; (3) electives in sufficient quantity to bring the total quarter credits to 180; and (4) other degree requirements as specified. Department fields of study are listed by major, minor, or specialization by college on the undergraduate programs offered. Minor concentrations are offered in many fields.

Students wishing to earn a BAEd degree must complete (1) the general education program; (2) a major in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or Special Education and minors, when appropriate; (3) the professional education foundation courses; (4) 180 total quarter credits; and (5) other general degree requirements as listed under the College of Education and Professional Studies section in this catalog. Students may select any university minor; however, students are strongly encouraged to select an endorsable teaching minor.