How do you transfer credits between colleges?

College credits transfer when the receiving institution accepts prior coursework under its policies. The crucial question is how each accepted course applies: to a major requirement, general education, an elective, or another part of the degree.

Ask how each course fits the new degree

Collect official course descriptions and syllabi, especially for courses that need individual review. Compare published equivalency tables or transfer agreements with the exact courses and catalog years involved. Check minimum grades, credit limits, laboratory requirements, and any recency rules. An agreement may cover a defined pathway rather than every program at the university.

Ask the receiving adviser to distinguish a course equivalent from general elective credit. For example, a class accepted as three elective credits may not replace the prerequisite needed for your major. Honor Society’s honors-transfer guide helps you ask additional questions about honors coursework and remaining requirements. Save the final evaluation and use it when selecting classes so you avoid repeating work unnecessarily.

Your next steps

• Gather transcripts, course descriptions, and relevant syllabi.
• Confirm equivalencies with the receiving institution.
• Map accepted credits to specific degree requirements.