Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy
Auburn University’s evaluation and acceptance of transfer credit for coursework from other postsecondary institutions will be based on official transcripts. To be eligible for evaluation, coursework must appear on an official transcript from the institution that offered the coursework and initially conferred the credit. The acceptance of dual enrollment credit requires an original transcript from the college or university that awarded the credit. The university generally does not accept transfer credit that is technical or remedial in nature.
Transferability of Credit
Transferability of credit refers to whether credit from other post-secondary institutions is acceptable for credit at Auburn University. The University accepts transfer credit from domestic post-secondary institutions accredited by one of the six associations listed below and from international colleges and universities accredited/approved by their country’s Ministry of Education or other appropriate governmental agency.
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior Colleges and Junior Colleges
Students with credit at other institutions for non-traditional experiences such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and military training will not automatically receive credit at Auburn University. The student must submit official documentation from the original provider of the non-traditional experience and will receive credit based on current university standards.
Students transferring from accredited public institutions within the state of Alabama will receive transfer credit for freshman and sophomore coursework according to the statewide Articulation and General Studies agreement.
Equivalency of Credit
Equivalency of credit refers to how the hours, course content and objectives of transferable credit align with Auburn courses. Exact alignment is not necessary for equivalence. Course modalities do not factor into equivalency decisions unless modality differences significantly affect the alignment of learning objectives. The university recognizes the best practice guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Offices (AACRAO).
The evaluation of equivalency may result in the awarding of specific course credit or elective credit. Lower-level equivalencies are determined by the Office of the Registrar. Upper-level equivalencies are determined by the college/unit that houses the discipline.
Applicability of Credit
Applicability of credit refers to how transferable credit is applied toward the fulfillment of a student's degree/credential requirements. Applicability is determined by the academic unit that administers the degree/credential. Transferring between degree programs within Auburn University may affect the applicability of the credits towards the new degree program.
Transfer Credit Limitations
The following limitations apply to transfer credits.
Maximum Hours: The maximum number of transfer hours that can be applied to degrees, majors, minors, and certificates is limited as follows:
- Degrees: At least 25% of total degree hours must be Auburn University courses.
- Majors: At least 50% of total major hours must be Auburn University courses.
- Minors: At least nine of total minor hours must be Auburn University courses.
- Certificates: At least 50% of total certificate hours must be Auburn University courses.
Credit from Two-Year Institutions: Courses taken at a two-year institution will be given lower division (1000 and 2000 level) credit only. The maximum number of degree-applicable transfer hours from a two-year institution is one-half of the student’s Auburn curriculum, but no more than 64 hours. Transfer credit exceeding this limit will not be applied to a degree.
Grades Earned: Transfer coursework with a “D” grade may be transferable to Auburn, but it is degree-applicable only if a “D” grade in the equivalent Auburn University course is also degree-applicable (e.g., students must earn a “C” grade in English Composition).
Grade Adjustment Policy Courses: Transfer credit will not be accepted as the repeat attempt for an Auburn University course for which a student has used the Grade Adjustment Policy. The student must complete the repeat attempt at Auburn University.
Transient Coursework
Auburn students may request approval to take courses at other domestic institutions on a transient basis. Approval is granted by the student’s academic college. Requests to take upper division major courses require approval by the student’s academic dean’s office. Students on academic suspension or dismissal from Auburn University cannot be approved for transient credit, nor will they receive credit for courses taken at another institution while on suspension or dismissal. Any approval received prior to being placed on suspension or dismissal is void.
Students may also request approval to take courses at international institutions on a transient basis if the institution and program are recognized by the national Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution/program, or is accredited by one of the six approved U.S. accrediting bodies. Approval is granted by the Office of the Registrar in consultation with the academic unit housing the discipline. Auburn University will not award transfer credit for English-language based, short-term, winter or summer international programs if these programs are non-degree and are not recognized or overseen by the corresponding Ministry of Education.