Policy Regarding Transfer of Credit to Missouri State University-West Plains
Introduction
Missouri State University-West Plains recognizes there are many valid reasons for students to transfer from one institution to another. In response, the University welcomes transfer students from other accredited colleges and universities and has established this policy to create a transfer process designed to treat continuing Missouri State University-West Plains students and transfer students in a fair and consistent manner while maintaining the academic integrity of its programs.
The University endorses the “Joint Statement on Transfer and Award of Academic Credit” approved by the American Council on Education, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the American Association of Community Colleges. Many of the principles of that statement are inherent in this policy.
Determination of Transferability
Missouri State University-West Plains accepts transfer credit for undergraduate courses completed at colleges and universities accredited by the following agencies:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools;
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools;
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges;
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges;
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
In addition, transfer credit is awarded for regular academic courses taken at institutions accredited by the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (AABC). Mission, theology, doctrine, creation science, homiletics, and religious education courses are not accepted. A limited number of Bible courses (i.e., Old Testament, New Testament) that are substantially similar to courses offered at Missouri State University-West Plains may be accepted. Education courses transfer only as general electives.
To be accepted, coursework must have been completed at an institution after it received accreditation or during the time it was granted candidacy status for accreditation from one of the above accrediting associations.
Transfer credit is also awarded for courses completed at colleges and universities outside of the United States that are accredited or approved by the Ministry of Education (or other appropriate governmental agency) of the country in which they are located. Credit and placement decisions are based on recommendations of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, and selected other professional organizations and agencies that evaluate foreign educational institutions.
Credit is generally not awarded for courses completed at institutions not accredited or approved as indicated above. Exceptions must be approved on a course-by-course basis by the head of the Missouri State University-West Plains department through which each similar course is offered and by the Dean of the College or his/her designee. For courses that may be applicable to general education requirements at Missouri State University-West Plains but do not have specific Missouri State University-West Plains equivalents, exceptions must be approved by the Dean of the College or his/her designee.
Transfer credit is not awarded for remedial courses.
Transfer credit is generally not awarded toward an associate degree at Missouri State University-West Plains for courses taken for graduate credit at other institutions unless approved by the appropriate academic department head as described in the “Appeal of Transferability or Course Equivalencies” section below.
Transfer credit is generally not awarded for courses in vocational-technical programs or programs not offered at Missouri State University-West Plains (e.g., truck driving, auto body repair, etc.) unless specific articulation agreements exist.
Determination of Course Equivalencies
The ultimate authority for transfer of credit rests with the head of the department through which similar courses are offered at Missouri State University-West Plains (except credit for courses taken at non-accredited institutions, which must also be approved by the Dean of the College or his/her designee).
Initial determinations of transfer credit equivalencies are made by the Missouri State University-West Plains Admissions Office through a comparison of course descriptions and/or course titles. If substantial similarity exists between a course taken at another institution and an Missouri State University-West Plains course, transfer credit will be awarded for the Missouri State University-West Plains course. If substantial similarity does not appear to exist, but the course is in a subject matter taught at Missouri State University-West Plains under a specific course prefix, elective credit may be awarded at the discretion of the appropriate department head under that prefix (e.g., MTH electives for a mathematics course).
If the content of a course includes subject matter offered in more than one Missouri State University-West Plains department or if the course description does not provide sufficient information to assign the credit to a specific prefix, general elective credit may be awarded.
Transfer equivalencies are based on current policies and generally reflect course numbers from the Missouri State University-West Plains catalog at the time the evaluation is conducted. Missouri State University-West Plains courses and course numbers are subject to change; thus, transfer equivalencies are subject to change as well.
Current Missouri State University-West Plains students who plan to take courses at other institutions are required to have the permission of the Dean of the College or his/her designee to be enrolled for additional credit at another college during the same semester or term. This permission is required for dual enrollment courses taken in residence on another campus, online, via distance learning or for courses taken by correspondence. Missouri State University-West Plains students who wish to take courses at other colleges or universities either while enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains or between terms at Missouri State University-West Plains are encouraged to verify transferability of credit with the Admissions Office prior to enrolling at the other institution.
Appeal of Transferability or Course Equivalencies
Students who wish to appeal the evaluation or transferability of a course may do so by submitting a “Transfer Course Appeal Form” through the appropriate Missouri State University-West Plains department head. When making an appeal, students must be prepared to provide supporting documentation (e.g., a course syllabus, course description from the other institution’s catalog, examples of work). The Admissions Office will revise a student’s transfer credit evaluation upon receipt of an approved “Transfer Course Appeal Form.”
Credit Hour Equivalencies
Credit is converted to semester hour equivalents. In converting quarter hours to semester hours, a conversion factor of two-thirds is used.
If a course at another institution is offered for fewer credit hours than an equivalent course at Missouri State University-West Plains (e.g., if a three credit hour course at another institution is substantially similar in content to a four credit hour course at Missouri State University-West Plains), the student will be given transfer credit for the equivalent course at Missouri State University-West Plains but only for the number of credit hours earned at the other institution. In such cases, the student may need to take an additional course to fulfill credit hour requirements.
Grade Equivalencies
Transfer grade equivalents will be determined and recorded with the student’s transfer credit. Credit will be awarded for courses in which a “D” or higher was earned. Grades of “F” are included in the calculation of the transfer grade point average.
Transfer grades and grade point averages are assigned on the basis of Missouri State University-West Plains grading policy. For courses taken at institutions that use a plus/minus grading system, the pluses and minuses are dropped in determining grade equivalencies. For courses taken at institutions that use combined grades (e.g., “AB”), the lower grade will be used. For courses taken at institutions that use a grading system not comparable to the Missouri State University-West Plains grading system, credit will be awarded on a pass/not pass basis. “Withdraw failing” grades are calculated in a student’s transfer grade point average as “F” grades.
Courses for which transfer credit is awarded that are taken at colleges and universities not accredited by a regional accrediting agency or the AABC will be treated as “Pass/Not Pass” courses for grading purposes.
A student’s grade point average at Missouri State University-West Plains is based only on courses completed at Missouri State University-West Plains. The institutional, transfer, and overall grade point averages appear on the student’s official Missouri State University-West Plains transcript. The overall grade point average is used in determining a student’s academic standing and eligibility for graduation. The distinction of graduating with honors will be granted at graduation if the student has attained an overall grade point average of 3.4 or higher on Missouri State University-West Plains courses.
Transfer Credit Limit
No limit exists on the number of credits that may be transferred from other institutions; however, students must meet the minimum residence requirements in effect at Missouri State University-West Plains to receive a degree. The residency requirement at Missouri State University-West Plains is that the student must complete the last 15 hours of the degree program in residence at the West Plains campus or one of its extended campuses. In extenuating circumstances, an appeal may be made to the Dean of the College or his/her designee.
Transfer of Dual Credit Courses
Courses taken for dual credit (courses for which students receive both high school and college credit) are evaluated in the same manner as traditional courses offered by the higher education institution through which they are taken. No limit exists on the number of transfer credit hours that will be awarded for dual credit courses.
Credit by Experiential Learning
Credit is not awarded for experiential learning unless validated through the credit by examination policy.
Credit for Military Education
Missouri State University-West Plains grants credit for armed service education and training according to the recommendations of the American Council on Education. Credit is generally not awarded for occupational training. Credit will also be given for most Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) education programs. Veterans should file copies of the DANTES transcripts with the Missouri State University-West Plains Admissions Office.
Students having additional courses on the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), or the Sailor/Marine/ACE Registry Transcript (SMART) transcript should request an official copy be sent directly to the Missouri State University-West Plains Admissions Office for evaluation. Students who do not have any of the transcripts listed above should file copies of their service records (Form DD-214) with the Missouri State University-West Plains Admissions Office. Military credit courses do not carry a letter grade and do not impact grade point average.
Credit for Correspondence Courses
While enrolled at Missouri State University-West Plains, a student may earn up to 9 credit hours by taking approved correspondence courses from accredited institutions and transferring the credit to Missouri State University-West Plains. Prior approval for the course must be given by the appropriate academic department before a specific correspondence course is eligible for transfer.
Students wishing to enroll in an eligible correspondence course (limited to one per semester) must have approval from the Dean of the College or his/her designee by using the “Request for Dual Enrollment Form.” If approval is given, the student must then make arrangements with the Academic Support Center to proctor exams and process paper work.
Credit by Examination
Students may not receive transfer credit for credit awarded by other institutions on the basis of examinations or other competency based alternatives unless such credit is approved by the appropriate academic department head at Missouri State University-West Plains. (See Limits on Non-Traditional Credit section)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Missouri State University-West Plains welcomes students from a wide variety of backgrounds and learning experiences. Many students come to the university with a firm grounding in many of the disciplines we teach. With original score reports on file, students meeting the credit-granting score on selected CLEP Subject Examinations will earn the credits and course exemptions for the following areas:
| Subject | Minimum Score Required |
Missouri State – West Plains Course Equivalency |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Growth and Development | 50 | CFD 155 | 3 |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 50 | ECO 155 | 3 |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 50 | ECO 165 | 3 |
| Western Civilization I | 50 | HST 101 | 3 |
| Western Civilization II | 50 | HST 102 | 3 |
| Survey of History of U.S. to 1877 | 50 | HST 121 | 3 |
| Survey of History of U.S. since 1865 | 50 | HST 122 | 3 |
| College Algebra | 50 | MTH 135 | 3 |
| Principles of Management | 50 | MGT 120 | 3 |
| American Government | 50 | PLS 1011 | 3 |
| Introductory Psychology | 50 | PSY 121 | 3 |
| Introductory Sociology | 50 | SOC 150 | 3 |
1 Students must take PLS 103, Missouri Government and Politics, to meet the Missouri Constitution Study requirement (Senate Bill #4).
Advanced Placement (AP)
Missouri State University-West Plains recognizes the Advanced Placement (AP) Program and awards credit in the following areas:
| Subject | Minimum Score Required |
Missouri State – West Plains Course Equivalency |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 3 | BIO 102 | 4 |
| Biology | 4 | BIO 121 | 4 |
| Calculus AB | 3 | MTH 261 | 5 |
| Calculus BC | 3 | MTH 261, 280 | 10 |
| Chemistry | 3 | CHM 116, 117 | 5 |
| Chemistry | 4 | CHM 160, 161 | 5 |
| Chemistry | 5 | CHM 160, 161, 170, 171 | 9 |
| Economics: Macroeconomics | 3 | ECO 155 | 3 |
| Economics: Microeconomics | 3 | ECO 165 | 3 |
| English Language and Composition | 3 | ENG 110 | 3 |
| English Literature and Composition | 3 | ENG 110 | 3 |
| French Language | 3 | FRN electives1 | 3 |
| French Literature | 3 | FRN elective1 | 3 |
| German Language | 3 | GRM electives1 | 3 |
| Government and Politics: U.S. | 3 | PLS 1012 | 3 |
| History: World | 3 | HST 103, 104 | 6 |
| History: United States | 3 | HST 121, 122 | 6 |
| Physics B | 3 | PHY 123 | 4 |
| Physics C | 3 | PHY 203 | 5 |
| Psychology | 3 | PSY 121 | 3 |
| Spanish Language | 3 | SPN Electives1 | 3 |
| Spanish Literature | 3 | SPN Electives1 | 3 |
| Studio Art: 2D or 3D Portfolio | 3 | ART 100, 1013 | 3 |
| Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio | 3 | ART 115 or electives3 | 3 |
1 Exact equivalence to be determined by Division Chair of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences.
2 Students must take PLS 103, Missouri Government and Politics, to meet the Missouri Constitution Study requirement (Senate Bill #4).
3 Students must also meet other requirements. Contact the Division Chair of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences for details.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Missouri State University-West Plains will grant credit for International Baccalaureate subject examinations in the following areas. Students must contact International Baccalaureate to request an original copy of their score report be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Contact International Baccalaureate (IB), 200 Madison Avenue, Suite 2007, New York, NY, 10016, (212) 696-4464. Missouri State University-West Plains recognizes the IB diploma for admission.
| Subject | Minimum Score Required |
Missouri State – West Plains Course Equivalency |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | 4 | ANT 100 | 3 |
| Art and Design | 5 | ART 100, 101, 115, or electives1 | 3 |
| Biology | 4 | BIO 102 | 4 |
| Biology | 5 | BIO 121 | 4 |
| Business | 4 | FGB 135 | 3 |
| Chemistry | 4 | CHM 160 | 4 |
| Chemistry | 6 | CHM 160, 170 | 7 |
| Chemistry | 7 | CHM 160, 170, 175 | 9 |
| Design | 4 | DES Electives | 3 |
| Economics | 4 | ECO 155, 165 | 6 |
| English | 4 | ENG 110 | 3 |
| Geography | 4 | GRY 100 | 3 |
| History, European | 4 | HST 101 | 3 |
| History, American | 4 | HST 121 | 3 |
| Language | 4 | Elective credit2 | |
| Mathematics | 4 | MTH 261 | 5 |
| Mathematics | 6 | MTH 261, 280 | 10 |
| Philosophy | 4 | PHI 110 | 4 |
| Physics | 4 | PHY 123, 124 | 8 |
1 Students must also meet other requirements. Contact the Division Chair of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences for details.
2 Elective credits with specific equivalencies depending on placement test and interview. Contact the Division Chair of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences for details.
Limits on Non-Traditional Credit Accepted in Transfer
Not more than 25 percent of the credit required for a degree may be non-traditional. Non-traditional credits include those awarded for correspondence courses (limited to a total of 9 credit hours), credit by examination (including CLEP, advanced placement, institutional exams, DANTES, etc.), service schools, physical education for more than one year of active military duty, and non-collegiate courses.
Authority for Policy and Right of Appeal
The Missouri State University-West Plains Faculty Senate approved this policy in March 2005. The Admissions Office has the primary responsibility for administration of the policy.
In accordance with CBHE guidelines, students have the right to appeal decisions regarding transfer of credit. Students with questions regarding initial determinations of transferability or course equivalencies are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for clarification or guidance. Initial appeals of transferability or course equivalencies may be submitted as outlined under the “Appeal of Transferability or Course Equivalencies” section of this policy. Students who believe they have been treated unfairly through this level of appeal are encouraged to contact the Dean of the College or his/her designee. The final level of appeal within the institution is the Dean of the College. Students from Missouri public institutions have the right of further appeal as outlined in Credit Transfer: Guidelines for Student Transfer and Articulation Among Missouri Colleges and Universities. A copy of this policy is available from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Academic Affairs.
This policy is subject to revision. Current policy information is available from the Office of Admissions.