Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

1. What kinds of courses does UMBC accept for transfer credit?
2. How do I go about getting courses I have taken at other institutions evaluated for transfer to UMBC?
3. How do transfer credits appear in my UMBC record?
4. What is the maximum number of transfer credits UMBC will accept?
5. What are the grade requirements to transfer credits to UMBC? Do grades transfer?
6. Can courses I took Pass/Fail transfer?
7. How do Physical Education courses transfer?
8. Can transfer courses be applied to my major, minor or GFR requirements?
9. Does UMBC award credit for Advanced Placement exams?
10. Does UMBC award credit for CLEP exams?
11. What if my courses were taken at an international institution?
12. Can I receive credit for military study?
13. Can I receive credit for work experience?
14. How do courses transfer from a quarter system school?

The Transfer Credit Evaluation System

1. Once I have applied to UMBC, how will UMBC provide me with information on what has been accepted?
2. What is an Undergraduate Progress Report, and what information does it provide?
3. I have received my UPR, but still have additional transcripts, AP or CLEP credit to submit for review. What should I do?
4. I took more than the maximum allowable number of transfer credits prior to coming to UMBC. How can I be sure that the courses which are transferred are the ones which best help me meet my academic goals at UMBC?
5. On my Undergraduate Progress Report, UMBC has requested “course descriptions” in order to evaluate some of my classes for transferability. What should I do?
6. How long does the review process take once I have submitted course descriptions?
7. How do I know if a course that has been awarded transfer credit is directly equivalent to a particular course at UMBC?
8. Some of my transfer courses have not been given UMBC equivalencies, should I request further review?
9. How do I get a course or courses re-evaluated or appeal a decision?
10. I believe I have fulfilled my foreign language proficiency GFR requirement through high school coursework, but this does not show on my Undergraduate Progress report. What should I do?
11. My foreign language proficiency requirement was not completed through high school proficiency or transfer credits, but I am a native speaker of a language other than English or I have studied a foreign language at an institution that UMBC does not recognize for transfer credit. What should I do?
12. What should I do if my orientation is coming up and I have not yet received an Undergraduate Progress Report?

Permission to Take and Transfer Courses from Another Institution for Current UMBC Students

1. I am a current UMBC student and I wish to take courses at another institution and transfer them back to UMBC. What should I do?
2. I am a senior, and I have heard that I must take my final 30 credits at UMBC. Is this true?
3. I have heard that there is a special program for UMBC students who wish to take courses at other University System of Maryland schools. What is this program?
4. I am interested in studying abroad for a semester. How can I explore opportunities to do this and earn credit?
5. I have applied to graduate this semester and still have pending transfer credits. Is there anything special I should do?
6. Can I repeat a course I took at UMBC at another institution, and how will doing so impact my UMBC GPA?

Helpful Links

ARTSYS
The University System of Maryland’s Articulation System on the web, which allows you to view how courses from Maryland community colleges will transfer and apply at Maryland four-year institutions, including UMBC. ARTSYS also provides recommended transfer programs.
The Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Student Guide to Transfer
UMBC’s Undergraduate Catalog

I have read this information and still have questions. Can I speak with a academic advisor?

You can speak to an advisor in the Office of the Registrar. Contact Office of the Registrar at 410-455-2500 or stop by the Academic Services Building.
You may also email your questions to records@umbc.edu.

The Basics

 

1. What kinds of courses does UMBC accept for transfer credit?
   UMBC accepts academic coursework from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Generally, we do not accept career track or pre-professional coursework.

 

2. How do I go about getting courses I have taken at other institutions evaluated for transfer to UMBC?
   If you are a newly admitted transfer student to UMBC, you will automatically receive an evaluation of all official transcripts submitted as part of your admissions process. Generally, this evaluation will be completed 4-6 weeks after you have received your acceptance letter to UMBC, and the results will be mailed to you.
   
   Current UMBC students who have taken courses elsewhere must request that official transcripts be sent to UMBC (Office of Admissions, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250. We will evaluate your transcripts within 4-6 weeks of receipt and award credit where appropriate.
   
   Note: If you are considering taking coursework elsewhere please be certain to have course(s) pre-approved by your departmental advisor and the Office of the Registrar prior to registering for the course(s) by completing a Verification of Transferability (VOT) form available in the Office of the Registrar.

 

3. How do transfer credits appear in my UMBC record?
   Courses accepted for transfer credit will appear as the first part of your academic record on your UMBC transcript. Course numbers, titles and credits will appear. Grades for transfer coursework are not recorded on your UMBC transcript.

 

4. What is the maximum number of transfer credits UMBC will accept?
   UMBC accepts a maximum of 90 transfer credits from other institutions, including four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, Advanced Placement and CLEP programs. We will accept a maximum of 60 credits from a community or junior college.

 

5. What are the grade requirements to transfer credits to UMBC? Do grades transfer?
   UMBC requires a grade of “C” or better for transfer credit from private and out-of-state institutions. For Maryland community colleges and University System of Maryland institutions, we will transfer coursework in which a grade of “D” or better is earned. Note that courses in which a grade of “D” is earned cannot be used to fulfill major requirements, and can only be applied towards general foundation requirements if they are transferred as part of a completed general education package from a Maryland community college.

 

6. Can courses I took Pass/Fail transfer?
   Pass/Fail coursework in which a grade of “P” was earned can be transferred from Maryland public institutions from which UMBC will transfer courses with a grade of “D” or better. For private and out-of-state institutions from which we require a grade of “C” for transfer credit, we will only accept a grade of “P” if the transcript stipulates that a “P” is equitable to a grade of “C” or better.

 

7. How do Physical Education courses transfer?
   At UMBC, physical education is an institutional requirement above and beyond the 120 academic credits required for completion of a bachelor’s degree. UMBC will transfer in physical education courses from other institutions and apply them towards our physical education graduation requirement, but they will be recorded as “0” credits, as they do not count as academic coursework.

 

8. Can transfer courses be applied to my major, minor or GFR requirements?
   Where appropriate, transfer courses can be applied towards major, minor, GFR and other university requirements. Details regarding how coursework applies to GFR and university requirements are outlined in a student’s Undergraduate Progress Report (UPR). Details regarding major or minor applicability are determined by the appropriate department.

 

9. Does UMBC award credit for Advanced Placement exams?
   UMBC does award credit for certain Advanced Placement examinations. Information on exams accepted, scores required and credits awarded is available in the Undergraduate Catalog

 

10. Does UMBC award credit for CLEP exams?
    UMBC does award credit for certain CLEP (College Level Examination Program) examinations. Information on exams accepted, scores required and credits awarded is available at http://www.umbc.edu/UnderGrad/Catalog/appendices.pdf.

 

11. What if my courses were taken at an international institution?
    In many cases, UMBC will accept coursework completed at international colleges or universities for transfer credit. In order to receive a transfer credit for international coursework, student must submit a preliminary credentials evaluation. More information on foreign credentials evaluation services are available at http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad/a_int_transfer.html.

 

12. Can I receive credit for military study?
    UMBC does not award academic credit for military study. If a student has completed coursework through military study that he or she believes is equivalent to subject matter taught at UMBC, it may be possible to earn credit by exam. This should be discussed with the appropriate academic department, and there is no guarantee that this option will be possible.

 

13. Can I receive credit for work experience?
    UMBC does not award academic credit for work or life experience. If a student believes her or she has experience equivalent to subject matter taught at UMBC, it may be possible to earn credit by exam. This should be discussed with the appropriate academic department, and there is no guarantee that this option will be possible.

 

14. How do courses transfer from a quarter system school?
    Quarter system transfer credits are converted to semester hours at UMBC. A semester hour is equivalent to 2/3 of a quarter hour.

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The Transfer Credit Evaluation System

 

1. Once I have applied to UMBC, how will UMBC provide me with information on what has been accepted?
   Transfer credits are evaluated for all students who are accepted for admission to UMBC. Generally, an evaluation is processed within 4-6 weeks of your acceptance notification. You will receive an Undergraduate Progress Report (UPR) via mail.

 

2. What is an Undergraduate Progress Report, and what information does it provide?
   An Undergraduate Progress Report (UPR) is an evaluation of your progress towards completion of UMBC’s university and general foundation requirements. It is not an audit of your progress towards your major, minor or certificate program at UMBC.

 

3. I have received my UPR, but still have additional transcripts, AP or CLEP credit to submit for review. What should I do?
   The Office of the Registrar will update your evaluation as we receive additional information to review. Please have official scores or transcripts sent as soon as possible to UMBC (Office of Admissions, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250) and your record will be updated. Updates are generally processed within 4-6 weeks of receipt.

 

4. I took more than the maximum allowable number of transfer credits prior to coming to UMBC. How can I be sure that the courses which are transferred are the ones which best help me meet my academic goals at UMBC?
   If you have more than the maximum allowable number of transferable credits, The Registrar's Office staff make every attempt to award credit to the courses which best help you progress towards your degree objectives. However, if you have questions about why a certain course was not chosen for credit, or plan to submit additional coursework which may be more relevant to your program of study for review, you have the option of modifying your evaluation. While we cannot exceed transfer credit maximums, we will work with you to choose the most appropriate course options to apply to your UMBC record. Students who need to modify credit should see a transfer evaluator in the Office of the Registrar.

 

5. On my Undergraduate Progress Report, UMBC has requested “course descriptions” in order to evaluate some of my classes for transferability. What should I do?
   UMBC will request a course description if we cannot determine transferability of a course based solely on a transcript title. Course descriptions must come from an institution’s catalog or their web site. If asked for a description, you should provide copies of this information to the Office of the Registrar, where it will be reviewed and/or forwarded to the appropriate academic department at UMBC for consideration.
   
   Please include the Course Description Request Form with your submission.
    
   
6. How long does the review process take once I have submitted course descriptions?
   The course description review process generally takes 4-6 weeks from point of submission. You will be notified of the outcome of the review via email.

 

7. How do I know if a course that has been awarded transfer credit is directly equivalent to a particular course at UMBC?
   If a course has been reviewed as a direct equivalent to a course offering at UMBC, the equivalency will be noted on the Transfer Course List that you will receive with your UPR.

 

8. Some of my transfer courses have not been given UMBC equivalencies, should I request further review?
   It is not always necessary to have a direct equivalency determined for a transfer course. Courses can earn elective credit and, where appropriate, upper-level or GFR applicability without having direct equivalencies determined. If however, you have earned transfer credit for a course that is a part of your major program of study, you will want to submit a course description for an equivalency review or consult with your academic advisor.

 

9. How do I get a course or courses re-evaluated or appeal a decision?
   Procedures for having courses re-evaluated will depend upon circumstances. Your first step will be to speak with a transfer credit evaluator in the Office of the Registrar. It is extremely helpful if you bring a course description with you when you meet with the evaluator. Depending upon the situation, the evaluator will either review and approve the course for credit, forward the description on to the appropriate department for review, or clarify why credit cannot be granted for the course. Requests for re-evaluation can also be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in writing. Such appeals should include course descriptions.

 

10. I believe I have fulfilled my foreign language proficiency GFR requirement through high school coursework, but this does not show on my Undergraduate Progress report. What should I do?
    As a transfer students, you may not have been required to submit your high school transcript for admissions consideration, so it may be that UMBC has never received this part of your academic record. If you did not send your high school transcripts to UMBC, you should have them sent to Undergraduate Admissions as soon as possible, or bring a sealed official copy of your transcript to the Office of the Registrar.

 

11. My foreign language proficiency requirement was not completed through high school proficiency or transfer credits, but I am a native speaker of a language other than English or I have studied a foreign language at an institution that UMBC does not recognize for transfer credit. What should I do?
    You may apply to have your previous study or background considered for the foreign language proficiency requirement. Forms for this process are available in the Modern Language and Linguistics Department. Supporting documentation, such as transcripts from your high school or other educational institution, will generally be required.

 

12. What should I do if my orientation is coming up and I have not yet received an Undergraduate Progress Report?
    If you are within the 4-6 week turnaround time frame from receiving your letter of acceptance to UMBC, you may not receive your UPR prior to orientation. Every effort will be made to have it available for you on the day of the program. The advisors who work with you during Course Selection will at a minimum have access to all of your transcripts to assist you during registration.

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Permission to Take and Transfer Courses from Another Institution for Current UMBC Students

 

1. I am a current UMBC student and I wish to take courses at another institution and transfer them back to UMBC. What should I do?
   UMBC students who are considering taking courses elsewhere should complete a Verification of Transferability form at the Office of the Registrar. This form will allow a transfer evaluator to review your proposed off-campus courseload and advise you on how it will apply to your UMBC record. In some cases, it may also be required by the host institution or Financial Aid. Students should allow 2 weeks from date of submission for processing of these forms.
   
   Students taking coursework at Maryland Community Colleges can do a preliminary review of how courses will transfer using the online Articulation System (ARTSYS). However, the transferability form should still be submitted. While ARTSYS explains how UMBC treats individual community college courses, it cannot guarantee that you will not have other issues such as residency or exceeding of transfer credit maximum.
   
   Students hoping to apply transfer credits towards major requirements must get their academic advisor’s approval on their Verification of Transferability form before submitting it to the Office of the Registrar. Students seeking direct equivalencies for courses other than Maryland community college coursework should submit course descriptions with their form, and allow 4-6 weeks for review.
   
   Students who are considering studying abroad should not complete the general Verification of Transferability form. Study abroad students are provided with the appropriate transfer review forms when they obtain a pre-departure packet from the Study Abroad Coordinator in the Office of International Education Services.

 

2. I am a senior, and I have heard that I must take my final 30 credits at UMBC. Is this true?
   UMBC has a residency policy which stipulates that a student’s final 30 credits must be completed on campus. This policy may be waived for up to 2 courses or 8 credits, provided a student has not exceeded other transfer credit maximums. To request a “residency waiver,” students must complete a Verification of Transferability form (available in the Office of the Registrar) and obtain their advisor’s approval. A 2-week turnaround time from point of submission is required.

 

3. I have heard that there is a special program for UMBC students who wish to take courses at other University System of Maryland schools. What is this program?
   The program is called Interinstitutional Enrollment, and details are available at http://www.umbc.edu/registrar/Interinstitutional.htm.

 

4. I am interested in studying abroad for a semester. How can I explore opportunities to do this and earn credit?
   Start with the Study Abroad FAQ or contact the Office of International Education Services at 410-455-2494.

 

5. I have applied to graduate this semester and still have pending transfer credits. Is there anything special I should do?
   If you are in your final semester and still have pending transfer credits or are currently enrolled in a course at another institution, you must make sure your transcript is sent directly to UMBC’s Graduation Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar. You can also deliver sealed official transcripts to the Office of the Registrar. When doing so, please identify yourself as a graduation candidate.

 

6. Can I repeat a course I took at UMBC at another institution, and how will doing so impact my UMBC GPA?
   If an off-campus course has been reviewed as a direct equivalent to a UMBC course, you may be able to transfer it and use it as a repeat. To determine if this will work in your individual scenario, submit a “Verification of Transferability” form and indicate that you are requesting to repeat a course at another institution. If approved, remember that while the course will transfer and make the UMBC course non-applicable, the new grade will not impact your GPA, as grades do not transfer.

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