Stephen F. Austin State University

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Transfer Credits (A-45)

Original Implementation: November 1, 1977
Last Revision: July 10, 2007

Stephen F. Austin State University accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions on a course-by-course basis as determined by the Office of Admissions. All courses are examined in terms of content, level, and credit hours awarded, and are subject to the following conditions:

• An SFA course prefix and number are awarded when the content of the transfer course is equivalent, and if the course was taught on the same level and in the same department at the transferring institution.
• General enbloc credit is assigned to a course that is transferable but is not an exact equivalent by level or by description. In this case, the credit is awarded on the same level as was attempted at the transferring institution, and the student’s academic dean will determine its acceptability into degree programs.
• Most academic credit is transferable with the exception of remedial or developmental courses. Some departments may limit the number of credit hours that may be applied toward a degree.
• A maximum of 66 academic hours plus four hours of kinesiology activity from junior or community colleges may apply toward a degree.
• Courses transferred from a community college may be transferred only as a lower-level course and may not be considered as advanced upper-level credit.
• There is no limit for credits transferred from senior colleges. However, all students must complete a minimum of 42 semester hours including 36 hours of advanced credit at SFA in order to earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Course work earned from educational experience obtained in the armed forces is accepted in transfer on a limited basis. The "Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services" is used by the Office of Admissions for evaluating military credit. Military transcripts such as the AARTS, SMART, and Community College of the Air Force are used in the evaluation review process.
• Credit for vocational/technical courses, experiential learning and professional certification programs can only be used in the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree program. Individuals wanting additional information should contact the dean’s office of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts.

Students may repeat courses taken at Stephen F. Austin State University at other accredited institutions. Transfer hours will, however, be governed by the following rules:

1. The grades earned at SFA will remain on the transcript;
2. The hours attempted at SFA will not be changed as a result of course work completed elsewhere;
3. Transfer credit for a course originally taken at SFA has no effect on the grade point average for work attempted at SFA;
4. Transfer hours of repeated work may be used to satisfy degree requirements other than those related to grade point average.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board policies and procedures will be followed regarding transfer of core curriculum courses, fields of study courses, and to resolve any transfer credit dispute.

Cross Reference: General Bulletin

Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Forms: None