Alternative Credit Options
American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation
The University of Akron evaluates credit recommendations from the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) and awards credits or course equivalency as determined by the relevant academic department or school. CREDIT evaluates and makes credit recommendations for formal educational programs and courses offered by organizations including business and industry, labor unions, professional and voluntary associations, schools, training suppliers, and government agencies. The program is based on the idea that it is sound educational practice for colleges and universities to grant academic credit for high-quality educational programs conducted by a variety of organizations provided that the courses are appropriate to an individual's degree program. Following matriculation as a University of Akron student, credit hours earned as a result of CREDIT recommendations are considered transient credits and apply to the credit-hour restriction (see transient policy, transfer policy).
Advanced Placement Credit
Many high schools offer Advanced Placement courses through the auspices of the College Board for possible college credit. By enrolling in such courses during high school and taking Advanced Placement Tests at the end of each course, high school students may earn undergraduate credits in a number of different academic areas. The test score required to receive credit for a specific course is determined by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Academic Department in which the course resides. Credits earned in this manner are included in the total credits completed, but are not assigned a grade and do not count in the quality point ratio, class standing, or graduation with honors calculations. Students must take the tests while they are in high school. It is not possible to take the tests once a student is enrolled at The University of Akron. The State of Ohio, working through the University System of Ohio, has initiated policies to facilitate the ease of transition from high school to college as well as between and among Ohio’s public colleges and universities.
Beginning in the Fall term 2009
- Students obtaining an Advanced Placement (AP) exam score of 3 or above will be awarded the aligned course(s) and credits for the AP exam area(s) successfully completed
- Credits received will be applied toward graduation and may also satisfy a General Education or Honor’s Distribution requirement if the course(s), to which the AP area is equivalent, fulfill those requirements
- If an equivalent course is not available for the AP exam area completed, elective or area credit will be awarded in the appropriate academic discipline and will be applied toward graduation where such elective credit options exist within the academic major
- Additional courses or credits may be available when a score of 4 or 5 is obtained. Award of credit for higher score values varies depending on the institution and academic discipline
- In academic disciplines containing highly dependent sequences (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics –STEM) students are strongly advised to confer with their academic advisor to ensure they have the appropriate foundation to be successful in advanced coursework within the sequence. The advanced placement table lists disciplines available for Advanced Placement Testing, scores required for accruing credit and courses at The University of Akron for which credit may be earned. For questions concerning Advanced Placement Credit call 330-972-8300 or email registrar@uakron.edu.
Bypassed Credit
Certain courses designated in this bulletin by each academic department enable a student to earn "bypassed" credit. A degree-seeking undergraduate student who completes such a course with a grade of "C" or better is entitled to credit for designated prerequisite courses which carry the same departmental code number. Credit for such bypassed prerequisite shall be included in the total credits earned, but shall not count in the quality point ratio, or class standing, or hours required for graduation with honors. Bypassed credit is not awarded on the basis of completing a course either by credit-by-examination or credit/noncredit. Bypassed credit may not be used to repeat for change of grade.
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business Administration
| Discipline | Course | Prerequisite | Approved for Bypass Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | ECON 400 | ECON 201 | ECON 201 |
| ECON 410 | ECON 200 | ECON 200 |
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
| Discipline | Course | Prerequisite | Approved for Bypass Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems | CISS 202 | CISS 201 | CISS 201 |
| CISS 203 | CISS 201 | CISS 201 | |
| CISS 204 | CISS 202 & CISS 203 | CISS 201, CISS 202, & CISS 203 | |
| CISS 400 | CISS 201 & CISS 204 | CISS 201, CISS 202, CISS 203, & CISS 204 |
College of Health Professions
| Discipline | Course | Prerequisite | Approved for Bypass Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Sign Language | SLPA 102 | SLPA 101 | SLPA 101 |
| SLPA 201 | SLPA 101 & SLPA 102 | SLPA 101 & SLPA 102 | |
| RN-BSN Sequence (Limited to Licensed Registered Nurses) | NURS 336 | NURS 211, NURS 217, NURS 230, NURS 350, NURS 360, NURS 370, NURS 380 & NURS 410 |
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program that offers the opportunity to obtain college credit by examination. A variety of experiences may have prepared a person to earn college credit. The qualifying score required to receive credit for a specific course is determined by the Ohio Board of Regents and the Academic Department in which the course resides. Credits earned in this manner are included in the total credits completed but are not assigned a grade and do not count in the quality-point ratio, class standing, or graduation with honors calculations. Credit by CLEP may not be used to repeat for change of grade. CLEP tests are administered Monday through Friday. Contact the Counseling Center at 330-972-7084 to make a reservation and/or obtain more information.
The following guidelines outline the terms under which The University of Akron will accept the results of specified CLEP tests for college credit. Students may also refer to their academic advisor to determine whether CLEP and other prior learning exams apply toward University of Akron transcripts.
Business
| CLEP Test | Qualifying Score | Course(s) Awarded | Credit Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Accounting | 65 and above | ACCT 201 Accounting Principles I | 3 |
| Introduction to Business Law | 57 and above | BLAW 220 Legal and Social Environment of Business | 3 |
| Principles of Management | 50 and above | COMM 107 Essentials of Management Technology | 3 |
| Principles of Marketing | 65 and above | MKTG 205 Marketing Principles | 3 |
Composition and Literature
| CLEP Test | Qualifying Score | Course(s) Awarded | Credit Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature | 53 and above | OT36 Arts and Humanities Credit | 3 |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 59 and above | OT36 Arts and Humanities Credit | 3 |
| College Composition/College Composition Modular | 50 and above | Remediation Free (Ready to Enroll in ENGL 111) | 0 |
| English Literature | 63 and above | OT36 Arts and Humanities Credit | 3 |
History and Social Sciences
| CLEP Test | Qualifying Score | Course(s) Awarded | Credit Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government | 56-62 | OT36 Social Sciences Credit | 4 |
| 63 and above | POLIT 100 Government & Politics in the United States | 3 | |
| History of the United States I | 61 and above | HIST 250 U.S. History to 1877 | 3 |
| History of the United States II | 57 and above | HIST 251 U.S. History since 1877 | 3 |
| Human Growth and Development | 58 and above | PSYC 230 Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| Humanities | 55 and above | OT36 Arts and Humanities Credit | 3 |
| Introduction to Educational Psychology | 62 and above | OT36 Social Sciences Credit | 3 |
| Introductory Psychology | 55 and above | PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Introductory Sociology | 56 and above | SOCIO 100 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 56 and above | ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 57 and above | ECON 200 Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| Social Sciences and History | 63 and above | OT36 Social Science Credit | 3 |
| Western Civilizations I | 55 and above | HIST 210 Humanities in the Western Tradition from Ancient Times to 1500 | 3 |
| Western Civilizations II | 54 and above | OT36 Arts and Humanities Credit | 3 |
Modern Languages
| CLEP Test | Qualifying Score | Course(s) Awarded | Credit Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Language | 55 to 64 | FREN 101 Beginning French I | 4 |
| FREN 102 Beginning French II | 4 | ||
| 65 and above | FREN 101 Beginning French I | 4 | |
| FREN 102 Beginning French II | 4 | ||
| FREN 201 Intermediate French I | 3 | ||
| FREN 202 Intermediate French II | 3 | ||
| German Language | 59 to 66 | GERM 101 Beginning German I | 4 |
| GERM 102 Beginning German II | 4 | ||
| 67 and above | GERM 101 Beginning German I | 4 | |
| GERM 102 Beginning German II | 4 | ||
| GERM 201 Intermediate German I | 3 | ||
| Spanish Language | 56 to 62 | SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I | 4 |
| SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II | 4 | ||
| 63 to 67 | SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I | 4 | |
| SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II | 4 | ||
| SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I | 3 | ||
| 68 and above | SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I | 4 | |
| SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II | 4 | ||
| SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I | 3 | ||
| SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II | 3 | ||
| Spanish Language with Writing | 50 to 57 | SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I | 4 |
| SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II | 4 | ||
| 58 to 64 | SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I | 4 | |
| SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II | 4 | ||
| SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I | 3 | ||
| 65 and above | SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I | 4 | |
| SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II | 4 | ||
| SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I | 3 | ||
| SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
Science and Mathematics
| CLEP Test | Qualifying Score | Course(s) Awarded | Credit Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 50 and above | OT36 Natural Sciences without Labs Credit | 3 |
| Calculus | 64 and above | MATH 221 Analytic Geometry-Calculus I | 4 |
| Chemistry | 50 to 65 | OT36 Natural Sciences without Labs Credit | 3 |
| 66 and above | CHEM 151 Principles of Chemistry I | 3 | |
| College Algebra | 63 and above | MATH 145 Algebra for Calculus | 4 |
| College Mathematics | 63 and above | OT36 Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic Credit | 3 |
| Precalculus | 61 and above | MATH 149 Precalculus Mathematics | 4 |
| Information Systems | 50 and above | General Elective | 3 |
Credit by Examination
A student interested in earning credits by special examination may do so with the permission of the dean of the student's college and the dean of the college in which a particular course is offered and by payment of the special examination fee. The grade obtained in such an examination is recorded on the student's permanent academic record. Credit by examination is not permitted in the semester before graduation. Credit by examination may not be used to repeat for change of grade.
Portfolio Review
The University of Akron offers a portfolio review course to eligible students to demonstrate knowledge and expertise gained through life and professional experiences. For more information on portfolio review contact the Credit for Prior Learning office at cpl@uakron.edu.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
DSST is a means of obtaining college credit by examination. As of 3/3/2022, the results of DSST can count for UA credit. When you pass a DSST exam, course credit will be added to your UA transcript if you select UA as the score recipient. Unofficial transcripts can be processed immediately only if the exam is taken at the CTC. Office score reports will be processed when received from Prometric (DSST).
| DSST | UA Equivalent | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ethics and Society | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Business Mathematics | General Education Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic credit | 400 |
| Human Resource Management | HRM 341 | 400 |
| Introduction to Business | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Management Information Systems | ISM 310 | 400 |
| Money and Banking | FIN 338 | 400 |
| Organizational Behavior | MGMT 302 | 400 |
| Personal Finance | FPL 200 | 400 |
| Principles of Finance | FIN 301 | 400 |
| Principles of Supervision | COMM 330 | 400 |
| Ethics in Technology | PHIL 241 | 400 |
| Introduction to World Religions | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Technical Writing | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Principles of Advanced English Composition | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Principles of Public Speaking | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Fundamentals of College Algebra | MATH 145 | 400 |
| Math for Liberal Arts | MATH 135 | 400 |
| Principles of Statistics | STAT 261 & STAT 262 | 400 |
| Astronomy | General Education Natural Science credit | 400 |
| Environmental Science (formerly Environment and Humanity: The Race to Save the Planet) | GEOL 211 | 400 |
| Health & Human Development (formerly Here’s to Your Health) | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Intro to Geology | GEOL 100 | 400 |
| A History of the Vietnam War | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Art of the Western World | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Criminal Justice | CRJU 100 | 400 |
| Foundations of Education | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Fundamentals of Counseling | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| General Anthropology | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| History of the Soviet Union (formerly the Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union) | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Intro to Geography | GEOG 100 | 400 |
| Introduction to Law Enforcement | CRJU 205 | 400 |
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology | PSYC 230 | 400 |
| Substance Abuse (formerly Drug and Alcohol Abuse) | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| The Civil War and Reconstruction | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Computing and Information Technology (formerly Introduction to Computing) | 3 credits of General Elective | 400 |
| Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | CISS 134 | 400 |
International Baccalaureate
The University of Akron recognizes the academic quality of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the efforts of students enrolled in IB coursework by awarding advanced-standing credit for the completion of the IB Diploma. Higher level examination scores are considered for departmental credit in the areas of French, Spanish, German, Geography, Latin, Greek, Economics, Chemistry, History, English, Social Anthropology, Mathematics, Music and Physics. Although minimum scores for the awarding of credit may vary by subject area, generally scores of four or five are sufficient. No credit is awarded for IB Subsidiary examinations, with the exception of some foreign languages.
| IB Test | IB Score | Course No | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | HL 4 | BIOL 103 | Natural Science: Biology | 4 |
| HL 5 | BIOL 111 | Principles of Biology I | 4 | |
| HL 6 or 7 | BIOL 111 & BIOL 112 | Principles of Biology I & II | 8 | |
| HL 6 or 7 | BIOL 100 & BIOL 103 | Introduction to Botany & Natural Science: Biology (for non-science majors) | 8 | |
| Business Management | HL 4 or higher | BUSN 101 | Business Issues in a Connected World | 3 |
| Chemistry | HL 4 | CHEM 101 or CHEM 152 | Chemistry for Everyone or Principles of Chemistry I Lab | 4 or 1 |
| HL 5 | CHEM 110 & CHEM 111 | Introduction to General, Organic & Biochemistry I & Lab | 4 | |
| HL 6 | CHEM 151 & CHEM 152 | Principles of Chemistry I & Lab | 4 | |
| HL 7 | CHEM 151, CHEM 152 & CHEM 153 | Principles of Chemistry I & Lab and Principles of Chemistry II | 7 | |
| Economics | HL 4 or higher | ECON 244 | Introduction to Economic Analysis | 3 |
| English A1 | HL 4 or 5 | ENGL 111 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HL 6 or 7 | ENGL 111 & ENGL 112 | English Composition I & II | 6 | |
| English A: Language & Literature | HL 4 or 5 | ENGL 111 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HL 6 or 7 | ENGL 111 & ENGL 112 | English Composition I & II | 6 | |
| English A: Literature | HL 4 or 5 | ENGL 111 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HL 6 or 7 | ENGL 111 & ENGL 112 | English Composition I & II | 6 | |
| French | SL 4 | FREN 101 | Beginning French I | 4 |
| SL 5 | FREN 101 & FREN 102 | Beginning French I & II | 8 | |
| SL 6 | FREN 101, FREN 102 & FREN 201 | Beginning French I & II and Intermediate French I | 11 | |
| SL 7 | FREN 101, FREN 102, FREN 201 & FREN 202 | Beginning French I & II and Intermediate French I & II | 14 | |
| German | SL 4 | GERM 101 | Beginning German I | 4 |
| SL 5 | GERM 101 & GERM 102 | Beginning German I & II | 8 | |
| SL 6 | GERM 101, GERM 102 & GERM 201 | Beginning German I & II and Intermediate German I | 11 | |
| SL 7 | GERM 101, GERM 102, GERM 201 & GERM 202 | Beginning German I & II and Intermediate German I & II | 14 | |
| History of the Americas | HL 4 or 5 | HIST 250 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| HL 6 or 7 | HIST 250 & HIST 251 | United States History to 1877 & United States History since 1877 | 6 | |
| History of Europe/ME | HL 4 or higher | HIST 289 | World Civilization: Middle East | 2 |
| Mathematics | HL 4 or higher | MATH 145 | Algebra for Calculus | 4 |
| Physics | HL 5 | PHYS 291 | Elementary Classical Physics I | 4 |
| HL 6 or 7 | PHYS 291 & PHYS 292 | Elementary Classical Physics I & II | 8 | |
| Psychology | HL 4 or higher | PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Social & Cultural Anthropology | HL 4 or higher | ANTH 101 | Human Cultures | 3 |
| Spanish | SL 4 | SPAN 101 | Beginning Spanish I | 4 |
| SL 5 | SPAN 101 & SPAN 102 | Beginning Spanish I & II | 8 | |
| SL 6 | SPAN 101, SPAN 102 & SPAN 201 | Beginning Spanish I & II and Intermediate Spanish I | 11 | |
| SL 7 | SPAN 101, SPAN 102, SPAN 201 & SPAN 202 | Beginning Spanish I & II and Intermediate Spanish I & II | 14 |
Military Credit
Ohio GI promise, created through Executive Order 2008-17S in July 2008, calls for all University System of Ohio institutions to participate in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium. This membership guarantees that The University of Akron will work with veterans to award military credit towards degree completion.
Veteran students should request a copy of their credit from The American Council on Education (ACE) and send this transcript to the Transfer Student Services Center, Akron, Ohio 44325-2001. The credit will be evaluated and posted to the student's record upon enrollment at The University of Akron. Students should consult with academic advisors to determine how military training, experience and coursework credits can be used most effectively in meeting degree requirements.
The College Credit Plus Program (CCP)
The College Credit Plus program was created by the Ohio Legislature to allow secondary school students in Ohio to enroll in a college or university. The program is available to qualified public, nonpublic and home schooled students in grades 7-12.
Through the College Credit Plus Program, students are eligible to enroll in classes at The University of Akron during the summer, fall and spring semesters. It is recommended that prospective students work with their school counselors to discuss specific school policies.
About the program
Advantages for college-level learning during 7th through 12th grade:
- Strengthening the middle and high school curriculum and raising expectations for high school students.
- Reducing the total number of credits needed to be earned in college.
- Potentially reducing the time required for the baccalaureate and costs to parents, students and taxpayers.
- Enriching the undergraduate college curriculum by lessening the need to take introductory courses, consequently allowing earlier entry into advanced courses, facilitation of double majors, or permitting additional electives.
CCP pays the following for students receiving dual credit:
- All tuition and fees applied to the bill at the time of registration.
- Registration fees including changes in a UA course schedule if changes are due to secondary school schedule conflicts initiated by a UA administrator.
- All required textbooks for public and nonpublic school students. (Home schooled students are responsible for purchasing textbooks.) Please note: All required textbooks must be returned to the secondary school at the end of the term.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility
Requirements for 7th through 12th grade applicants:
- 3.0 Cumulative Unweighted High School GPA
Or - Obtain at least one remediation-free score on the ACT or SAT as determined by the Ohio Department of Higher Education:
- ACT English of 18, ACT Reading of 22 or ACT Math of 22.
- SAT Evidence-based Reading & Writing of 480 or SAT Math of 530.
- Students with at least a 2.75 cumulative unweighted high school GPA will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions to determine if ACT or SAT scores are required.
- 7th and 8th grade applicants without an established high school GPA must take the ACT or SAT.
Students admitted without ACT/SAT scores, or students with test scores who do not automatically place into college-level courses will be required to complete necessary placement testing through the University. Placement testing is administered after students are admitted and have confirmed their enrollment and should be completed prior to attending a mandatory orientation program.
Application Deadlines
Application deadline for the summer and fall semesters is April 15. The application deadline for the spring semester is October 15.
Steps to apply for admission
https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/ccp/
- Complete the Undergraduate Admission Application; select College Credit Plus as the type of student.
- Submit the Signature Page (requires student, parent/guardian and school counselor signatures) and Permission Slip (requires student and parent/guardian signatures).
- Submit an official school transcript. For applicants in the 7th grade, the transcript should include 6th and 5th grades. For applicants in the 8th grade, transcripts should include 7th and 6th grades.
- Submit ACT or SAT test score results if required (testing must be completed prior to the application deadline).
College Tech Prep
College Tech Prep is value-added education. This program integrates technical training and college preparatory academics beginning in high school and continuing through a minimum of an associate degree. College Tech Prep prepares students for highly skilled occupations supported by regional business and industry in the areas of business, information, health and engineering technologies. The College Tech Prep pathway is a skill-building curriculum jointly designed by business, high schools and colleges. The is pathway links the high school experience with a college degree program.
For additional information regarding the College Tech Prep programs, contact Kelly Herold at 330-972-8832.
Transfer Credit
The Transfer Credit policy is subject to the appropriate approval process and as such may be subject to change.
The University of Akron awards transfer credit for non-remedial, non-developmental college-level coursework completed with earned grades of "D-" or better at an institution of higher learning in the United States which is fully accredited or has been granted candidacy status by one of the following regional institutional accrediting agencies: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education; New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education; North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission; Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges; Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities. A summary of the number of credits accepted will be listed on the official academic transcript along with the name of the institution and dates of attendance.
No grade point value will appear on the record, and no grade point average will be calculated for the coursework listed. Transfer students shall be accorded the same class standing and other privileges as all other students on the basis of the number of credits earned. All residency requirements must be completed successfully at the receiving institution prior to the granting of a degree.
CLEP, Advanced Placement, or other accepted alternative credits posted on transcripts from previously attended regionally accredited Ohio colleges and universities is eligible for credit at The University of Akron. Alternative credit posted on transcripts from previously attended regionally accredited non-Ohio colleges and universities is not eligible for credit at The University of Akron. Students must present original documentation attesting to scores earned prior to receiving alternative credit considerations.
The University of Akron does not guarantee that a transfer student automatically will be admitted to all majors, minors or fields of concentration at the institution. For courses that have been taken at an institution of higher education noted in the reference above, the dean of the college in which the student intends to obtain a degree will specify which courses, other than General Education courses, will apply toward the degree requirements of the University. The office responsible for transfer student services will specify which courses listed will apply toward the General Education program requirements.
Transfer students must meet all University of Akron residency requirements.
For other types of transferable credit, please see the section on Alternative Credit Options.
Note: Official transcripts and/or documentation for alternative credit can be obtained from the following web sites:
Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36)
The Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36) is a set of courses that students can complete to satisfy a portion, or all, freshman/sophomore-level general education requirements. The OT36 consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. All students should complete the Core Ohio Transfer 36 courses which include English composition and oral communication; mathematics, statistics and logic; arts and humanities; social and behavioral sciences; and natural sciences. Additional elective hours from among the five areas make up the total hours for a completed Ohio Transfer Module. Students are guaranteed the transfer of OT36 credits among Ohio's public colleges and universities and equitable treatment in the application of credits to admissions and degree requirements. Students are required to complete a second writing course and an oral communication course at the University of Akron if they were not taken as part of the OT36. The Ohio Transfer 36 (OT36) Approved Courses Reporting System and current list of approved OT36 courses will help you identify Transfer Module approved courses that are guaranteed to transfer and apply toward related general education subject areas at Ohio’s public colleges and universities.
Transfer Assurance Guides (TAGs)
Transfer Assurance Guides (TAGs) comprise Transfer Module courses and additional courses required for an academic major. A TAG is an advising tool to assist Ohio university and community and technical college students planning specific majors to make course selections that will ensure comparable, compatible, and equivalent learning experiences across the state’s higher-education system. A number of area-specific TAG pathways in the arts, humanities, business, communication, education, health, mathematics, science, engineering, engineering technologies, and the social sciences have been developed by faculty teams.
TAGs empower students to make informed course selection decisions and plans for their future transfer. Advisors at the institution to which a student wishes to transfer should also be consulted during the transfer process. Students may elect to complete the full TAG or any subset of courses from the TAG. Because of specific major requirements, early identification of a student’s intended major is encouraged.
Students should also check with their department about which courses have received approval from ODHE as part of the Transfer Assurance Guides program. Only those courses that have received such approval can be guaranteed transfer credit as part of the major. Students may also check with the ODHE TAG website.
Career-Technical Credit Transfer (CT)2/CTAG
Students who successfully complete specified high school technical programs are eligible to have technical credit transfer to Ohio public colleges and universities. This transfer of credit is described in the Career Technical Assurance Guides (CTAG). Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits among Ohio's public colleges and universities and equitable treatment in the application of credits to admissions and degree requirements. (CT)2 helps more high school and adult career-technical students to go to college and enter with college credit; technical credit saves students money and time; and Ohio business and industry will benefit from more employees with higher education and advanced skills.
To access credit, students will need to request a Verification Form be sent by the career-institution from which they attended/graduated to The University of Akron. For more information on how to access (CT)² credit visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education Career-Technical Credit Transfer (CT)2 Verification of Course/Program Completion Form webpage.
Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathways (OGTPs)
The Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathways (OGTPs) are designed to provide a clearer path to degree completion for students pursuing associate degrees who plan to transfer to an Ohio public university to complete their bachelor’s degree. The OGTPs also constitute an agreement between public community colleges and universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements and will be counted and applied toward the bachelor’s degree. Students still must meet all university program admission requirements.
A student who completes all of the coursework within a major-specific Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathway (OGTP) will be eligible to earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree from an Ohio public community college. The completion of the OGTP will be recorded on the student’s transcript, and upon transfer to an Ohio public university, all coursework taken as part of the pathway will transfer to the university toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree in an equivalent field. Explore the pathways by visiting the ODHE Guaranteed Transfer Pathways website.
Credit Appeals
Appeals Regarding Transfer Credit: Following the posting of the student’s transcript from another higher education institution or from ACE, a matriculated transfer student shall see the UA equivalencies under the Transfer Credit Report in Workday. Should a student be dissatisfied with the way the credits articulate to UA, the student should contact an academic advisor to request a review. If appropriate, the academic advisor can then appeal to the Transfer and Adult Student Enrollment Center for re-evaluation. This request may include courses that were previously evaluated prior to the students starting at UA. When possible, the advisor should include the suggested UA course for the transfer credit appeal.
At the minimum, the transfer credit appeal will include the syllabus of the course that the student completed. Additional materials may be requested including the learning objectives of the course, textbook that was used and outline of topics that were covered in the course.
The Transfer and Adult Student Enrollment Center will work with the academic department/school, or dean, as appropriate, regarding the transfer credit appeal. Once a decision is made by the department/school, the results will be shared with the academic advisor and student. The Transfer and Adult Student Enrollment Center also works with the Office of Academic Affairs on transfer credit appeals as needed.
Situations that would warrant a transfer credit appeal include:
- Student is receiving general education credit, but needs a direct equivalent for major
- Student is receiving direct credit, but needs only general education credit (direct equivalent does not count as general education credit).
- Student is receiving direct credit or general education credit, but needs general education credit for specific area (i.e. transfer credit came in as GNED:SS but student needs GNED: HUM)
Prospective students, which includes those students who have not applied for admissions yet to UA, can appeal transfer credits once they have matriculated to the university.