Transfer of Upper-Division Coursework

Texas Southmost College may accept upper-division (3000-4000) undergraduate coursework completed at an appropriately accredited institution when applicable to a baccalaureate degree offered by the College and meets all institutional transfer‑credit evaluation standards.

Upper-division transfer coursework will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis and may be accepted when all of the following conditions are met:

1. Institutional Accreditation. The coursework was completed at a postsecondary institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or otherwise determined by the College to meet applicable institutional requirements.
2. Applicability to the Degree. The coursework is applicable to the student’s declared baccalaureate degree program and satisfies a specific degree requirement or approved elective.
3. Course Equivalency. The course is comparable in content, academic rigor, student learning outcomes, credit hours, and level to the upper-division course or requirement for which credit is requested.
4. Minimum Grade. A grade of C or better, or the equivalent, must have been earned in the course unless the applicable academic program establishes a higher minimum grade.
5. Academic Review. Upper-division coursework will be reviewed by appropriately qualified faculty, the program director/coordinator, department chair, dean, or other designated academic officials with expertise in the discipline.
6. Supporting Documentation. The College may require the student to provide course descriptions, syllabi, learning outcomes, assignments, textbooks, or other documentation necessary to determine course equivalency.
7. Residency Requirements. Acceptance of upper-division transfer credit does not waive institutional residency requirements. Students must complete the minimum number of semester credit hours required in residence by the College and the applicable baccalaureate program.
8. Program-Specific Requirements. Academic programs may establish additional transfer-credit requirements when necessary to meet accreditation, licensure, certification, or other academic standards.
9. Final Determination. The College retains final authority for determining the applicability and equivalency of transfer coursework toward its degree requirements.

Upper-division coursework that is accepted by the College but does not have a direct course equivalent may, when appropriate, be applied as upper-division elective credit within the student’s baccalaureate degree program.