Bethesda University (BU) may accept transfer credits from other postsecondary institutions subject to the conditions and limitations described below. All transfer credits are evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine their applicability to the student’s program of study.
The University reserves the right to accept or deny transfer credit for any course.
1. Transfer Credit from Accredited Institutions
Credits earned at institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and accredited by agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)—including agencies such as ABHE, TRACS, ATS, and regional accrediting bodies—may be considered for transfer.
Transfer credit will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
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An official transcript must be submitted directly from the issuing institution.
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Courses must be college-level and applicable to the student’s degree program.
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A minimum grade of “C” or higher must have been earned.
Bethesda University reserves the right to deny transfer credit for courses that do not align with program requirements.
2. Transfer Credit from Foreign Institutions
Credits or degrees earned from institutions outside the United States may be considered for transfer.
To be evaluated, foreign academic credentials must be reviewed by a recognized credential evaluation agency approved by Bethesda University. The evaluation must determine that the coursework or degree is equivalent to coursework completed at an accredited U.S. institution.
After the credential evaluation is completed, the courses will be reviewed according to the same academic standards used for transfer credit from U.S. institutions.
3. Transfer Credit from Unaccredited Institutions
Credits earned at unaccredited institutions may be transferred on a conditional basis through official transcripts, subject to the following limitations:
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No more than 40 percent of the total program units may be transferred from unaccredited institutions.
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Transfer credit will be considered only after the student completes twelve (12) academic units in residence at Bethesda University with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
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The course must be applicable to the student’s major or approved as a general elective.
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The University may require a course validation examination to confirm competency before transfer credit is granted.
4. Credit by Examination
A maximum of 45 units of credit earned through CLEP examinations may be recorded. Official CLEP scores must be submitted for evaluation.
5. Grade Requirements
Credits accepted in transfer must have been completed with a grade of “C” or higher.
Only credit units are transferred. Grades from transferred courses are not calculated in the Bethesda University grade point average (GPA).
6. Course Applicability
Courses accepted for transfer do not need to be identical to courses offered at Bethesda University; however, they must be consistent with the academic requirements of the student’s degree program.
Students who previously pursued coursework in academic fields not offered at Bethesda University should not expect full transfer of their previous coursework.
7. Credit for Veterans and Eligible Persons
Bethesda University maintains written records of the prior education and training of veterans and eligible persons. When appropriate, credit will be granted for previous education or training, the student’s training period will be shortened proportionately, and the student will be notified accordingly.
Transfer Credit Procedures
Students seeking transfer credit must follow the procedures outlined below.
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Students must submit an official transcript from each institution previously attended.
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Students must complete and submit the Request for Transfer Credit from Previous Institution form to the Academic Office.
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Transfer credit evaluations will be conducted in the following order:
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The Chair of General Education reviews and determines the transferability of general education courses.
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The Chair of the student’s major department evaluates courses related to the student’s field of study.
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The Chief Academic Officer completes the final transfer credit evaluation.
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Students will receive a tentative transfer credit evaluation upon admission. A final evaluation will be completed after the student declares and registers in a degree program.
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Approved transfer credits will be recorded on the student’s Bethesda University transcript.
Transfer Agreements
Bethesda University has not entered into formal articulation or transfer agreements with any other college or university.
Graduate Transfer Credit Limit
For graduate programs, no more than 20 percent of the total required semester units for a Master’s degree may be transferred from another institution.
Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits Earned at Bethesda University
The transferability of credits earned at Bethesda University is determined solely by the institution to which a student may seek to transfer.
Acceptance of the degree, diploma, or certificate earned at Bethesda University is also at the discretion of the receiving institution.
If the credits or credential earned at Bethesda University are not accepted by another institution, the student may be required to repeat some or all coursework at that institution.
Students are encouraged to contact any institution to which they may wish to transfer to determine whether credits or credentials earned at Bethesda University will be accepted.