Transferring to a new or different college or university is more common than ever before as students look to maximize their time and academic spending. Students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities, from four-year-to-four-year universities internationally, and even from the military.

The reasons for transferring are even more varied. But, no matter the cause, the million-dollar question remains: Which credits will transfer? Transfer students need to know what credits will transfer from one school to the next.

This article will explain what transfer credit equivalency means, how the process works, and which types of credits are likely to transfer, focusing on our process here at Goodwin University.

What Does Transfer Credit Equivalency Mean?

Transfer credit equivalency, also called course equivalency, is a term used in higher education to explain how two institutions compare courses, and equivalencies are used to determine how much coursework is covered in one area of study.

These equivalencies can be one or two-way as well. One-way equivalencies mean that one school believes and accepts a course to be comparable. In contrast, two-way equivalencies mean the sending and receiving organizations both recognize the other’s course equivalent.

Depending on many factors, for example, the school and university and their state, region, and country, transfer credit equivalencies differ on which transfer credits an institution will or will not accept.

For example, Goodwin University requires a minimum grade of ‘C’ for credits to transfer, and currently, complete catalog equivalencies exist only for the Connecticut Community Colleges.

Furthermore, other institutions will typically have partial equivalencies or, if not listed, will be assessed for transferability and equivalency upon review of a transfer student’s official transcripts.

How Do Credits Transfer?

Just as the number of transfer credit equivalencies can differ, so can the process of transferring credits. Students interested in transferring should research to understand what is expected and required of them from their chosen institution.

At Goodwin University, students who have completed coursework at other accredited, collegiate, and degree-granting institutions should send their official transcripts from these schools to Goodwin University.

Once received, our transfer coordinators will transfer credit that:

• Reflects appropriate levels of academic quality
• Was taken at accredited, collegiate, and degree-granting institutions
• Were recorded with a grade of ‘C’ or higher (students should keep in mind that some programs may require higher grades for certain courses)
• Is from coursework that is directly applicable to the Goodwin University curriculum

Coordinators consult with faculty to determine transfer credit equivalency based on course content. If outside courses are not equivalent to Goodwin’s courses, those credits will be marked as elective.

Lastly, students find it helpful to know no grades are transferred in, only credits, meaning that they will not affect a student’s GPA. Plus, students can apply and be accepted to Goodwin University in any semester of the academic year.

If and when these criteria are met, the credit will appear on the student’s transcript after the successful completion of twelve credits.

Learn more about transferring to Goodwin University!

Which of a Student’s Credits Will Transfer?

At Goodwin University, a student must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program to complete a transfer evaluation.

Thankfully, we make this as seamless as possible by providing value for various credits, and most students’ credits never expire.

We also recognize that in addition to credits earned at other colleges and universities, transfer credit equivalencies can be earned in other ways.

1. Professional Development or Career Training Licensure and Certification

Goodwin University accepts the following current and up-to-date certifications:

• Child development associate (CDA)
• MOS or MCAS specialist
• Licensed practice nurse (LPN)
• Certified production technician
• Certified logistics technician
• Certificate in financial literacy from the community renewal team

2. Previous Personal Experience, Volunteer Work, and Job Experience through Portfolio Assessments

University-level learning does not always come from inside the classroom. Hence why we also utilize portfolio assessments to determine transfer credit equivalencies. This learning can come from personal experiences, volunteer work, and even job experience.

Transfer students provide a paper or electronic book showcasing their knowledge and competencies to demonstrate that they do not need to take a specific course at Goodwin. Portfolios typically include an introduction, resume, credit request summary, learning descriptions, letters on the student’s behalf, and work examples.

Though portfolio assessments are not a quick process, they are an effective way to earn credit, and students should consult their academic advisors and department chairs for assistance and guidance.

3. Credit By Exam

Transfer students can also ensure their credits will transfer by earning credits by examinations.

Currently, Goodwin accepts credits from the following testing centers:

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) administered by CollegeBoard for students to earn college credit at a fraction of the price of a college course.
• Defense Subject Standardized Test (DSST) Dantes for eligible military members and eligible spouses
• Excelsior exams
• Advanced Placement (AP) tests for high school students to earn college credit while still in high school
• Internal Goodwin credit-by-exam opportunities where currently enrolled Goodwin students can take exams to earn credit, specifically at Goodwin University.

4. International Transfer Credits

Lastly, we accept international credit earned at collegiate institutions outside of the U.S. by evaluating international transcripts through an evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Transfer students wishing to receive credit through coursework from foreign institutions must:

• Contact a NACES member evaluator and request an evaluation of their transcript
• Request the evaluation be course-by-course
• Request that an original of the official evaluation be sent to Goodwin University in a sealed envelope

Transfer Students at Goodwin University

Whether a student is looking for a fresh start at a new school or returning to finish their degree, there is a place for them at Goodwin University.

In fact, over half, fifty-six percent, of all new students have transferred here from other schools and institutions. Surrounded by peers with similar experiences and a sixteen-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, transfer students are not alone and are an important part of our study body.

It’s why we offer students the ability to schedule face-to-face review meetings with our admissions team. In these meetings, we will review students’ transcripts and prior learning experiences, give them an idea of what credits will transfer, and show them what Goodwin can do for them.

Not to mention that reviewing transcripts of prior learning typically takes us less than one business day. There’s no better time to explore your options.

Reach out today to learn more and discover how we help traditional, non-traditional, and transfer students get through college and into a great career!