Credits from the NSE school will likely transfer back to the U of M, but students will need to do some work to make that happen. Students need to be sure that they understand the U of M's transfer-credit policy and process, and follow that process exactly.
Transfer credit policies and process are explained on the Admissions office page. Before going on exchange, students are responsible for taking the required steps to guarantee that credits will:
- be approved as transfer credit by the U of M Admissions office
- fulfill the Liberal Education Requirements you need
- fulfill any major/minor or other college/graduation requirements
GPA
Because they are considered transfer credits, the grades one receives through their NSE school will not be calculated into their U of M GPA. The MNCAS system documents all transfer credit already reviewed by the Admissions Office. See the admissions office page to begin your research about how courses will transfer.
Tips about Transferring Credits Back to the U of M
The University of Minnesota generally accepts transfer credit from regionally accredited schools in the United States, and from internationally recognized schools in other countries. Transfer credit will generally be given for coursework that is similar in level and content to courses offered at the U of M. Standard liberal arts courses tend to transfer easily (e.g., courses in the arts, humanities, mathematics, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences). Vocational, technical, or skills-based course credits generally don't transfer. Credits for courses not offered for credit at the U of M Twin Cities also don't usually transfer. Examples of these types of courses are aviation, restaurant or hotel management, or real estate. The U of M usually does not accept transfer credits for religion courses that are doctrinal, confessional, or sectarian in nature. All credits earned through NSE must be evaluated by the U of M's Office of Admissions. If approved, the credits one earns through an NSE exchange will be listed as transfer credit on their U of M APAS report, and a memo will be added to their transcript.
Liberal Education Requirements
Students may be able to fulfill some of the U of M's Liberal Education requirements while on exchange. All transfer credit is automatically reviewed to determine which (if any) Liberal Education requirements they fulfill. (See the admissions office page for details.)
Major/Minor and Graduation Requirements
While on exchange, students may fulfill U of M major/minor requirements and other college/graduation requirements. Students will be required to fill out an advisor approval form before they leave on exchange. On this form, students must list all the courses they plan to take during your NSE exchange. College and/or departmental advisor(s) will review the course selections, indicate how they will fit into major/minor or other degree requirements, and sign the form. This form demonstrates how the courses students take on exchange can be used to satisfy U of M degree requirements.
Petitioning for Transfer Credit
If transfer courses are not automatically accepted to fulfill the credit needed (Liberal Education requirements, major, minor, etc), students may be able to petition for the credit. The U of M Admissions Office offers a Transfer Course Petition Guide for Liberal Education Requirements. Specific colleges and/or departments may have their own transfer credit petition processes.
Major/Minor and Graduation Requirements
While on exchange, students may fulfill U of M major/minor requirements and other college/graduation requirements. Students will be required to fill out an advisor approval form before they leave on exchange. On this form, students must list all the courses they plan to take during your NSE exchange. College and/or departmental advisor(s) will review the course selections, indicate how they will fit into major/minor or other degree requirements, and sign the form. This form demonstrates how the courses students take on exchange can be used to satisfy U of M degree requirements.
At the End of the Exchange
As the exchange ends, students must request for an official transcript to be sent from the NSE host school to the U of M. It should be sent to the NSE Office (this is also the Off-Campus Study Programs office.) This will begin the transfer credit review process. After the transfer credits are posted on the student's APAS report (which may take 1 to 2 months), they will need to notify advisors so the credits can be applied to major/minor or other degree requirements.
