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University Registrar

University Registrar
  2. transfer-credit
  3. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the evaluation process take?

Submitted courses are added to a queue for processing and are evaluated as quickly as possible. Timelines are variable and dependent upon the department at Vanderbilt evaluating the credit. Please allow up to 35 days for the evaluation process.

What is non-equivalent credit?

If a course at Vanderbilt does not have a direct equivalent to a course at Vanderbilt (e.g., ECON 1500), it may be evaluated as non-equivalent credit. Non-equivalent credit is applied in two main categories:

  • Non-equivalent credit that counts toward a major or minor in that subject area (course numbers range from 2050-2099): These courses will count as major or minor credit. Often, there is additional information provided in the course title. For example, a course evaluated as HIST 2061 -  Non-Equivalent Credit (HIST-United States) has no direct equivalent at Vanderbilt but can count toward the United States concentration of the History major or minor.
  • Non-equivalent credit that does not count toward a major or minor in that subject area (course numbers range from 2000-2049): These courses will count as general elective credit toward the degree.  

Why are the credit hours different between what I will receive at Vanderbilt and what I earned/will earn at the external institution?

Credit units may differ among institutions. The External Education Team  utilizes industry standards and best practices to provide suggested credit hours for all courses (e.g., conversion from quarter hours to semester hours). In rare cases, a course may not receive credits reflective of industry standards.

How will transfer credit satisfy my degree requirements?

The way in which transfer credit counts toward your degree requirements is dependent upon policies in your school and department. Once the credit is posted to your record at Vanderbilt, you will be able to see how it counts in your degree audit. It is essential that Vanderbilt students requesting to study elsewhere during the summer/winter term determine in advance of taking a course elsewhere how the course might count toward degree requirements. Please contact your academic adviser or your school's Office of Academic Services with questions. 

How will transfer credit satisfy pre- and co-requisites?

Once a course is evaluated and posted to your Vanderbilt record, it will satisfy requisites in the same way as if you took the course at Vanderbilt. 

I need the course to be evaluated differently. What can I do?

Courses are evaluated based on best practice standards and faculty policy. If you need a course to satisfy a different degree requirement, we recommend requesting a degree audit exception. Contact information for that process is as follows:

  • All exceptions for students in Peabody College, the Blair School of Music, and the School of Engineering: Please contact your school's Office of Academic Services. 
  • AXLE/CORE-related exceptions in the College of Arts and Science: Please contact your school's Office of Academic Services.
  • Exceptions for majors or minors offered through the College of Arts and Science: Please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the department offering the major or minor.