Indiana State University acknowledges the importance in recognizing demonstrated student proficiencies. In addition to taking courses at Indiana State University, students may earn academic credits that may be applicable to degree requirements. Credits are awarded on the semester-hour basis and may be awarded by the following methods: • Advanced Placement and Prior Learning Credit • Placement Exam and Award of Back Credit • Associate Degree Waivers • Individual Course Equivalencies • Military Credit • Program Articulations • Statewide Indiana Transfer Initiatives
Academic deans have approval on the applicability of academic credits to requirements within their college. Credit identified and awarded in the transfer and award of academic credit policy are excluded and do not count toward the 30 required hours of residence credit for graduation.
Indiana State University offers opportunities for students to earn credit toward a degree for knowledge they have already acquired. Students can earn up to 63 credits towards a baccalaureate degree and 25 percent of an undergraduate certificate. Credit earned this way counts toward graduation requirements but does not count towards resident credit. Students cannot receive this type of credit for courses where credit has already been earned. Fees associated with award of this credit is determined on a bi-annual basis by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees. The University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change fees at any time.
Indiana State University recognizes prior experiences in university approved academic areas for students to earn back credit when exam results place them beyond the introductory level. Students must register and pass the academic course with a specific letter grade for back credit to be awarded.
Undergraduates who earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited institution will be eligible for applicable waivers to Indiana State University’s Foundational Studies requirements.
Undergraduates who complete course work at another accredited college or university may be eligible for earned transfer credit at Indiana State University, if the following conditions are met: • Course work must be completed at an accredited institution in the United States or at an officially recognized international institution. • Course work must be college-level. • Course work must reflect a final grade earned of C- or better (or equivalent). Course equivalency means that a transfer course is a discipline-specific equivalent to a specific Indiana State University course or Foundational Studies requirement. Elective credit is assigned for courses that meet transfer requirements, but for which no equivalency is determined. If a student changes their program, the new academic area will review transfer work that applies to the program. Academic deans have final approval of the applicability of transfer credits to requirements within their college.
Credit will be granted by Indiana State University according to the guidelines of the American Council of Education (ACE). IF ACE guidelines conflict with Indiana State University policies, the latter takes precedence. Students who have successfully completed college-level studies or DANTES exams while in the military may be eligible to receive credit if their official military transcript indicates attainment of college-level equivalency. Credit for military training and experience is granted based on official Joint Services Transcripts and/or discharge form (DD214). All service members qualify for 2-8 credits, based on completion of basic training and length of service as indicated on the DD214. Two credits are awarded for physical education with completion of basic training. Additional elective credit is granted for service time as follows: 2 credits for 12-15 months service. 3 credits for 16-17 months service. 4 credits for 18-19 months service. 5 credits for 20-21 months service. 6 credits for 22 months or more of service. A maximum of 63 credits may be granted based on a combination of service, training, and education while in the military. Credit from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is applied per Indiana State University’s individual transfer course equivalencies guidelines.
These are agreements between Indiana State University and the respective institutions on pathways for students to transfer to Indiana State University. Students must complete the degree and meet the requirements outlined in the agreement. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee is the final signatory for these types of agreements.
Indiana State University supports transfer students by supporting the following State of Indiana Transfer Initiatives.
- Core Transfer Library (CTL). Students who successfully complete CTL courses at Indiana public and participating private institutions can transfer those courses to Indiana State University to meet determined course equivalencies.
- Indiana College Core. Successful completion of the Indiana College Core, previously named Statewide Transfer General Education Core, at an Indiana public institution of higher education transfers as a block of 30 earned credits towards completion of the Foundational Studies requirements at Indiana State University.
- Transfer Single Articulation Pathway. Transfer students who complete an eligible Transfer Articulation Pathway (TSAP) program and have been admitted to the corresponding baccalaureate program at Indiana State University are granted a block of 60 earned credits from the respective associate degree. TSAP’s are degree completion programs that enable students to earn a baccalaureate degree after completing an additional 60 credits as required by the respective major.