Transfer Course Evaluation Policies at Southwestern University

This document is intended as a source of information for Southwestern University (SU) students and for perspective student applicants. As an alternative to transfer coursework, current students are encouraged to enroll in the three-week “May Term” or “June Term” sessions offered at Southwestern University each summer.

Pre-Approved Transfer Courses

The following link provides a list of courses transferable to SU from Texas community colleges. SU students do not require pre-approval to take these courses unless in the final 33 hours (see information below) of their degree requirements.

Link to Pre-approved Transferable Course List

Other Transfer Courses

If a transfer course is not listed on the pre-approved list of courses in the above link, transfer course approval may be requested by completing the Permission to Add Transfer Courses worksheet located at the link below.

Link to Transfer Course Approval Form

Final 33 Hours

It is expected that students will take coursework in the final 33 hours at Southwestern University (or in an approved Study Abroad program). However, should circumstances arise that necessitate taking coursework elsewhere, registrar approval is required. If approved, students may take a maximum of two courses. Courses in a student’s major or minor will not be approved. Approval may be requested by completing the Permission to Add Transfer Courses form listed above.

Transfer Credit Exclusions

Developmental Courses

Courses that are developmental, remedial, vocational, or technical in nature will not transfer to Southwestern University. Common examples include College Algebra, Trigonometry, and computer technology courses.

Distance Education

Courses offered via the Internet, television, distance learning, or any other non-classroom mode of delivery may not be accepted for non-elective credit unless prior approval is obtained from the appropriate department chair.

Upper-Level Credit

Courses transferred from community colleges do not count for upper-division credit at Southwestern University. In order to receive upper-division coursework via transfer, students must take an approved upper-division course from a four-year institution.

Receiving Transfer Credit

If a course is pre-approved, credit will be awarded upon receipt of an official transcript from another accredited university or college. In order to be considered official, a transcript must either be mailed directly to SU from the institution or be delivered to the registrar’s office in a signed and sealed envelope. Unsealed and faxed transcripts are considered unofficial. Official transcripts may be mailed to SU as the following address:

Southwestern University

P.O. Box 770

Georgetown, TX 78627-0770

Students planning to attend a Texas public college during the summer should be prepared to do the following:

• submit a visiting or transient student application
• request an official transcript be mailed from SU to the other institution
• meet state THEA or TSI requirements

AP, IB, Dual Credit

Southwestern University applicants are encouraged to have all AP and IB test score requests sent to the address listed above. AP and IB credit equivalencies may be viewed at the links below:

AP Credit Chart Link

IB: IB Credit Chart Link

It is important to remember that dual credit can only be awarded if the college transcript has been received – SU cannot award credit from a high school transcript. Most dual credit equivalencies can be viewed using the link provided in the Pre-Approved Transfer Courses section (above).

Questions

Please refer all transfer, AP, IB, or dual credit question to Sean Smith, assistant registrar, at smith9@southwestern.edu or (512) 863-1443.