Transfer Credit Policies

Students may transfer a maximum of 64 semester hours, or 96 quarter hours, toward a Willamette degree. In most cases, courses taken at regionally accredited colleges or universities will receive full credit if they are comparable to courses offered at Willamette, or otherwise consistent with the goals and standards of Willamette's undergraduate degree programs. Courses with grades below C- (C minus) will not receive credit. Transfer courses are not used in computing the Willamette University grade point average. To be eligible for transfer credit, college courses must be described in the college catalog and recorded on the college transcript.

Once matriculated at Willamette University, students must submit a Transfer Credit Request form prior to enrolling in proposed transfer courses. Current students thinking about taking a class during the summer and transferring the credit to Willamette University may find the Transfer Credit Decision Aid form helpful.

At least 60 semester hours must be earned in residence at Willamette University, and at least 32 of the final 40 semester hours must be earned in residence or in Willamette-sponsored off-campus study programs.

Information for First Year Students

In most cases, college credits earned prior to secondary school graduation, including those earned in concurrent (or dual) enrollment programs, will receive full transfer credit.

Willamette University encourages student participation in the Advanced Placement (AP) program sponsored by the College Board, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and concurrent (or dual) enrollment programs. No college credit is granted for College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Many AP scores of "4" and "5" will be granted a minimum of 4 credits. Willamette will grant 4 credits for many IB Higher Level examinations passed with a score of "5" and up to 8 credits for many Higher Level exams passed with a score of "6" or "7". Willamette will also grant 4 additional credits to students who earn the full IB Diploma with a score of 30 or above. Willamette maintains current listings of AP and IB course equivalencies.

For students admitted as first year students, no more than 32 credits will be awarded for courses taken prior to matriculation. This includes college, AP, IB, and concurrent (or dual) enrollment credits.

Students should consult the Office of the Registrar with any questions regarding the transferability of credits.

Information for Transfer Students

Satisfaction of specific general education requirements will be determined on the basis of a course-by-course evaluation of the transcript(s). Please note that at the time of admission, the fulfillment of general education requirements is assessed. Any upper level transfer credit that is major or minor specific may be granted by the respective department after matriculation.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree

• Students admitted as a transfer student with an Associate of Arts degree (AA) from an accredited community college will automatically be granted 60 semester hours (junior standing) upon entrance. Please note that this does not guarantee the satisfaction of all general education requirements.
• Students will still be required to fulfill the upper-division writing-center course, the study in a language other than English, the World Engagement, and Power Diversity and Equity requirement.
• The language requirement may be satisfied by transferring in language courses, or by taking a placement exam after matriculation and demonstrating intermediate proficiency.

Associate of Science (AS) Degree

• Students admitted as transfer students with an Associate of Science (AS) degree from an accredited institution will automatically be granted 60 semester hours (junior standing) upon entrance.
• AS students will have satisfied many general education requirements, leaving the upper-division writing-centered course, the study in a language other than English, World Engagement, and Power Diversity and Equity requirement.
• The language requirement may be satisfied by transferring in language courses, or by taking a placement exam after matriculation and demonstrating intermediate proficiency.

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) Degree

• Students admitted as transfer students with an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree from an accredited institution will automatically be granted 60 semester hours (junior standing) upon entrance.
• AAOT students will have satisfied many general education requirements, leaving the upper-division writing-centered course, the study in a language other than English, World Engagement, and Power Diversity and Equity requirement.
• The language requirement may be satisfied by transferring in language courses, or by taking a placement exam after matriculation and demonstrating intermediate proficiency.

Tokyo International University (TIU) Scholarship Exchange Program

• Students transferring from Tokyo International University in the Scholarship Exchange Program will automatically be granted 64 semester hour credits (junior standing) upon entrance.

Information for Students Receiving GI Bill Benefits

Any student receiving GI Bill education benefits while attending Willamette University is required to obtain transcripts from military training and all previously attended schools and submit them to the school for review of prior credit.