Credit Transfer & Evaluation
Building Your Academic Path at TUOS
At The University of Ontological Science, we recognize that knowledge acquisition transcends institutional boundaries. Our credit transfer and evaluation process honors your previous academic achievements while ensuring the integrity and coherence of your TUOS degree. We aim to provide a transparent, equitable, and thorough evaluation of your prior learning as you integrate it into your intellectual journey with us.
Transfer Credit Principles
TUOS evaluates transfer credits based on these foundational principles:
- Academic Quality: Credits must be earned at regionally accredited institutions or internationally recognized universities
- Curricular Relevance: Coursework should align with TUOS’s academic programs and philosophical approach
- Recency: Knowledge currency is considered in certain rapidly evolving fields
- Performance: Minimum grade requirements ensure transfer credits reflect successful learning
- Degree Integrity: Residency requirements preserve the distinctive character of a TUOS degree
Eligibility Requirements
Institutional Accreditation
Credits must be earned from:
- Regionally accredited colleges or universities in the United States
- Nationally recognized technical or specialized institutions (evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
- International institutions recognized by their country’s ministry of education or equivalent authority
Course Level and Content
- College-level coursework (typically 100-level or above)
- Non-remedial, non-developmental content
- Equivalent or comparable to courses offered at TUOS
- Relevant to your degree program or general education requirements
Grade Requirements
- Undergraduate transfers: Minimum grade of C (2.0) or higher
- Graduate transfers: Minimum grade of B (3.0) or higher
- Pass/Fail courses: Only if “Pass” is equivalent to the minimum grade requirement and original grade documentation is available
Credit Limits
- Undergraduate Students: Maximum of 60 transfer credits for a bachelor’s degree (half of the 120 required credits)
- Graduate Students: Maximum of 9 transfer credits for a master’s degree (one-quarter of the 36 required credits)
- Doctoral Students: Maximum of 12 transfer credits, subject to program approval
Types of Transfer Credit
Traditional College Coursework
Course-by-course evaluation comparing content, learning outcomes, and credit hours with TUOS equivalents.
Credit by Examination
- Advanced Placement (AP): Scores of 4 or 5 typically eligible for credit
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Higher Level exams with scores of 5-7 eligible for credit
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Minimum score of 50 required for most examinations
- DSST/DANTES: Subject standardized tests evaluated individually
View AP/IB/CLEP Credit Equivalency Tables
Military Training and Experience
- Joint Services Transcript (JST) evaluated using American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations
- Credits awarded for military training that has collegiate equivalence
- Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) may qualify for credit in related fields
International Credits
- Evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service
- Course-by-course evaluation required
- Official translation of transcripts needed for non-English documents
- Calendar conversion applied for institutions using different credit systems
Prior Learning Assessment
- Credit for demonstrated college-level learning acquired through professional experience
- Portfolio assessment process to document and validate learning
- Maximum of 15 undergraduate credits available through this pathway
- Evaluation fee: $250 per portfolio submission
Transfer Credit Evaluation Process
Step 1: Submit Required Documentation
For U.S. Institutions:
- Official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to TUOS Admissions Office
- Course syllabi for specialized courses or courses without clear TUOS equivalents
For International Institutions:
- Course-by-course credential evaluation from approved evaluation services:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
- Original language transcripts and certified English translations
For Military Credit:
- Joint Services Transcript (JST)
- Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript
- DD-214 form
For Examination Credit:
- Official score reports sent directly from the testing agency
Step 2: Initial Evaluation
Once all documentation is received:
- Admissions specialists conduct a preliminary review
- Faculty subject matter experts evaluate specialized coursework
- International credentials undergo authentication and conversion
- Military transcripts are aligned with ACE recommendations
Step 3: Credit Determination
Each course is evaluated based on:
- Alignment with TUOS curriculum
- Credit hours or equivalent academic content
- Course level and rigor
- Learning outcomes comparison
- Recency of completion (especially for technical subjects)
Step 4: Credit Application
Approved credits are designated as:
- Direct Equivalents: Matched to specific TUOS courses
- Department Electives: Applied toward departmental requirements without direct equivalency
- General Electives: Count toward overall degree requirements
Step 5: Notification and Appeals
- Initial credit evaluation provided within 4-6 weeks of complete submission
- Detailed transfer credit report available in the Student Portal
- Students may appeal decisions by submitting additional documentation
- Appeals must be initiated within 45 days of initial evaluation
Download Transfer Credit Appeal Form
Special Transfer Programs and Articulation Agreements
Community College Partnerships
TUOS maintains articulation agreements with select community colleges to facilitate seamless transfer:
- Guaranteed admission with specified GPA
- Course-by-course equivalency guides
- Pre-approved transfer pathways
- Joint advising programs
Partner Institutions:
- Metropolitan Community College
- River Valley College System
- Lakeside Community College
- Horizon Technical College
View Complete Articulation Agreements
Transfer Pathways Program
Designed transfer curricula for specific majors that provide:
- Clear roadmap from associate’s to bachelor’s degree
- Guaranteed junior standing upon completion
- Pre-mapped course equivalencies
- Minimal credit loss
2+2 Programs
Structured programs allowing students to complete:
- 2 years at a partner community college
- 2 years at TUOS to complete a bachelor’s degree
- Seamless transition between institutions
- Cost-effective degree completion
Timeline and Deadlines
Activity | Timeline |
---|---|
Initial transcript submission | With application or before orientation |
Preliminary evaluation | 4-6 weeks from submission |
Additional documentation requests | May extend timeline by 2-3 weeks |
Appeals process | 45 days from initial evaluation |
Final transfer credit posting | Before the end of first semester |
International evaluation processing | 6-8 weeks from submission |
Note: Delays may occur during peak admission periods. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Transfer Credit Policies by Academic Area
Humanities and Philosophy
- Core ontology courses typically must be completed at TUOS
- Literature, history, and introductory philosophy courses readily transferable
- Advanced theoretical courses evaluated case-by-case by department faculty
Sciences
- Lab sciences require comparable laboratory hours
- Science credits older than 10 years evaluated for content currency
- Mathematics placement assessment may be required regardless of transfer credit
Language and Communication
- Foreign language credits accepted with proficiency verification
- Composition credits must meet the university’s writing standards
- Speech/communication courses evaluated for public speaking components
Professional Programs
- Professional accreditation requirements may limit transferability
- Clinical experiences rarely transferable without equivalent standards
- Technical courses evaluated for theoretical foundations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know which of my courses will transfer before I apply?
A: You can request a preliminary credit evaluation by submitting unofficial transcripts through our Transfer Credit Estimator tool. This provides a non-binding estimate of transferable credits.
Q: Will my GPA transfer with my credits?
A: No, while courses and credits transfer, grades do not factor into your TUOS GPA. Your GPA at TUOS will be calculated based solely on coursework completed here.
Q: What if my previous institution was on quarters rather than semesters?
A: We convert quarter credits to semester credits using a 2/3 ratio. For example, a 4-quarter-credit course typically converts to 2.67 semester credits.
Q: Can I transfer credits after I’ve enrolled at TUOS?
A: Current students must receive prior approval before taking courses at another institution. Complete the Permission to Study Elsewhere Form before enrolling in external courses.
Q: How do transfer credits appear on my TUOS transcript?
A: Transfer credits appear with the course title, credits awarded, and a “TR” grade notation. The original grade does not appear on your TUOS transcript but remains on your originating institution’s transcript.
Q: What if a course I took covers the same material as two different TUOS courses?
A: In some cases, a single transfer course may satisfy multiple TUOS requirements if the content coverage is sufficient. This determination is made during the faculty review process.
Transfer Student Resources
Transfer Student Orientation
Specialized orientation program addressing the unique needs of transfer students:
- Credit evaluation workshops
- Academic planning sessions
- Major-specific advising
- Community-building activities
Transfer Advising Center
Dedicated advisors specializing in transfer student success:
- Credit maximization strategies
- Progress-to-degree planning
- Double-counting opportunities
- General education completion pathways
Schedule a Transfer Advising Appointment
Transfer Student Association
Student organization focused on transfer student community:
- Peer mentoring
- Social events
- Academic support
- Advocacy initiatives
Join the Transfer Student Association
Contact Information
Office of Transfer Services
Academic Building, Room 220
transfer@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4575
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Extended hours (until 7:00 PM) on Wednesdays
Transfer Credit Specialists:
- Humanities and Philosophy: Dr. Eleanor Richards, e.richards@tuos.edu
- Sciences and Mathematics: Dr. James Martinez, j.martinez@tuos.edu
- Professional Programs: Dr. Sophia Williams, s.williams@tuos.edu
- International Credentials: Ms. Amara Patel, a.patel@tuos.edu
At TUOS, we recognize that knowledge transcends institutional boundaries. Our transfer credit philosophy honors your previous academic achievements while ensuring the distinctive character and intellectual integrity of your TUOS degree. We are committed to a thoughtful evaluation process that respects your prior learning while preparing you for the distinctive ontological inquiry that defines our academic community.