Advanced Standing

Advanced standing may be granted to individuals enrolling in select graduate programs. Advanced standing, if granted, is based on a review of prior learning that may include successfully completed academic coursework at another degree-granting institution; other relevant programs/courses taken in the workplace, from professional organizations or in other training contexts where appropriate certification is available; and/or documented applicable work experiences.

A maximum of 65 percent of the total number of credits toward the degree may be granted for advanced standing (unless otherwise stated in an institutional agreement). Specific credit maximums, advanced standing requirements and required documentation vary by graduate program.

When considering granting advanced standing, the graduate program may consider and/or require the following:

  • Academic Coursework
    •  Official transcript documenting successful completion of course(s).
    • Course syllabi or copy of course catalog with course description.
    • Course is a professional or graduate level course from a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education institutional accreditor. (Graduates of non-U.S. accredited colleges/universities may need transcript/syllabi review by World Education Services, the Academic Credential Evaluation Institute, or another approved credential evaluation service.)
    • Course clearly meets the defined goals and objectives of a specific course being offered by the College.
    • Student earned a minimum of a B in the course.
    • Course was taken no more than seven (7) years prior to the transfer of credit application completion date.
    • Course must be equivalent to or greater than the amount of credit assigned to the specified College course.
  • Other Courses or Programs
    • Continuing education course/workshop/seminar/program descriptions, proof of completion and certification awarded.
  • Work Experiences
    • Letter from employer(s) specifying the nature and extent of program-related work experiences.