UMGC Policy III-1.42 UMGC Policy on Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation and Appeal Process

1. Purpose

   In keeping with its mission to serve all learners, the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) seeks to facilitate the seamless transfer of graduate-level credits from other UMGC-approved accredited colleges and universities. This policy ensures that previously completed coursework meeting UMGC’s academic standards can be recognized and applied toward the completion of graduate certificates and degree programs, enabling students to achieve their educational goals efficiently.

2. Scope and Applicability

   This policy applies to all graduate students seeking to transfer credit toward a UMGC graduate certificate or degree program. It governs the evaluation, approval, and application of graduate-level coursework completed at UMGC-approved accredited institutions.

3. Procedures

   The processes and procedures associated with these opportunities can be found here.

4. Policy

   UMGC offers students the opportunity to transfer graduate-level credits from accredited institutions or other approved sources, provided that the learning aligns with UMGC’s academic standards and degree requirements. The process emphasizes fairness, transparency, and alignment with UMGC’s commitment to academic excellence.

   1. Eligibility for Transfer Credit
      1. Graduate Programs Operating on a Three-Term Calendar (Fall, Spring, Summer) 
         1. Up to 12 graduate credits may be considered for transfer into a graduate degree program. 
         2. Up to 6 graduate credits may be accepted for transfer toward a graduate certificate program. 
         3. UMGC does not accept transfer credit toward its doctoral programs, except in cases where a limited, pre-approved agreement exists for a specific partner cohort. 
      2. Graduate Programs Operating on a Four-Term Calendar (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) 
         1. Decisive Thinking, Communicating, and Leading (DCL 600) is a 6-credit course. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of eligible graduate coursework as a replacement for DCL 600. 
         2. Students with a previously earned master’s degree from an accredited institution may receive transfer credit for DCL 600 in recognition of fundamental graduate-level competencies. 
         3. Students with graduate coursework but no master’s degree may request a review of transfer credits for DCL 600, subject to established criteria noted below. 
   2. Transfer Credit Criteria 
      1. Graduate courses must have been completed at a UMGC-approved accredited institution. 
      2. Only courses with grades of “B” (3.0) or better will be considered. 
      3. Courses must have been completed within three years of the student’s first term of enrollment in a graduate degree or certificate program at UMGC.
      4. The courses must align with the learning outcomes and competencies of the applicable UMGC courses. 
   3. Requesting Transfer Credit
      1. Documentation required for transfer credit evaluation includes official transcripts and any additional materials specified by UMGC.
         1. DCL 600
            1. Students must request an evaluation of transfer credit before enrolling in DCL 600.
   4. Appealing Transfer Credit Decisions
      1. Students who wish to appeal a transfer credit decision have the right to do so. Information about the appeal process, including required documentation and submission guidelines, can be found on the UMGC website or by contacting their Success Coach.
   5. Administrative Procedures
      1. Approved transfer credits will be posted to the student’s permanent academic record.
      2. UMGC reserves the right to establish and update the criteria for transfer credit evaluations to maintain alignment with academic standards and institutional goals.

*formerly Policy 210.17 Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation and Appeal Process