Graduate Policies

Purpose

This policy provides guidance on the acceptance of transfer credit into a graduate degree program at Thomas Jefferson University.

Definitions

Accreditation: Accreditation is a process of external review used by the higher education community to assure quality and spur ongoing improvement. (Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC)

Regional Accreditation: Regional accreditation agencies have served the U.S. higher education system for more than 100 years. Regional accreditation relies on the rigorous process of peer review – not governmental monitoring – to define and evaluate whether institutions meet high standards. (C-RAC). Thomas Jefferson University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) (consumer information disclosure). Regional accreditors must be recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in order for their accredited institution to receive federal Title IV funding.

National Accreditation: have historically accredited vocational institutions, institutions with certain religious missions, and institutions that deliver programs through distance education (C-RAC). 

Policy

The acceptance of transfer credits from an external institution into a graduate degree program at Thomas Jefferson University must conform to the standards set forth by the University, College, and Program which the student seeks to transfer credits.

Scope

This policy is applicable to current students in a graduate program or students seeking admissions into a graduate program who want to transfer credits from an external institution to that graduate program.

Components

University Requirements

• Transfer credit institutions in the United States must be regionally accredited (Council of Higher Education Accreditation)
• Transfer credit institutions outside of the United States will be considered on a case by case basis by the University and College in which student is seeking to transfer credits
• Transferred courses at the external institution must have a grade of B or above
• Course must be applicable to degree as determined by program’s college at Thomas Jefferson University
• Official transcript and course description and/or syllabus must accompany the transfer request in order to be considered  
• Credits must have been earned within ten years of transfer to Thomas Jefferson University  
• In circumstances where transfer of credit is granted, only the credits will transfer while course grade does not transfer nor is calculated into GPA at Thomas Jefferson University
• Current students must receive prior approval before taking any course outside of the University for consideration of transfer credits
• External students seeking to enter and transfer credits into a graduate degree program at Thomas Jefferson University must consult with a Graduate Admissions counselor who will consult with the Program Director in which the student seeks to enter due determine viability of credits for transfer

College/Program Requirements

• Refer to College Handbook and consultation with Program Director