Transfer Credit FAQs

Q: I took a microbiology course at another university. What do you need from me in order to evaluate that course?

A: You will need to provide a syllabus from the course, which should include a list of topics covered in both the lecture and (if applicable) the lab part of the course. This syllabus can be emailed from your OSU email to the department's transfer credit coordinator for evaluation. After this course has been evaluated, questions about if and how this can fulfill degree requirements should be directed to your advisor.

Q: I took a microbiology course elsewhere and my Advising Report says it's now "Special credit". What does that mean?

A: This generally means one of two reasons:

  1. Your course has been evaluated in the past and determined to not be equivalent to a specific course offered in the department. The entire course is then turned into Special credit.
  2. Your course was determined to be equivalent but there is a difference in credit hours. For example, if you earned 4 credits for a course that the department determined was equivalent to Micro 5149 (which is a 3-credit class), 3 of those credits would be converted into Micro 5149 while the 4th credit would be Special Credit. 

Special Credit cannot apply towards any specific degree requirement unless you work with your advisor on a relevant petition. A petition is not required for Special credit to count towards credit hours earned and your class rank. 

Q: What if I took a course at another university or college that I think should be counted as equivalent to Microbiology 4100?

A: Obtain a complete syllabus of the course and contact the coordinating advisor who will bring your course information to the attention of the Departmental Curriculum Committee. The committee will review your case and will likely require you to schedule a time to take a lecture exam and lab exam concerning material presented in Microbiology 4100. You will need to get a grade of C- or better on these exams.