Transfer of Credit

Articulation, Transfer and Cooperative Agreements

What majors are offered through Mesa State College?

I want to transfer to Mesa State, what do I need to do?

Transfer Links for Students

AP Course Transferability - A list of AP classes that Mesa State accepts and how they transfer

I have my unofficial transcripts and I need to know what will transfer to Mesa State.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact our Transfer Services Center at 970-248-1232 or Carrie Hinds. By contacting the Transfer Services Center an unofficial evaluation can be completed. Students can also refer to the online catalog as a helpful resource when figuring out which classes will transfer in, and what to take while at another college. Refer to the Mesa State general education requirements, the CCHE Statewide transfer courses, as well as the core requirements to fulfill the Associate Degree programs. Each degree listed in the catalog also has a program sheet that lists all the required courses necessary for the individual degree.

How many credits can I transfer to Mesa State and how many do I need to graduate?

To receive a baccalaureate degree from Mesa State College, students must complete a minimum of 28 semester hours of credit in no fewer than two semesters of study at Mesa State College with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher. Therefore, a maximum of 92 credit hours can be transferred in from previous institutions. The majority of majors require a minimum of 121 total credits to earn a bachelors degree.

How do I get an official transfer evaluation?

Students who have never attended Mesa State College may sign up for Student Orientation. Students who sign up for Student Orientation at least two weeks prior to the program will have their transcript evaluation completed by the day of the program. If you have questions regarding your official evaluation, contact Robert Cackler in the Office of the Registrar at 970-248-1555. Transfer evaluations for those not attending the program will be completed after classes start.

Where can I find the list of classes that fulfill the general education at MSC?

The undergraduate graduate requirements can be found in the Mesa State College catalog, towards the end of Part 1, in the Graduation section. General education requirements vary from one college/university to another. If a class is not in our approved list, it may transfer as an elective as long as it meets the guidelines for transfer.

What are the general guidelines for credits transferring?

The main guidelines that help determine how courses will transfer are as follows:

1. Accreditation - Check your school catalog to be sure that it is accredited by one of the following associations of colleges and schools: Middle States, North Central, New England, Northwest, Southern, Western. If it is, then the courses are eligible to transfer.
2. Grades - A grade of "C-" or higher must be earned in each transferable course. Courses with a "Pass" or "Satisfactory" will only transfer if there is documentation on the back of the transcript showing that it is equivalent to a "C-" or higher.
3. Preparatory classes - English and Mathematics courses that are taken in preparation for English composition or College Algebra will transfer as zero credits. All other courses that are considered "pre-college" will not transfer. Other examples of such courses are prep reading courses, academic skills prep, etc.
4. Religious classes - Religious courses are generally not accepted.
5. Human Performance and Wellness Exercise classes - Only two semester hours of physical exercise courses can be used for graduation. Therefore, only two semester hours will be accepted in transfer.
6. Technical Trades classes - The main key in identifying these courses is that the degree earned would be a certificate or Associate of Applied Studies. If you are pursuing a similar degree at Mesa State College, these classes will be evaluated by the department contact for your specialization at the Bishop Campus. Otherwise these courses generally do not transfer.
7. Classes over 15 years - Courses taken fifteen years prior to the most current enrollment at MSC will be looked at on a course-by-course basis.
8. The Office of the Registrar evaluates general education courses.
9. The department chair has final approval for classes toward the major.

What is the process used to determine how my classes will transfer?

Each course is evaluated using the course abbreviation, level of the course (i.e., freshman, sophomore, etc.), the course title, and the course description. On occasion a course syllabus is necessary to complete the evaluation. The evaluator compares the title, level, and course description to the classes offered at MSC. If a match is found, an exact equivalent will be given. If no equivalent exists, it will be coded either with the similar department and the level (i.e., MANG 1XX) or as an elective and the level (i.e., ELEC 2XX).

How do quarter credit hours convert to semester credit hours?

If the classes were taken on a quarter system, they are converted to semester hours by multiplying by 2/3. (i.e., a 3 qtr hrs = 2 sem hrs, 4 qtr hrs = 2.66 sem hrs.)

You do NOT need to have your transcripts reviewed by the Academic Credits Evaluator if you are not planning on earning a degree at Mesa State College.

International Baccalaureate

Mesa State College recognizes the quality of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the achievement level of participating high school students. Allowable credit will be awarded after 12 semester hours of college level courses have been taken at Mesa State College. The faculty and department head of each school have determined the credit awards according to the scores shown on the subject exams. Credit awarded will be subject to the overall limitations found in the Mesa State Nontraditional Credit Policy*. An official transcript showing the IB diploma or certificate should be sent directly to the Mesa State Office of Admissions from the International Baccalaureate Organization. For more details refer to the table of awards showing allowable subject exams and credit awards.
*Refer to the Mesa State College Catalog.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Will my financial aid automatically transfer to Mesa State College?
No. Mesa State College must be listed on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid; our Title IV school code is 001358. If you need to add Mesa State College to your FAFSA, you may contact the Federal Processor at (800) 433-3243.
If you are transferring to Mesa State College in the middle of the academic year (Spring or Summer semester), please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 970-248-1396.

If I have previous student loans, should I stay with the same lender?
Yes. It is highly recommended that you borrow all of your loan funds from one lender. If you borrow from more than one lender, you may have to make payments to each lender when you enter repayment.

What scholarships are available at Mesa State College?
The Admissions Office offers a variety of academic scholarships. You simultaneously apply for these scholarships when you complete the scholarship application with the admission application. Please contact the Admissions Office (970) 248-1875 for more information on scholarships.