Undergraduate Policies

Thomas Jefferson University accepts transfer credit for college level courses previously taken and awarded grades of C or higher from other institutions of higher learning with accreditation recognized by Jefferson, in all modes of delivery. Please reference programs below that may have different grade requirements.  The transfer grade policy will also be in effect for any Jefferson undergraduate student who requests permission to study off campus during the winter or summer terms.

Courses completed at institutions that are neither regionally accredited nor accredited by agencies listed as accreditors by the United Stated Department of Education may be considered by some academic programs for transfer equivalencies. Students should consult with Enrollment Management to determine if their program accepts these credits. Developmental courses, even those taken at accredited institutions, will not be awarded credit by the University. Major credit is awarded only for courses for which Thomas Jefferson University maintains a program of study or significant coursework in a subject area constituting a cluster, minor, or concentration in University curricula.  General elective credit may be awarded for courses that fit no Thomas Jefferson University major.  Credits will never be awarded for the same course twice.  Prior credits completed in design studios are subject to portfolio review by a faculty member from the responsible department to determine eligibility for transfer credit. Credits completed more than 10 years previous to admission to the University, are reviewed by individual academic departments, and if still aligned with University curricula, credit is awarded. (See Time Limit to Degree and Obsolete credits) Transfer courses evaluated for credit from institutions with different credit systems, (i.e. quarters, trimesters, credit units) will, wherever possible, be equated with the University’s semester system of credit. Thomas Jefferson University transfers credits not grades. All students begin with a new cumulative grade point average (GPA) when they matriculate at the university. Applicants should submit official transcripts to the Undergraduate Admissions office together with course syllabi as soon as possible to expedite the transfer credit process.

For applicants that have taken coursework internationally, the Office of Admissions prefers a course-by-course academic credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member credentialing organization.

Applicants who do not have a NACES evaluation are required to submit official transcripts (along with an official English translation) to the Office of Admissions for review. Jefferson reserves the right to outsource student academic credentials to our NACES member partner through secure digital means as the need requires.

Thomas Jefferson University awards limited academic credit for previous academic, military, competency testing, and learning experiences earned by validation. Joint Service Transcripts and official scores report for AP, CLEP, DSST, IB exams, and A-Levels should also be sent to the Undergraduate Admissions office. (See Credit for Prior Learning)

Admitted students will receive an evaluation of credit from the admissions office showing accepted transfer credits. Evaluation of transfer credit is based upon a student’s major program. Only those credits which advance progress in the major they are accepted into will be harvested and applied to the curricula at Thomas Jefferson University. Transfer evaluations may change in the case of students changing major or timely receipt of additional official transcripts and test scores. Students pursuing minors and concentrations must complete at least half of the minor or concentration in residence at Thomas Jefferson University. Students pursuing minors, concentrations or specializations must consult with their academic advisor about how to best use transfer equivalencies to meet specialization requirements.

In order for students to receive credit for portfolio reviewed courses, students must have both the materials produced during the courses as well as an official transcript including the final grade for the course. Design coursework accepted for general elective credit at the portfolio review session will be harvested only if open general elective credit slots remain to be filled on the Thomas Jefferson University curriculum guide, also referred to as a checksheet.

It is expected that final transcripts from all previously attended institutions, all official test score reports, and materials required for portfolio review be received by Undergraduate Admissions and the reviewing department by the last day of a student’s first semester. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in student failure to make progress in their degree and/or advance to degree completion without re-taking courses previously completed at other institutions but lacking official documentation. The University will not honor receipt of final transcripts, portfolio review requests, and official test scores after the last day to ADD a course during the student’s second semester of enrollment.

Transfer credit awarded does not count toward the minimum number of credits in residence required in the following categories; 

• Traditional Day Baccalaureate Degree - 60 credits
• Accelerated Online Baccalaureate Degree - 30 credits 
• Major Core - 12 credits
• Hallmarks Core - 6 credits (Previously College Studies Core)

Validation of Credit

Validation of Credit forms are used when:

1.    The transfer course doesn't automatically transfer to Thomas Jefferson University and needs to be evaluated by the University program that offers the same or similar type of course.

2.    The transfer course should be made directly equivalent to a Jefferson course.

3.    Transfer credits are evaluated on a credit-for-credit basis; a 3-semester credit hour class completed at another institution will receive the same 3 credits at Thomas Jefferson University; a 4-semester credit hour class completed at another institution will receive the same 4 credits at Thomas Jefferson University. A quarter-hour credit is converted into a semester credit whereby a 3-quarter hour class is equivalent to 2 semester hours, a 4-quarter hour class is equivalent to 2.67 semester hours, and a 5-quarter hour class is equivalent to 3.33 semester hour.

With review, students may receive credit for courses that are from non-regionally accredited institutions and/or non-accredited by the US Department of Education.

Appealing Transfer Credit & Credit for Prior Learning Decisions

Thomas Jefferson University provides traditional day division students with the opportunity to appeal transfer credit and credit for prior learning decisions.  An appeal can include credits that were denied for transfer or credits for re-review of a different transfer equivalency. Students should submit an appeals request as soon as possible and no later than the last day to ADD a course in the student’s second semester of enrollment.

Steps in the appeal include:

1. If appealing the credit evaluation before the start of the semester of entry to TJU, please contact the Office of Admissions.  If appealing the credit evaluation after the start of the semester, notify your academic advisor and provide documentation supporting a request for evaluation including the course description and syllabus.  The Academic Success Center has an appeals form.
2. Your advisor will work with the Academic Success Center for a review with the applicable department/program and make a decision on transferability.
3. The final decision will be communicated to the student, the academic advisor, and to the Registrar’s Office if changes to the academic record are needed.

Health Science Transfer Credit Limits & Restrictions