Transfer Credit Policy

Introduction / Determination of Transferability

Eastern Kentucky University welcomes transfer students from other accredited colleges and universities. Eastern Kentucky University awards credit in transfer for undergraduate courses completed at colleges and universities accredited by the following regional accrediting agencies:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Transfer credit is also awarded for courses completed at colleges and universities outside of the United States based on recommendations from agencies that evaluate foreign educational institutions (World Educational Services and Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.).

Transfer credit is not awarded for remedial courses.

Determination of Course Equivalencies

Initial determinations of transfer credit equivalencies are made by Eastern Kentucky University department chairpersons through a comparison of course descriptions and/or course titles. If substantial similarity exists between a course taken at another institution and an EKU course, transfer credit will be awarded for the EKU course. If substantial similarity does not exist, but the course is in a subject matter taught at Eastern Kentucky University under a specific course prefix, elective credit will be awarded under that prefix (e.g., MAT electives for a mathematics course).

If the content of a course description does not provide sufficient information to assign the credit to a specific prefix, general elective credit will be awarded.

Eastern Kentucky University considers lower division credits transferred to EKU as lower division, even if EKU offers a comparable course at the upper division. Eastern Kentucky University considers upper division credits transferred to EKU as upper division, even if EKU offers a comparable course at the lower division.

Transfer equivalencies are based on current policies and generally reflect course numbers from the EKU catalog at the time the evaluation is conducted. Eastern Kentucky University courses and course numbers are subject to change; thus, transfer equivalencies are subject to change as well. Eastern Kentucky University maintains a transfer course equivalency web site (ky.transfer.org).

Current EKU students who plan to take courses at other institutions are encouraged to consult with their advisors and to confirm transferability of such courses prior to enrolling.

Appeal of Transferability or Course Equivalencies

The ultimate authority for transfer of credit rests with the department chairperson through which similar courses are offered at EKU. Students who wish to appeal the evaluation or transferability of a course may do so through the appropriate department head. When making an appeal, students must be prepared to provide supporting documentation (e.g., a course syllabus, course description from the other institution’s catalog, examples of work). Department chairpersons who wish to approve a revision to a credit evaluation must submit a “Transfer Course Evaluation Form” form to the Transfer Center. This form is available in the Transfer Center.

Credit Hour Equivalencies

Credit is converted to semester hour equivalents. In converting quarter hours to semester hours, a conversion factor of two-thirds is used.

If a course at another institution is offered for fewer credit hours than an equivalent course at Eastern Kentucky University (e.g., if a three credit hour course at another institution is substantially similar in content to a four credit hour course at EKU), the student will be given transfer credit for the equivalent course at EKU but only for the number of credit hours earned at the other institution.

Transfer of General Education Requirements / Kentucky 48-hour General Education Block

Students who are certified by a participating Kentucky institution as having completed an approved 48-hour general education block (General Education Full Certification) will be considered as having fulfilled EKU’s general education requirements.
Additional general education courses will be required only if specific courses are required for your major and an equivalent course has not been transferred.

If you have any question regarding your status of "Gen Ed Fully Certified", please check with the EKU Transfer Center or with the Registrar's Office at the institution you last attended.

The other two levels of certification are "Category Certified" or "Core Certified". Either of these levels will ensure your general education courses will transfer as part of EKU's general education. You should check with the Registrars' Office at the institution you last attended if you have additional questions.

Beginning Summer 2003, students who transfer to EKU with an AA or AS degree earned since May 1995 at a KCTCS institution will be deemed to have met all EKU general education requirements with the exception of those specifically needed for a student's major.

Students with applied degrees (AAS) from KCTCS institutions will NOT be general education fully certified at EKU, unless a notation is included on their transcript from the sending (KCTCS) institution.

Transfer Credit Limit

No limit exists on the number of credits that may be transferred from other institutions; however, students must meet the minimum residence and upper division requirements in effect at EKU to receive a degree, as described in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Transfer of Dual Credit Courses

Courses taken for dual credit (courses for which students receive both high school and college credit) are evaluated in the same manner as traditional courses offered by the institution through which they are taken. No limit exists on the number of transfer credit hours that will be awarded for dual credit courses.

Credit for Experiential Learning

Credit is not awarded for experiential learning unless validated through the credit by examination provisions referenced above.

Credit for Correspondence Courses

Credit is granted for correspondence courses taken through accredited colleges and universities according to the same guidelines described above.