Articulated (Transfer) Degrees
Transferring to Another Institution
Transfer without a degree is an option for Southwestern students. A student may select a major and transfer school, then take only the specific courses required for that major and/or college. Students in certain majors may need to transfer after one year to take advantage of critical major courses offered in the sophomore year at the transfer institution. When a student opts for direct transfer, Southwestern courses are evaluated and accepted on a course-by-course basis by the transfer institution.
Direct transfer students must meet the transfer schools’ "freshman" or "transfer admission" requirements. Catalogs from transfer institutions contain information about credit hour and Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements, as well as transfer application procedures. For assistance, contact the University Center.
Successful Transfer
Success in the transfer process is largely the result of careful planning. It is each student’s responsibility to learn the program requirements of any prospective transfer school and to keep up-to-date on changes in those requirements. Therefore, students should periodically contact the University Center and/or the transfer institution for updates. Prudent use of available resources and advising can help ensure smooth transition to a four-year institution.
Students can benefit from following these tips for successful transfer:
- Plan Ahead: Consider enrolling in HD100 College Success and Survival and/or contact an advisor during your first term at Southwestern to develop an education plan. If you need help with choosing a major or career, consider enrolling in HD102 College Nuts and Bolts or HD208 Career/Life Plan.
- Maintain Contact: Establish early contact with admissions representatives and major advisors at Southwestern and transfer institutions. Keep in touch with them in order to keep up-to-date on major and transfer requirements.
- Know the Rules: Pay attention to GPA and transfer credit policies, application deadlines and both general education and major course requirements of transfer institutions.
- Confirm Transferability of Courses: Not all 100-200 level courses transfer to all four- year schools. Transfer colleges have the “last say” on transferability. Transfer course policies and articulation information can often be found on the transfer school's registrar or admissions webpage.
- Utilize Transfer Resources: This catalog, the University Center, the Educational Support Programs and Services (ESPS) Office, quarterly Transfer Days and Southwestern advisors are key sources of information and guidance.
- Ask for Help: Make sure you have current and complete information; ask for what you need to complete the transfer process successfully.
Transfer Problems?
If a student has a problem transferring classes to a college or university, the student should first try to resolve the problem through contact with the transfer institution. Southwestern advisors may be of assistance in such cases. University Center staff can also assist you with transfer inquiries.