This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
- Credit for Advanced Placement tests of the College Board
- Credit for International Baccalaureate diplomas and courses
- Credit for Cambridge International Examinations
- College Level Examination Program
- Undergraduate credit by examination or faculty-based alternative assessment
- Military credit
- Credits earned through VCU Global Learning education abroad programs
- Credits for dual-enrollment courses
VCU awards advanced standing and credit, with qualifying scores or grades, for additional sources of academic credit. These additional sources include: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Advanced, College Level Examination Program, military service credit recommended by the American Council on Education and the DANTES Subject Standardized Test Program. Students should consult the charts below for academic credit guidelines.
The awarding of credit is determined by the faculty. Faculty members from the relevant academic departments review the subject curricula, subject examinations, grade distributions and marking schemes provided by these examination agencies. After reviewing such materials, faculty members make informed judgments about what credit, if any, is to be awarded. Faculty members verify such judgments through feedback provided from student performance in more advanced courses at VCU. Once the faculty review is complete, the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee provides a secondary review and then publishes the results by means of transfer tables in the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin indicating the examination, test score, VCU course equivalent and number of credits awarded.
In order to be eligible for academic credit, new students must submit transcripts and/or scores to the VCU Transfer Center before the end of the first semester of enrollment. Official transcripts may be sent to VCU Transfer Center, Box 842532, Richmond, VA 23284-2532. For more information, contact the Transfer Center at (804) 827-1349.
Note: The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors gives the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee the authority to review these sources of academic credit as needed. The UUCC will report substantial changes to the board for further approval. (Approved by VCU Board of Visitors, Nov. 10, 2011.)
Credit for Advanced Placement tests of the College Board
AP tests passed with scores of 3, 4 or 5 will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU. The chart below provides information about the VCU equivalent credit for the various AP tests.
To ensure consistency, the VCU Transfer Center is the official credit notification point for AP credit for all university programs. Final determination of credit will be made after test results have been received and evaluated by the Transfer Center. Credits awarded are counted as credits earned toward the degree, but are not used in the computation of the student’s VCU grade-point average.
For more information, contact the Transfer Center at (804) 827-1349.
VCU credit awarded for AP tests
| AP examination | AP score | VCU equivalent | VCU credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art History | 3,4,5 | ARTH 103, ARTH 104 | 6 |
| Art: Studio Art – Drawing | 4,5 | ARTF 139 | 1 |
| Art: Studio Art – 2-D-Design | 4,5 | ARTF 139 | 1 |
| Art: Studio Art – 3-D-Design | 4,5 | ARTF 139 | 1 |
| Biology | 3 | BIOL 101, BIOZ 101 | 4 |
| Biology | 4 | BIOL 152, BIOZ 152 | 4 |
| Biology | 5 | BIOL 151, BIOZ 151, BIOL 152, BIOZ 152 | 8 |
| Calculus AB | 3,4,5 | MATH 200 | 4 |
| Calculus BC | 3,4 | MATH 200 | 4 |
| Calculus BC | 5 | MATH 200, MATH 201 | 8 |
| Chemistry | 3,4 | CHEM 101, CHEZ 101 | 4 |
| Chemistry | 5 | CHEM 101, CHEZ 101, CHEM 102, CHEZ 102 | 8 |
| Chinese Language & Culture | 3 | FRLG 101 | 3 |
| Chinese Language & Culture | 4,5 | CHIN 201, CHIN 202 | 6 |
| Computer Science A | 3 | CMSC 254 | 4 |
| Computer Science A | 4,5 | CMSC 255 | 4 |
| Computer Science Principles | 3 | CMSC 1XX | 3 |
| Computer Science Principles | 4,5 | CMSC 254 | 4 |
| Economics – Macro | 3,4,5 | ECON 211 | 3 |
| Economics – Micro | 3,4,5 | ECON 210 | 3 |
| English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition | 3,4,5 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
| English Language and Composition and English Literature and Composition | 3,4,5 | UNIV 111, ENGL 215 | 6 |
| Environmental Science | 3,4,5 | BIOL 103 | 3 |
| European History | 3,4,5 | HIST 101, HIST 102 | 6 |
| French, German, Spanish Language & Culture | 3 | FREN 202, GRMN 202, SPAN 202 | 3 |
| French, German, Spanish Language & Culture | 4 | FREN 300, GRMN 300, SPAN 300 | 3 |
| French, German, Spanish Language & Culture | 5 | FREN 300, GRMN 300, SPAN 300, FREN 301, GRMN 301, SPAN 301 | 6 |
| Govt. & Politics: Comparative | 3,4,5 | POLI 109 | 3 |
| Govt. & Politics: United States | 3,4,5 | POLI 103 | 3 |
| Human Geography | 3,4,5 | URSP 102 | 3 |
| Italian Language & Culture | 3 | ITAL 102 | 3 |
| Italian Language & Culture | 4 | ITAL 201, ITAL 202 | 6 |
| Italian Language & Culture | 5 | ITAL 202, ITAL 3XX | 6 |
| Japanese Language & Culture | 3 | FRLG 101 | 3 |
| Japanese Language & Culture | 4,5 | FRLG 201, FRLG 202 | 6 |
| Latin | 3,4,5 | LATN 201 | 3 |
| Music Theory | 3,4,5 | MHIS 115 | 3 |
| Physics 1 | 3,4,5 | PHYS 201 | 4 |
| Physics 2 | 3,4,5 | PHYS 202 | 4 |
| Physics C – Electricity & Magnetism | 3,4,5 | PHYS 208 | 5 |
| Physics C – Mechanics | 3,4,5 | PHYS 207 | 5 |
| Psychology | 3,4,5 | PSYC 101 | 4 |
| Precalculus | 3,4,5 | MATH 151 | 4 |
| Spanish Literature & Culture | 3 | SPAN 202 | 3 |
| Spanish Literature & Culture | 4 | SPAN 330 | 3 |
| Spanish Literature & Culture | 5 | SPAN 330, SPAN 331 | 6 |
| Statistics | 3 | STAT 210 | 3 |
| Statistics | 4,5 | STAT 210 or STAT 212 | 3 |
| U.S. History | 3,4,5 | HIST 103, HIST 104 | 6 |
| World History | 3,4,5 | HIST 1XX (History elective) | 6 |
| Research (Capstone) | 4,5 | UNIV 200 | 3 |
| Seminar (Capstone) | 3 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
| Seminar (Capstone) | 4,5 | Waive UNIV 111 and award credit for UNIV 112 | 3 |
Credit for International Baccalaureate diplomas and courses
IB Higher Level tests passed with scores of 4-7 and Standard Level tests passed with scores of 5-7 will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU. The chart below provides information about the VCU equivalent credit for IB scores. Contact the VCU Transfer Center if an examination is not included in the chart.
To ensure consistency, the VCU Transfer Center is the official credit notification point for IB credit for all university programs. Final determination of credit will be made after test results have been received and evaluated by the Transfer Center. Credits awarded are counted as credits earned toward the degree, but are not used in the computation of the student’s VCU grade-point average.
For more information, contact the Transfer Center at (804) 827-1349.
VCU credit awarded for IB diplomas and courses
| IB examination | HL | SL | VCU equivalent | VCU credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabic B, French B, German B, Italian B, Portuguese B, Russian B, Spanish B | 4 | ARBC 102, FREN 102, GRMN 102, ITAL 102, PORT 102, RUSS 102, SPAN 102 | 3 | |
| Arabic B, French B, German B, Italian B, Portuguese B, Russian B, Spanish B | 4 | 5 | ARBC 202, FREN 202, GRMN 202, ITAL 202, PORT 202, RUSS 202, SPAN 202 | 3 |
| Arabic B, French B, German B, Italian B, Portuguese B, Russian B, Spanish B | 5 | 6 | ARBC 3XX, FREN 300, GRMN 300, ITAL 300, PORT 3XX, RUSS 3XX, SPAN 300 | 3 |
| Arabic B, French B, German B, Italian B, Portuguese B, Russian B, Spanish B | 6,7 | 7 | ARBC 3XX, FREN 300-301, GRMN 300-301, ITAL 300 and ITAL 3XX, PORT 3XX, RUSS 3XX, SPAN 300-301 | 6 |
| Biology | 4,5 | 5,6 | BIOL 101, BIOZ 101 | 4 |
| Biology | 6 | 7 | BIOL 152, BIOZ 152 | 4 |
| Biology | 7 | BIOL 151, BIOZ 151, BIOL 152, BIOZ 152 | 8 | |
| Business & Management | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | BUSN 201 | 3 |
| Chemistry | 4,5 | 5,6 | CHEM 101, CHEZ 101 | 4 |
| Chemistry | 6,7 | 7 | CHEM 101, CHEZ 101, CHEM 102, CHEZ 102 | 8 |
| Classical Languages: Greek | 4 | FRLG 102 | 3 | |
| Classical Languages: Greek | 4 | 5 | FRLG 102 | 3 |
| Classical Languages: Greek | 5 | 6 | FRLG 3XX | 3 |
| Classical Languages: Greek | 6,7 | 7 | FRLG 3XX | 6 |
| Classical Languages: Latin | 3 | 4 | LATN 101 | 3 |
| Classical Languages: Latin | 4 | 5 | LATN 102 | 3 |
| Classical Languages: Latin | 5,6,7 | 6,7 | LATN 202 | 3 |
| Computer Science | 4,5 | 5,6 | CMSC 255 | 4 |
| Computer Science | 6,7 | 7 | CMSC 255, CMSC 256 | 7 |
| Economics | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | ECON 203 | 3 |
| English B | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
| English Lang & Lit A | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
| English Literature A | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | ENGL 215 or UNIV 111 | 3 |
| English Literature and Performance A | 5,6,7 | ENGL 291 | 3 | |
| Environmental Systems | 5,6,7 | URSP 203, URSZ 203 | 4 | |
| Film | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | ENGL 250 | 3 |
| Further Mathematics | 4,5,6 | MATH 200, MATH 201 | 8 | |
| Further Mathematics | 7 | MATH 200, MATH 201, MATH 310 | 11 | |
| Geography | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | URSP 102 | 3 |
| Global Politics | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | POLI 3XX | 3 |
| History | 5,6,7 | HIST 1XX (History elective) | 6 | |
| History Americas | 4,5,6,7 | HIST 103, HIST 104 | 6 | |
| History Africa and Middle East | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | HIST 1XX | 6 |
| History Asia & Oceania | 4,5,6,7 | HIST 107, HIST 108 | 6 | |
| History Europe | 4,5,6,7 | HIST 101, HIST 102 | 6 | |
| Information Technology in Global Society | none | 0 | ||
| Japanese B, Korean B | 4 | FRLG 102 | 3 | |
| Japanese B, Korean B | 4 | 5 | FRLG 202 | 3 |
| Japanese B, Korean B | 5 | 6 | FRLG 3XX | 3 |
| Japanese B, Korean B | 6,7 | 7 | FRLG 3XX | 6 |
| Mandarin Chinese B | 4 | CHIN 102 | 3 | |
| Mandarin Chinese B | 4 | 5 | CHIN 202 | 3 |
| Mandarin Chinese B | 5 | 6 | CHIN 300 | 3 |
| Mandarin Chinese B | 6,7 | 7 | CHIN 300 and CHIN 3XX | 6 |
| Mathematics | 5,6,7 | MATH 151 | 4 | |
| Mathematics | 4,5,6 | MATH 200 | 4 | |
| Mathematics | 7 | MATH 200, MATH 201 | 8 | |
| Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches | 4,5,6 | 5,6,7 | MATH 200 | 4 |
| Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations | 4,5,6 | 5,6,7 | MATH 151 | 4 |
| Mathematical Studies | 4,5,6,7 | MATH 141 | 4 | |
| Music | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | MHIS 105 | 3 |
| Philosophy | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | PHIL 101 | 3 |
| Physics | 4,5 | 5,6 | PHYS 201 | 4 |
| Physics | 6,7 | 7 | PHYS 201, PHYS 202 | 8 |
| Psychology | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | PSYC 101 | 4 |
| Social & Cultural Anthropology | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | ANTH 103 | 3 |
| Sports, Exercise and Health Science | 5,6,7 | HPEX 1XX | 3 | |
| Theatre Arts | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | THEA 107 | 3 |
| Theory of Knowledge | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | UNIV 1XX | 3 |
| Visual Arts | 4,5,6,7 | 5,6,7 | ARTF 139 | 1 |
| World Religions | 5,6,7 | RELS 108 | 3 |
Credit for Cambridge International Examinations
The university may grant credit for Cambridge International Examinations comprising levels Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary offered through the University of Cambridge in England. These courses and examinations are administered through registered CIE Centers in public high schools throughout the United States. A-level syllabuses and exams cover approximately two years of college-level curriculum in a subject and the AS-level syllabus and exam covers the first year of the two-year A-level curriculum.
Cambridge tests passed with a minimum final grades of E will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU. The applicability of such credit toward the student’s degree program is interpreted by the department or school in which the student seeks a degree.
To ensure consistency, the VCU Transfer Center is the official credit notification point for Cambridge A/AS credit for all university programs. Final determination of credit will be made after test results have been received and evaluated by the Transfer Center. Credits awarded are counted as credits earned toward the degree, but are not used in the computation of the student’s VCU grade-point average.
Students requesting evaluation of their Cambridge credits are to request an official copy of their transcript from the CIE coordinators at the student’s specific high school. Official transcripts may be sent to VCU Transfer Center, Box 842532, Richmond, VA 23284-2532.
The chart below provides information about the VCU equivalent for various Cambridge examinations. Contact the Transfer Center if an examination is not included in the chart.
For more information regarding Cambridge International Examinations, please contact the VCU Transfer Center at (804) 827-1349.
VCU credit awarded for Cambridge International Examinations
| Cambridge exam | A-level VCU equivalent | AS-level VCU equivalent | VCU credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | ACCT 203 | ACCT 203 | 3 |
| Biology | BIOL 101/BIOZ 101 | BIOL 101/BIOZ 101 | 4 |
| Business | BUSN 201 | BUSN 201 | 3 |
| Chemistry | CHEM 101/CHEZ 101 | CHEM 101/CHEZ 101 | 4 |
| English language | UNIV 111 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
| English literature | ENGL 215 | ENGL 215 | 3 |
| English language and literature | 1 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
| Environmental management | 1 | ENVS 101 | 3 |
| French | FREN 202 | FREN 202 | 3 |
| German | GRMN 202 | GRMN 202 | 3 |
| Spanish (A-level) | SPAN 202 | 3 | |
| Spanish (AS-level) | SPAN 202 | 3 | |
| Mathematics | MATH 200 | MATH 200 | 4 |
| Physics | PHYS 201 | PHYS 101/PHYZ 101 | 4 |
| Divinity | RELS 327/HIST 335 | RELS 327/HIST 335 | 3 |
| Psychology | PSYC 101 | PSYC 101 | 4 |
| Music | MHIS 1XX | MHIS 1XX | 3 |
| Computing | CMSC 101 | CMSC 101 | 3 |
| Economics | ECON 210-211 (6 credits) | ECON 203 | 3 |
| Art and design | ARTS 1XX | ARTS 1XX | 3 |
Class/exam exclusively offered at AS-level.
College Level Examination Program
The College Level Examination Program is designed to allow people who have gained knowledge outside the classroom to take examinations and receive college credit for what they have learned. CLEP scores of 50 or higher will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU. The chart below provides information about the VCU equivalent credit for CLEP scores. Contact the VCU Transfer Center if an examination is not included in the chart.
To ensure consistency, the VCU Transfer Center is the official credit notification point for CLEP credit for all university programs. Final determination of credit will be made after test results have been received and evaluated by the Transfer Center. Credits awarded are counted as credits earned toward the degree, but are not used in the computation of the student’s VCU grade-point average.
Procedures for new students
Students who took CLEP examinations prior to enrollment at VCU must submit transcripts and/or score sheets to the VCU Transfer Center, 900 Park Ave., Box 842532, Richmond, VA 23284-2532.
Procedures for continuing VCU students
- Students should obtain CLEP approval forms, information about CLEP general and/or subject examinations, VCU course equivalency information, optional essay requirements and CLEP applications from the Testing Center in Hibbs Hall, First Floor, Box 842500, Richmond, VA 23284-2500; (804) 827-8108.
- Students should discuss the examination(s) to be taken with an adviser.
- Students should schedule a CLEP exam at the Testing Center or at another site of their choosing. Proctoring fees vary by site and students are responsible for the proctor and exam fees. The exam fee is paid on the CLEP website.
Regulations for continuing VCU students
- CLEP credit is officially awarded only to students who are fully accepted into a VCU degree program.
- A student may not attempt a subject or general examination if it duplicates in part, or full, any VCU course or combination of courses that the student has already completed or enrolled in for credit. This includes courses for which a student enrolls but subsequently withdraws and receives a grade of W.
- If a student has earned CLEP subject examination credit, the student may not take a VCU course for credit that would duplicate the CLEP credits already earned.
- A maximum of 54 semester credits can be earned through CLEP examinations.
The chart below provides information about the VCU equivalent for various CLEP examinations. Contact the VCU Transfer Center if an examination is not included in the chart.
For more information regarding CLEP, please contact the VCU Transfer Center at (804) 827-1349.
VCU credit awarded for subject tests taken through the CLEP1
| Subject exam | Score | VCU equivalent | VCU credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| French (2 semesters) | 50 | FREN 101-FREN 102 | 6 |
| French (4 semesters) | 62 | FREN 101-FREN 102, FREN 201-FREN 202 | 12 |
| German (2 semesters) | 50 | GRMN 101-GRMN 102 | 6 |
| German (4 semesters) | 63 | GRMN 101-GRMN 102, GRMN 201-GRMN 202 | 12 |
| Spanish (2 semesters) | 50 | SPAN 101-SPAN 102 | 6 |
| Spanish (4 semesters) | 66 | SPAN 101-SPAN 102, SPAN 201-SPAN 202 | 12 |
| Spanish with writing | 63 | SPAN 201 | 3 |
| American government | 50 | POLI 103 | 3 |
| Educational psychology | 50 | PSYC 305 | 3 |
| History of the U.S. 1 | 50 | HIST 103 | 3 |
| History of the U.S. 2 | 50 | HIST 104 | 3 |
| Human growth & development | 50 | EDUS 301 | 3 |
| Intro to psychology | 50 | PSYC 101 | 4 |
| Intro to sociology | 50 | SOCY 101 | 3 |
| Western civilization 1 | 50 | HIST 101 | 3 |
| Western civilization 2 | 50 | HIST 102 | 3 |
| College algebra | 50 | MATH 141 | 4 |
| Calculus | 50 | MATH 200 | 4 |
| Chemistry | 50 | CHEM 101-CHEM 102 | 6 |
| College mathematics | 50 | MATH 131 | 3 |
| Pre-calculus | 50 | MATH 151 | 4 |
| General biology | 50 | BIOL 101 OR BIOL 151 | 3 |
| General biology | 70 | BIOL 151-BIOL 152 | 6 |
| Financial accounting | 50 | ACCT 203 | 3 |
| Info systems & computer apps | 50 | INFO 360 | 3 |
| Intro to business law | 50 | BUSN 323 | 3 |
| Principles of marketing | 50 | MKTG 301 | 3 |
| Microeconomics | 50 | ECON 210 | 3 |
| Macroeconomics | 50 | ECON 211 | 3 |
| College composition | 50 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
Decisions regarding VCU equivalents were made in consultation with the VCU departments.
Undergraduate credit by examination or faculty-based alternative assessment
Recognizing that VCU enrolls students of varying backgrounds and experiences, the university provides its students the opportunity to accelerate their education through credit by examination or other forms of faculty-based alternative assessment (such as portfolio review). The maximum number of credits awarded by this process is 30 credits. The following outline describes conditions under which credit by examination may be given and the procedure for doing so.
- With the approval of the dean, each department or program shall:
- Determine which, if any, courses shall be available for credit by examination or alternative assessment. The student should check with the department offering course work in the area in which he or she wishes to take credit by examination or alternative assessment for a list of the courses so designated.
- Determine the types of assessments, standards of evaluation and evaluators for the courses so designated.
- Determine the qualifications for students to be eligible to take the examinations.
- Ensure that all degree-seeking students seeking credit for the courses, regardless of major or program, are provided the same opportunity to be assessed for credit.
- The examinations or alternative assessment, if available and approved by the department or program, may be taken by new admitted degree-seeking transfer students and any enrolled degree-seeking student during the fall and spring semesters of their first year of enrollment at VCU.
- The student wishing to take credit by examination or alternative assessment must meet the following requirements:
- Not have received a grade listed in this bulletin, including AU or W for the course for which credit by examination is sought. Also, the student should not have been granted transfer credit for a similar course taken elsewhere.
- Be a new admitted degree-seeking or currently enrolled degree-seeking student as certified by the examining department.
- Meet departmental and school eligibility requirements as evidenced by the written approval of the chair of the examining department.
- After consultation with the major adviser and within the first four weeks of a fall or spring semester, the student must complete the Credit by Examination Approval Form with the department chair. The form, available from the department, should be left with the chair when it is completed.
- Within two weeks, the student is notified by the dean’s office of the time and format of the assessment.
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After notification, but before completing the assessment, the student must pay the university cashier the fee established by VCU for each credit being sought. As verification of payment, the student presents the receipt to the department chair before the assessment is completed.
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After the assessment is complete, the results of the assessment are sent to the dean’s office, which notifies the student of the results. If the student passes the assessment, the course title, credits earned and the grade CR are recorded on the student’s permanent academic record. Credits so earned are applied toward the graduation requirement for total credits. However, these credits are not included in the computation of the student’s GPA.
Other types of approved credit by alternate assessment methods
- The interdisciplinary studies program of the University College offers a portfolio-based process that provides students the opportunity to earn up to six credits for prior learning. Students will enroll in a portfolio development course where they will generate a portfolio that provides evidence for one to six career-developed interdisciplinary skills: critical-thinking/problem-solving, digital technology, global/intercultural fluency, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration or leadership. (These skills form the foundation of the interdisciplinary career readiness skills minor, developed through the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ career readiness competencies.) The portfolio is then submitted to a panel of relevant UC faculty for assessment for an additional fee. If approved by the faculty panel, students will receive credit based on the number of demonstrated skills for IDST 450. Students will not automatically be granted credit for prior learning. Students who wish to pursue this opportunity must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program.
- The Virginia Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy officially recognizes a graduating high school student’s proficiency as having reached minimally the Intermediate Mid level in two or more languages, most often English plus one other, by means of a nationally or internationally recognized measurement instrument. Upon receipt of the high school transcript with the SoBL, VCU will accept the Virginia SoBL at the IM or above level of proficiency for placement of incoming students at the 300 level of language instruction. Furthermore, upon demonstrating proficiency in the language by successful completion of a 300-level language course at VCU (with a minimum grade of C), VCU will award six additional credit hours (equivalent to the 201 and 202 levels of the language) in partial fulfillment of undergraduate graduation requirements. To earn the six additional credit hours for languages which VCU does not offer at the 300 level and above, SoBL students may demonstrate proficiency by seeking and earning upper-level course work credits in the specified language through study abroad opportunities and/or through course work from accredited programs elsewhere in the U.S. or abroad.
- The American Council of Education National Guide and the National College Credit Recommendation Service recommend college credit for workplace training and certificates. Both ACE and NCCRS coordinate evaluations of workplace training programs and certificates by independent teams of faculty to review program content, methods of assessment, assignment rubrics and examples of student work and determine the equivalent amount and level of academic credit at a college or university. VCU will recognize ACE or NCCRS recommendations and award transfer credit for workplace training programs if comparable courses are offered at VCU and VCU faculty teaching those courses approve those recommendations. Upon receipt of an ACE working transcript or NCCRS-supported organization transcript, the Transfer Center will forward the course credit recommendations to the appropriate VCU faculty for approval. If approved, the eligible credit will be added to the student’s record as TR credit from ACE or NCCRS.
Military credit
The university may grant credit for formal military service training courses offered by the various branches of the U.S. armed forces as well as for acceptable scores on standardized tests. VCU also awards military credit for active service in the military. The guidelines for granting such credits include:
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Service members and veterans of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard receive the Joint Services Transcript as a record of their military training. The JST provides credit recommendations for military training through the American Council on Education evaluation process. VCU recognizes the ACE recommendations from the JST and awards transfer credit for military training courses into college credit as determined by VCU faculty if a comparable course is offered at VCU. Examples of the type of transfer credit awarded for military training are listed in the table below.
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Service members and veterans of the U.S. Air Force receive a transcript from Air University (formerly the Community College of the Air Force) with college credits awarded for military training. VCU awards transfer credit from the Air University transcript as transfer credits according to VCU’s transfer evaluation guidelines.
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VCU awards credits based on acceptable scores earned on subject tests taken through Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support, a college-credit-by-exam-agency. The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests program is an extensive series of examinations in college subject areas that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate courses. The table below lists the amount and type of credit awarded for acceptable scores as determined by VCU faculty evaluation.
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VCU awards credits based on acceptable scores earned on subject tests taken through the College Level Examination Program, a college-credit-by-exam program. The table below lists the amount and type of credit awarded for acceptable scores as determined by VCU faculty evaluation.
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Students who have completed at least one year of U.S. military service may be eligible for the award of 1-6 credits of military science electives (MILS). To request credit, military applicants are required to provide an official JST or DD-214. The amount of credit is based on time in service (i.e., consecutive months of active duty in the armed forces, terminated under honorable conditions).
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One year: 1 credit for MILS 2XX
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Two years: 2 credits for MILS 2XX
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Three years: 3 credits for MILS 2XX
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Four years: 3 credits for MILS 2XX and 1 credit for MILS 3XX
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Five years: 3 credits for MILS 2XX and 2 credits for MILS 3XX
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Six or more years: 3 credits for MILS 2XX and 3 credits for MILS 3XX
All credit given for years of service will be awarded to students not seeking a commission into the Army upon graduation. Students who pursue a commission in the Army through the VCU ROTC program will need to follow the United States Army Cadet Command procedures for completing ROTC requirements. These students will not be allowed to apply years of service toward MILS course credit.
Military credit will count toward the total credits needed for the degree but the applicability of such military credit toward the curricular requirements of the student’s degree program is interpreted by the department or school in which the student seeks a degree. Credits accepted are counted as credits earned toward the degree, but are not used in the computation of the student’s GPA. Students should consult the VCU Transfer Center for further details about the procedures for awarding military credit.
Credit is accepted directly from each of the above agencies. Service members and veterans of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard may request their military transcripts be sent directly to VCU from the JST system online. Service members and veterans of the U.S. Air Force may request transcripts be sent directly to VCU from Air University.
Military students may request their test score sheets for CLEP and DSST subject exams from the DANTES website.
Transcripts and/or score sheets may be sent to VCU Transfer Center, 900 Park Ave., Box 842532, Richmond, VA 23284-2532.
Examples of transfer credits awarded for military service training courses (as reported on JSTs) based on ACE recommendations
(Additional credit may be awarded on a case-by-case basis.1)
| Course | Recommended credit | VCU equivalent | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical conditioning/fitness | 1-3 | HPEX 1XX | 1-3 |
| First aid | 1-3 | HPEX 1XX | 1-3 |
| Military science/leadership | 1-3 | MILS 101 | 1-3 |
| Personal/community health | 1-3 | HPEX 1XX | 1-3 |
| Oral communications | 1-3 | SPCH 121 | 1-3 |
| Personnel supervision/management | 1-3 | MGMT 1XX | 1-3 |
| Basic math | 1-3 | MATH 1XX | 1-3 |
| Computer technology | 1-3 | INFO 1XX | 1-3 |
| Technical writing | 1-3 | ENGL 1XX | 1-3 |
| Human resources management | 1-3 | MGMT 1XX | 1-3 |
Decisions regarding VCU equivalents were made in consultation with the VCU departments.
VCU credit awarded for DSST subject exams through DANTES1
| DSST exam | Score | VCU equivalent | VCU credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical writing | No equivalent | 0 | |
| Intro to computing | No equivalent | 0 | |
| Contemporary Western Europe, 1946-1990 | 48 or 400 | HIST 1XX | 3 |
| Intro to modern Middle East | 44 or 400 | HIST 1XX | 3 |
| Human/cultural geography | 48 or 400 | URSP 102 | 3 |
| Ethics in America | 46 or 400 | PHIL 2XX | 3 |
| Criminal justice | No equivalent | 0 | |
| Fundamentals of college algebra | No equivalent | 0 | |
| General anthropology | 47 or 400 | ANTH 103 | 3 |
| Intro to law enforcement | No equivalent | 0 | |
| Lifespan development psychology | 46 or 400 | PSYC 304 | 3 |
| Physical geology | 46 or 400 | ENVS 105 | 3 |
| Principles of physical science I | 47 or 400 | PHYS 101 | 3 |
| Principles of statistics | 48 or 400 | STAT 208 | 3 |
| Management information systems | 46 or 400 | INFO 360 | 3 |
| Human resource management | 46 or 400 | MGMT 2XX | 3 |
| Introduction to business | 46 or 400 | BUSN 201 | 3 |
| World religions | 46 or 400 | RELS 108 | 3 |
Decisions regarding VCU equivalents were made in consultation with the VCU departments.
VCU credit awarded for subject tests taken through the CLEP1
| Subject exam | Score | VCU equivalent | VCU credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| French (2 semesters) | 50 | FREN 101-FREN 102 | 6 |
| French (4 semesters) | 62 | FREN 101-FREN 102, FREN 201-FREN 202 | 12 |
| German (2 semesters) | 50 | GRMN 101-GRMN 102 | 6 |
| German (4 semesters) | 63 | GRMN 101-GRMN 102, GRMN 201-GRMN 202 | 12 |
| Spanish (2 semesters) | 50 | SPAN 101-SPAN 102 | 6 |
| Spanish (4 semesters) | 66 | SPAN 101-SPAN 102, SPAN 201-SPAN 202 | 12 |
| American government | 50 | POLI 103 | 3 |
| Educational psychology | 50 | PSYC 305 | 3 |
| History of the U.S. 1 | 50 | HIST 103 | 3 |
| History of the U.S. 2 | 50 | HIST 104 | 3 |
| Human growth & development | 50 | EDUS 301 | 3 |
| Intro to psychology | 50 | PSYC 101 | 3 |
| Intro to sociology | 50 | SOCY 101 | 3 |
| Western civilization 1 | 50 | HIST 101 | 3 |
| Western civilization 2 | 50 | HIST 102 | 3 |
| College algebra | 50 | MATH 141 | 4 |
| Calculus | 50 | MATH 200 | 3 |
| Chemistry | 50 | CHEM 101-CHEM 102 | 6 |
| College mathematics | 50 | MATH 131 | 3 |
| Pre-calculus | 50 | MATH 151 | 3 |
| General biology | 50 | BIOL 101 OR BIOL 151 | 3 |
| General biology | 70 | BIOL 151-BIOL 152 | 6 |
| Financial accounting | 50 | ACCT 203 | 3 |
| Info systems & computer apps | 50 | INFO 360 | 3 |
| Intro to business law | 50 | BUSN 323 | 3 |
| Principles of marketing | 50 | MKTG 301 | 3 |
| Microeconomics | 50 | ECON 210 | 3 |
| Macroeconomics | 50 | ECON 211 | 3 |
| College composition | 50 | UNIV 111 | 3 |
Decisions regarding VCU equivalents were made in consultation with the VCU departments.
Credits earned through VCU Global Learning education abroad programs
Credits earned by a VCU student through participation in education abroad programs appear on the student’s transcript, but are not included in the computation of the student’s cumulative GPA. See the Global Learning section of this bulletin. This policy became effective July 1990.
Credits for dual-enrollment courses
Qualified students who have taken college-level work while still enrolled in a secondary school may receive academic credit. Courses taken as dual enrollment will be treated as VCU courses or transfer credits according to the evaluation guidelines.
Approved by VCU Board of Visitors, Nov. 10, 2011. The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors gives the University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee the authority to review these sources of academic credit as needed. The UUCC will report substantial changes to the board for further approval.