Take a Course Somewhere Else | Academic Advising, The Ohio State University

Using Classes Taken Somewhere Else in Your Major

Thinking about taking a class at another college or university? That can be a great way to stay on track or explore new interests. Here's what you should know so everything transfers back to Ohio State smoothly.

Guide for Taking Courses at Another Institution

1. Make Sure the School Is Accredited - Before you sign up, check that the other school is officially accreditedOhio State can only accept credits from accredited colleges. If you're not sure, just ask your advisor. They're happy to help.

2. Understand How Your Class Will Transfer - It's important to know ahead of time how your class will count at Ohio State. Will it fill a requirement you still need? Will it count as an elective? Your advisor can confirm this and add it to your advising notes so you have it in writing.

3. Plan Ahead - Try to start planning at least two terms before you take the class. Some schools have their own application steps and might ask for a form from Ohio State. Also, check the dates of the class to make sure they don't overlap with Ohio State's semester.

4. Save Your Syllabus - If Ohio State hasn't reviewed the class before, you'll need the syllabus so they can evaluate it. Save it somewhere safeyou'll be glad you did.

5. Know How Grades Work - Here are some key considerations: Your grade from the other school won't change your Ohio State GPA. Some majors may still look at the grade when deciding admissions.

If you're on an Ohio Statesponsored study abroad program, your grades will transfer.

6. Planning for Competitive Programs - If you're taking the class to get into a competitive program, check how that program views taking courses somewhere else. Your advisor can help you figure that out.

7. Using Transferology - Transferology is a helpful tool to see how a class may transfer, but here are some tips:

Save a copy of what you find.
Doublecheck the info with your advisor.
Be extra careful if the other school uses quarters instead of semesters.

If the school isn't listed in Transferology, you can look at OSU's Quick Equivalencies table through the Registrar's Transfer Credit site. If you want to take a course in a state that doesn't participate in Transferology, the Registrar's Transfer Credit site offers a link to OSU's Quick Equivalencies table that includes additional out-of-state institutions.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Taking a course the term you plan on graduating?

Check with your advisor to make sure the class will count toward your degree.

Make sure you've planned or finished all your other graduation requirements.

Look up the final exam date so it doesn't conflict with your graduation ceremony.

Ask about taking the exam early if the timing doesn't work. If that isn't possible, contact your advisor.

Find out how the other school sends transcriptsautomatic or by request.

Check in with your instructor to make sure your grade is submitted on time.

If you're at Columbus State, fill out the Early Grade Release form and give it to each instructor.

Ask your advisor if your college allows taking outside courses during your graduation term.

If your college is not notified that you have successfully completed a degree requirement, they can't certify your graduation and you won't receive your diploma on the day of the commencement ceremony. If this happens,you have until the second Friday of the following term to resolve issues and receive your diploma.

Helpful Resources

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Get a Course Evaluated

Do you have a course that you think might count toward a degree requirement (such as a major or minor course)?

If the answer to this question is yes, then you have some work to do before meeting with your advisor(s). Although the process will vary, you will probably need to get a syllabus for each course you want reviewed and bring them to your appointment, unless your advisor tells you they can use a course description instead.

Sometimes getting your credit evaluated is a two-step process

You may need to get your credit evaluated by the Ohio State department that offers a similar course, first. If you are told to do this, you should check the transfer credit coordinator list for that department and ask how to prepare for the evaluation. They are very specific, and you will be required to provide a syllabus.

If you want a course to count for a degree requirement, think about why you believe a that course meets the spirit of the requirement. For example, if you have a Film course that you believe meets the Literary, Visual and Performing Arts GE foundation, you may have to explain the reason for your request.

After the review, your academic advisor can explain how that credit will or will not be used toward your degree.