Non-Ohio State Courses

Before you sign up, check that the other school is officially accredited Ohio State can only accept credits from accredited colleges. If you're not sure, just ask your advisor. They're happy to help.

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.

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.

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

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 State sponsored study abroad program, your grades will transfer.

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.

• Check with your advisor to confirm the class will count toward your degree.
• Plan to or have 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 transcripts automatic or by request.
• Check in with your instructor to make sure your grade is submitted on time.
• Fill out the Early Grade Release if you're at Columbus State 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.

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.

Note: If a course is reviewed and determined to transfer as special credit rather than a specific Ohio State course equivalent, then the course applying toward general education, major, minor, or degree requirements isn't guaranteed. You should make every attempt to take a course that has already been approved as a direct transfer equivalent.

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.