CAS Students:
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Non-CAS Students:
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| Review the CAS and University policy on credit transfers. Note: transfer courses do not earn BU Hub units. |
Review your college’s policy as well as the University policy on credit transfers. Note: transfer courses do not earn BU Hub units. |
Transfer Credits
If you are a current BU student planning to take courses at another university, follow the steps below to ensure your credits transfer correctly. Keep in mind that online labs are not accepted for biology, chemistry or physics classes:
Step 1: Check the BU Database
- Review Existing Evaluations: Visit the BU transfer equivalency database or Transferology to see if your intended course has already been evaluated by BU. *(Note: Transferology requires a free account to access.)*
- If Your Course is Listed with the Exact Course Number Needed:
- Notify Your College: CAS students should fill out this form to inform your college of your intention to take the pre-approved transfer course.
- Complete the Course Successfully: Meet the required college guidelines for passing the course.
- Submit Your Official Transcript: After course completion, have the institution send your transcript directly to BU by either:
- Email: cetscrpt@bu.edu
- Mail:
Credit Evaluation Department
881 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02215
- If Your Course is Not Listed (or Listed with a Different Course Number): Go to Next Steps below.
Step 2: Next Steps for Course Evaluation
- For Biology Courses: Complete the Transfer Course Equivalency Form specific to biology.
- Note: Transfer credits for BU Biology labs must be taken in person. Online labs will not be accepted for transfer credit.
- For Non-Biology Courses: Contact the relevant department for instructions on submitting your course for evaluation. Online labs will not be accepted for transfer credit:
- Submit a Full Syllabus: Ensure your submission includes a complete course syllabus with:
- Weekly lecture topics
- Textbook information
- Amount of lecture/class/lab time
- Pre-requisites
- (If applicable) Lab syllabus with lab topics and manual information
- Note: A course description alone is not sufficient; a full syllabus is required.
- Receive Evaluation Decision: You will receive an email with the evaluation results within three weeks.
- Submit Your Official Transcript: After successfully passing the course, have the institution send your transcript directly to BU via:
- Email: cetscrpt@bu.edu
- Mail:
Credit Evaluation Department
881 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Step 3: Study Abroad Credits
- For BU Study Abroad Biology Courses: Use the Petition Form and submit a full syllabus for each course (including lecture, lab topics, schedule, and textbook information). On the petition, you will need to specify what credit you want, ex. CMG elective. If you want credit for a biology lab, you will need to take a course that is equated as equivalent to one of our lab courses (ex. BI 303 or BI 311).
- For Non-BU Study Abroad Programs: Contact nonbusa@bu.edu to schedule a meeting with the Program Manager of External Programs.*Important: Obtain approval for study abroad courses *before* departing to ensure they will count toward your major.
Appeal of Registrar's Transfer Credit Evaluation
Petitions
Use this form to request a course substitution or alternative arrangement for Biology major or minor credit, including courses to fulfill the MS component of the BA/MS in Biology. Please submit petitions only when necessary. If you’re unsure whether a petition is appropriate, reach out to Veronica Lopez-Doherty or your academic advisor for guidance.