Transfer and External Credit

Transfer Credit

Any applicant who is degree seeking and has attended any institution of higher learning will be considered a transfer student. Transcripts will be required from high school (or GED/HiSET scores if applicable) and from all colleges or universities attended. VSCC generally accepts credits from other institutions of higher education. All collegiate level coursework for each transfer student who is degree seeking or seeking a technical certificate will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) course similarity within the programs enrolled in at VSCC; (2) course content equivalent to course taught at the same level at VSCC; (3) same credentialing requirements for faculty at the transferring institution. In some cases VSCC may request that additional information be submitted before awarding credit on a course-by-course basis.

Transcripts will be evaluated prior to, or during the initial term of enrollment. Transient student transcripts are only evaluated upon request. Students are notified of credits awarded as evaluations are completed. Only grades of “D” or higher will be accepted for credit. Transfer grades are not calculated in the VSCC grade point average. Transfer grades are included in financial aid and graduation honor calculations. Credit for courses not corresponding with the curriculum at VSCC may be entered on the transcript as elective credits. Credit from proprietary colleges will be considered on a course-by-course basis and will require additional documentation to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration.

A student transferring from another institution of higher learning may be permitted to attend VSCC for one semester regardless of academic standing at the last institution attended. Transfer students who have credit for Learning Support courses (reading, writing, math and learning strategies) at non-TBR institutions may receive credit for those courses pending review and approval. Transfer students who have not completed a college-level English composition and/or college-level algebra-based math course with a grade of “C” or higher will be assessed upon entrance to the College following the assessment and placement procedures; *i.e., students with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores will be screened and, depending on those scores, may be required to take the appropriate placement test. Transfer students who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English composition or college-level math will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures.

Correspondence or Extension Credit

VSCC accepts semester hours earned by correspondence and/or extension, provided that such credits are taken from an institution which is a member of the University Extension Association, the Teacher College Extension Association, or the appropriate regional accrediting association.

Prior to a student’s initial registration at VSCC as a degree or certificate seeking student, the Office of Records and Registration will determine, in conjunction with appropriate faculty, the acceptability of extension and/or correspondence earned at other institutions. After students are admitted, whether as a freshman or a transfer student, they will not be given credit applicable to any VSCC degree for subsequent correspondence or extension courses unless they obtain, prior to enrollment in such courses, written permission from the College Registrar.

Students are not permitted to enroll for correspondence or extension courses while carrying a maximum load at VSCC.

A student who has completed at least 25 percent of semester credit in residence at VSCC toward completion of degree requirements may earn additional credits by acceptable correspondence or extension work, or by residence at another approved institution.

Credit for American Management Association Certificates

Students who have earned the American Management Association Certificate in Management or in General Management may apply that certification toward six hours of elective credit to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Business, Management Concentration. A copy of the American Management Association Certificate must be submitted as documentation.

Continuing Education Credit

Awarding of transfer credit based on completion of Continuing Education courses is considered on a case-by-case basis. Documentation including submission of official transcripts of courses taken, documentation of course content, contact hours, the standards for assessing student work and certification of the credentials of the course instructor may be required and must be submitted by the student to the appropriate Academic Dean for consideration. The Academic Dean, in conjunction with appropriate faculty, will review the documentation submitted and coordinate with the Office of Records and Registration to confirm or deny approval of courses approved for transfer.

Prior Learning Assessment

Credit For Service In The Armed Forces

Military or veterans will receive three semester hours (less credit already earned) of physical education credit and three semester hours of HED upon presentation of a copy of their discharge form (DD214) or verification of successful completion of Basic Military Training/Boot Camp, to the Office of Adult Learners and Veteran Affairs and/or Office of Records and Registration.

The College Registrar should be consulted to determine whether additional credit can be given for other military training through recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) from the Joint Service Transcript or credit from a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or Air University transcript. An evaluation of service credit is not made until a student has applied and been granted admission to the College and a transcript has been provided to the College from their military service.

Credit by External Examination

Currently enrolled and former credit students may request college credit for the successful completion of acceptable national, regional, or state examinations. An official copy of the credential should be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Upon evaluation by the College Registrar and Academic Dean deemed most appropriate, credit may be applied to specific courses offered by the College or to elective courses such as those listed in the college catalog as “Selected Topics.” Any credit approved will be transcripted by the Office of Records and Registration as credit by exam.

Students admitted with degree-seeking status or seeking another credential may obtain credit for certain courses by obtaining high scores on the appropriate tests as follows:

For credit to be granted, the student must be admitted and present ACT or SAT scores within five years of original test date.  Similar credit granted by another Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution will be honored regardless of the timeframe.  Upon review and approval, similar credit may also be honored, regardless of timeframe, when granted by non-TBR institutions.

Credit for CLEP Subject Examinations

Examinations for credit in courses offered by the College are offered to students who believe they have already mastered the material of the course through private study, technical employment, or the like. The College will recognize credit for exams offered through the Educational Testing Service CLEP exam program. Local tests will not be developed for courses where CLEP exams are available. Students interested in taking a CLEP exam should contact the Testing Center for registration and testing information.

CLEP subject exams can be taken in order for credit to be obtained at another institution which accepts CLEP credit. Before registering for a CLEP exam that will be used at another institution, please contact the institution in order to determine if the CLEP credit is accepted, the minimum score needed and for which course credit is granted. The Testing Center offers other CLEP exams in addition to the exams listed below.

Credit by Local Examination
Any student who has been admitted to the college may make application to take an examination for credit, in limited courses in the Academic Division(s) housing the course(s) in question. No examination may be given if a CLEP test is offered for that course. A student should be certain that he/she has at least the minimal preparation and background required before attempting any examination. Examinations may not be given in sequential courses numbered lower than those the student has already completed. The form of the examination and the method of administering it are left to the discretion of the Division Dean. Proficiency examinations cannot be taken to repeat course work or be used in lieu of an “F” or “I”. Credit examinations may not be taken in areas where a student has been given course exemption without credit. Credit by examination is recorded on the transcript as “Pass, credit by examination.”

To receive credit by examination, students must do the following:

• Student must submit a request to the division dean to challenge by exam. Approval will be indicated to the applicant in writing along with other information regarding the process.
• Student may apply at any time during the year. The Division will schedule the administration and the scoring of the exam in a timely manner.
• The Division Dean will notify the student in writing of the results of the examination, and if the student has passed, will submit the proper forms to the Office of Records and Registration.

Credit by Examination is limited to one attempt per course.

Foreign Language Placement Testing and Credits Granted
Students who have taken Chinese, French, or Spanish in high school or have otherwise acquired proficiency in Chinese, French, or Spanish may be placed at the appropriate level on the basis of a placement test. This placement test will be given at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters in the Testing Center. The test is computerized and can be taken by making an appointment with the Testing Center until the end of the registration/drop-add period. Upon completion with a C or above of the courses in which the student is placed, the student receives credit for all lower-numbered courses in the 1010-1020- 2010-2020 sequence. For example, a student placed in 2020 would, on passing the course, receive credit for 1010, 1020, and 2010. A grade of P for Pass will be assigned for credit earned through the placement test.

Foreign Language coursework completed with a passing grade at another college or university will be reviewed and evaluated by faculty upon request to determine if lower division course competencies have been met through the completion of a higher level course. Faculty will review the learning outcomes and competencies of the higher level course and determine whether the learning outcomes for all lower numbered courses have been met. A grade of P for Pass will be assigned for credit when the coursework completed in Chinese, French or Spanish from another college or university satisfies the learning outcomes for 1010, 1020, 2010 and 2020.

Credit for Private Music Instruction
Students who seek credit for private music instruction must receive instruction from a qualified private music instructor at their own expense. Private instructors must be approved by full-time music faculty. Students must fulfill the student learning outcomes within the syllabus and level of proficiency for any course in which credit will be granted. Students must perform an end of the semester jury performing literature, scales and playing techniques covered during the semester. A Jury sheet can be obtained from full-time music faculty members. Upon completion of the jury, the full-time music faculty will make a recommendation to the Department Chair for the Visual and Performing Arts regarding credit to be awarded. If approved, the Division Dean will notify the Office of Records & Registration to award credit for specific music performance course(s). 

Credit for Music Theory
Students must pass the assessment Theory in a Box (from Bloomindale School of Music) in order to be granted credit for Fundamentals of Music (MUS 1002). This test is designed to enhance student’s understanding and enjoyment of music, acquire the skills that are needed to start writing music, or preparation for an advanced theory class. Students must score 90% or above on this test.

To receive credit for Music Theory I (MUS 1110) and Ear Training I (MUS 1011) courses, students must pass a competency test developed by music faculty. Upon completion of the test, students may be granted credit for Music Theory I and Ear Training I. The test will be administered by a full-time music faculty member who will set guidelines for the testing process.

If passed, the Division Dean will notify the Office of Records & Registration to award credit for MUS 1002, MUS 1110 or MUS 1011, accordingly.

Credit for Classic Piano
Students must fulfill the student learning outcomes within the syllabus and level of proficiency for any course in which credit will be granted. Students will be required to perform a jury for each semester of piano. Upon completing the second semester, student will be required to perform a proficiency exam assessed by faculty at time of juries. Students who transfer piano credits from another institution will be required to meet the proficiency level in the aforementioned juries. Upon Completion of the jury the instructor will verify proficiency to full-time music faculty , who will then make a recommendation to the Department Chair of Visual and Performing Arts regarding credit to be awarded.

If approved, the Division Dean will notify the Office of Records & Registration to award credit for Class Piano I and II (Music 170, 171).

Credit For On-The-Job Training
Under certain circumstances, limited credit may be granted for on-the-job training. Verification of completion of the training and complete description of the training completed must be submitted to the College Registrar before an evaluation will be made. An evaluation will be made only for students who are currently enrolled at VSCC. The steps below should be followed to request that credit be given:

• The student must present to the appropriate Academic Dean complete information relative to the type of training completed. This should include the place the training was obtained, the materials covered with regard to the kind of training received, and the number of clock hours involved in the training.
• The Academic Dean will assign faculty in the discipline involved to evaluate the material presented by the student.
• This evaluation will be presented to faculty who, in consultation with the evaluator, will determine the courses for which credit may be granted.

No credit shall be awarded without the signatory approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Credit will be posted on the transcript in term of the courses for which credit is being given. This credit will be listed under the heading; “Credit Granted on the Basis of On the Job Training.”

Portfolio Credit
Currently enrolled and former credit students may request consideration of college credit to be awarded for life experience. The Portfolio Assessment Committee, consisting of faculty in the discipline for which portfolio credit has been requested, has the responsibility of working with the student to evaluate the request and to determine if the Portfolio Credit option is appropriate.

The Office of Records & Registration oversees the Portfolio Credit application process. Applicants may contact the Office at 615-230-3466 or go to www.volstate.edu/Records/Prior-Learning-Assessment.php, to obtain a description of the application process and required forms. A non-refundable $25 application fee per course is required for credit requested.  Students requesting Portfolio Credit should apply at least one semester before they are considering enrolling in a particular class. Requests for Portfolio Credit must be submitted at least two semesters prior to graduation. Credit awarded through any of the options listed is not considered part of the College’s graduation residency requirements.

Portfolio Credit may be granted through two options:

OPTION 1: Credit for Courses offered by VSCC
Submission of a portfolio documenting professional experience that relates directly to specific course content offered by VSCC and approval of this portfolio by a college committee.
OR
Submission of the content and outcomes of prior learning through structured not-for-credit instruction offered by private or public agencies, verified by certificate or transcript, and approval of this content and outcomes by a college committee.
OPTION 2: Credit for Elective Credit (Selected Topics Courses)
Submission of a portfolio documenting work or other experience that is worthy of college credit but does not match specific existing credit courses offered by VSCC and approval of this portfolio by a college committee

OR
OPTION 3: Submission of the content and outcomes of prior learning through structured not-for-credit instruction offered by private or public agencies, verified by certificate or transcript, and approval of this content by a college committee.

Portfolio Credit may not be requested for subject areas that offer CLEP or credit by examination options.

Students interested in pursuing Portfolio Credit should contact the Office of Records & Registration.

Advanced Placement Credit
VSCC participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). To be eligible for credit, an entering freshman must place in group three, four, or five of the CEEB Advanced Placement Tests. Each applicant under this plan is required to take the Advanced Placement Test of the CEEB during his or her senior year in the secondary school. The tests are scored by the CEEB and an official copy should be sent from them to the Office of Admissions at the College. Credit at VSCC for the Advanced Placement test will be given as follows:

*TBR community colleges will award/transfer PLA credit for AP scores in to the suggested course or the equivalent course at their institutions. There may be variations in course number and/or course title. Community Colleges should award the PLA credit for courses other than the suggested course when it is in the best interest of the student. Advanced Placement credit may be granted by VSCC for satisfactory achievement on the General Examination of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the CEEB. Such credit will be granted as recommended by the American Council on Education, through its Commission on Accreditation of Service Experiences.  Also, advanced placement credit may be granted by VSCC for satisfactory achievement on the CLEP Subject Examinations.

International Baccalaureate Credit

VSCC recognizes International Baccalaureate achievement by awarding credits that may be counted toward courses required for graduation. International Baccalaureate test scores accepted for credit by the various departments at VSCC are listed below. Students who have taken tests in other areas may submit their scores to the appropriate dean’s office for evaluation.

Standard Level IB Courses

Higher Level IB Courses

Cambridge International Exam (CIE) Credit
VSCC recognizes Cambridge International Exam Credit. Cambridge International Exams are generally given at the high school. Credit at VSCC for the Camberidge International Exam will be given as follows:

Dual Credit

Statewide dual credit classes are college-level courses taught at the highschool level by trained high-school teachers. Course learning objectives are developed by Tennessee high school and college faculty in order to ensure alignment with post-secondary standards. All statewide dual credit courses are approved by the Consortium for Cooperative Innovative Education before they can be offered as a part of the state’s current pilot program (see Public Chapter 967 for more information).

All students enrolled in a statewide dual credit course take the online challenge exam, which is used to assess mastery of the postsecondary-level learning objectives. Students which meet or exceed the exam ‘cut score’ receive college credit will receive VSCC credit as listed below. Credit will be recorded on the transcript as “Pass, credit by examination.”

Current Statewide Dual Credit Pilot Courses

Course	Course Description	Credit
HIST 2020	American History II	3
CRMJ 1010	Criminal Justice	3
BUSN 1305	Introduction to Busienss	3
MATH 1530	Introduction to Probability & Statistics	3
MATH 1730	Pre-Calculus	5
PSYC 1030	Psychology	3
COMM 2025	Speech and Communications	3

Current Statewide Dual Credit Full Implementation Course

Course	Course Description	Credit
AGRI 1030	Introduction to Plant Science	3
SOCI 1010	Introduction to Sociology	3

Additional exams are in development and will be eligible for dual credit consideration once they are posted on the TN Department of Education website. Additionally, VSCC partners with certain county school systems to allow applicants who graduated from high school within two years of enrollment at VSCC and earned at least a B in specified Career and Technical (Vocational) courses to earn college credits for those high school courses through taking a local dual credit exam. A complete list of courses, participating high schools, and an explanation of the process to obtain credits can be found online at www.volstate.edu/dualenrollment/dual-credit-testing or by contacting the Office of Admissions.

Credit for CAP Exam
Students having earned the Certified Administrative Professional certification are eligible to receive eighteen hours of credit at VSCC as follows:

Course	Course Description	Credit
BUSN 1302	Keyboarding with Word Processing	3
BUSN 1305	Introduction to Business	3
BUSN 2370	Legal Environment of Business	3
ECON 2100	Macroeconomics	3
ADMN 1308	Office Procedures	3
Business Elective	To be approved by the Business and Technology Division Dean	3
Total Credit		18

In order to receive VSCC credit for the CAP the student must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted into the College
• Show validated evidence of the CAP certificate.
• Complete eighteen (18) semester hours of approved courses at the college.

Maximum External Credit Allowed From Various Sources
Not more than a total of 75 percent of semester hours credit can be granted by VSCC through any combination of external sources: credit granted for service in the Armed Forces (including physical education credit and credit for courses offered through the American Council on Education or other service schools), advanced placement credit (the Advanced Placement Program and College-Level Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board, credit by examination, or previous training or work experience qualifying for degree credit).

Should a student be granted the maximum total of 75 percent of semester hours credit through external sources, he/she must still complete all specific degree or certificate requirements as given in an outlined Program of Study. In order to receive a credential from VSCC, students must meet the 25 percent of semester hours graduation residence requirement for conferral of the credential. At least 25 percent of semester credit hours applied toward a degree or certificate must be completed in residence at VSCC.

Students seeking a paralegal credential may only transfer a maximum of nine (9) hours to meet the requirement for legal specialty courses. A minimum of twelve (12) hours, including both external sources of credit and hours taken in-residence, used to meet the legal specialty requirement must be taken in an on-ground face-to-face format. Hours from external sources of credit used to meet the legal specialty requirement must be approved by the paralegal program director. In conjunction with the above limitations, students seeking a paralegal credential must still meet the overall residency requirement for the conferral of the credential.

Learning Support
The Tennessee Board of Regents, which governs the State’s community colleges, requires that students who enroll in college-level courses first show that they have high school level skills in order to succeed in college-level courses. First-time freshmen and Transfer students are classified as “Degree-Seeking” students. Any “Adult Special” or “Transient” student who wishes to take a college-level course which has a Learning Support prerequisite must also demonstrate the required level of skills.

Students ages 20 and under who possess valid ACT scores will be screened for placement into college-level courses or Learning Support courses according to their ACT sub-scores in English, Reading, and Mathematics. Students whose ACT sub-scores in English, Reading, and Mathematics are 19 or higher will have open access to college-level courses.  Students whose ACT sub-scores are 13-17 in English, Reading and/or Mathematics will be placed in Learning Support courses according to the following chart.  Students whose ACT sub-scores in reading and/or mathematics are 13-18 will be placed in Learning Support courses.

COURSE	ACT SUB-SCORE	PLACEMENT UNDER THE REVISED A-100
Writing	English 1-17	LS prescription based upon diagnosis of individual needs
	English 18-36	ENGL 1010; English Comp I college level
Math	Math 1-12	Non-credit LS or standard LS with additional non-credit support as needed
	Math 13-18	LS prescription based upon diagnosis of individual needs
	Math 19-36	College-level Math Course
Reading	Reading 1-18	LS prescription based upon diagnosis of individual needs
	Reading 19-36	College level

 

Students whose ACT sub-scores in Math are 12 or below are not eligible to enroll in Math Learning Support corequisite courses. In order to enroll in a Learning Support corequisite course, a student whose ACT sub-scores in Math are 12 and below must first complete a diagnostic assessment in the Learning Commons and successfully complete the Continuing Education Basic Skills course in the subject area where remediation is needed. Continuing Education Basic Skills courses are not eligible for financial aid.

Students with more than one set of ACT scores will be allowed to use their best sub-scores to obtain the best placement. SAT scores will be converted to ACT equivalent scores.

Students placed into Learning Support courses have the opportunity to challenge their initial placement by either taking a challenge test in the Testing Center (approved by the Advising Center) or taking a diagnostic assessment, completing a study plan, and retesting in the Learning Commons.