Southwest Minnesota State University · Marshall, MN
Policies
52 policies, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
| Title | Section | Text | Edition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| transfer_credit | *Note - An official transcript is required from all previously attended institutions prior to starting classes in the first term of enrollment Transfer admission may be granted to students who meet the following criteria: Have attained a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in previous college coursework from a college, university, or technical college. Information regarding preparation for transfer or evaluation of transfer credits can be obtained by contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration & Records Office. | 0016 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| transfer_credit | The policy also outline how grades, withdrawals, transfer credits, repeats, remedial coursework, and other academic situations are treated in SAP calculations. | 0020 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| transfer_credit | GPA requirements for transfer students will be evaluated only based on SMSU coursework. This policy sets certain limitations on transfer credits accepted toward an accounting degree.) Note: Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate with a bachelor's degree. | 0027 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| prior_learning | Can be used for credit for prior learning or other projects. | 0084 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| transfer_credit | Students in off‑campus learning community cohorts may transfer a maximum of three (3) semester credits. Students seeking transfer credit must submit a Student Petition Form through the Education Department. | 0098 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| prior_learning | Upon Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam and admission to the SMSU RN to BSN Program, students will be awarded credits for prior learning. | 0211 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| transfer_credit | <!DOCTYPE html> Students who are requesting transfer credit from other MNSCU institutions no longer need to provide official transcripts. They are required to notify the Registration Office of this request by submitting the eTranscript evaluation form on the Registration Office web site under Transfer Credit Information. Students may appeal their transfer credit evaluations by first contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration and Records Office. Additional information regarding evaluations and appeal can be found at Transfer Credit Information. View Transfer Credit Policy Note: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, SMSU reserves the right to correct any clerical errors herein. | 0508 | catalog.smsu.edu | |
| A-052 Transfer Credit and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy | transfer_credit | A-052 Transfer Credit and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy http://catalog.smsu.edu/policies-procedures/transfer-credit-appeal-policy/ ... Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be ... upon readmission. Credit Level: 100 -200 level courses ... Edition -- | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| A-052 Transfer Credit and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy | transfer_credit | A-052 Transfer Credit and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy http://catalog.smsu.edu/policies-procedures/transfer-credit-appeal-policy/ ...Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be...upon readmission. Credit Level: 100-200 level courses... Note: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, SMSU reserves the right to correct any clerical errors herein. Also, you can submit feedback. | 0699 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Additional Elements | transfer_credit | Transfer Credits: Transfer credits are not counted in the cumulative GPA calculation. However, transfer credits are counted when determining the cumulative completion rate and maximum time frame. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Additional Elements | transfer_credit | Transfer Credits: Transfer credits are not counted in the cumulative GPA calculation. However, transfer credits are counted when determining the cumulative completion rate and maximum time frame. | 0346 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| CLEP Credit by Examination Policy | prior_learning | CLEP Credit by Examination Policy Southwest Minnesota State University will award credit for successful performance on specified tests in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Courses and/or subjects for which CLEP General and Subject examinations are available, levels of acceptable performance, number of credits awarded and restrictions on use of those credits will be determined by the academic departments and the faculty. CLEP examinations taken before student's matriculate at Southwest Minnesota State University Score reports must be presented to the University for evaluation and acceptance at the time of admission. If credit for CLEP examinations appears on the transcript of a student transferring from an accredited post-secondary institution, the same criteria used in evaluating and accepting all other credits shall apply. CLEP exams taken during the students enrollment at Southwest Minnesota State University | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| CLEP Credit by Examination Policy | prior_learning | CLEP Credit by Examination Policy Southwest Minnesota State University will award credit for successful performance on specified tests in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Courses and/or subjects for which CLEP General and Subject examinations are available, levels of acceptable performance, number of credits awarded and restrictions on use of those credits will be determined by the academic departments and the faculty. CLEP examinations taken before student's matriculate at Southwest Minnesota State University Score reports must be presented to the University for evaluation and acceptance at the time of admission. If credit for CLEP examinations appears on the transcript of a student transferring from an accredited post-secondary institution, the same criteria used in evaluating and accepting all other credits shall apply. CLEP exams taken during the students enrollment at Southwest Minnesota State University | 0471 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - External Assessments | prior_learning | Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - External Assessments Assessment methods and processes at the colleges or universities of Minnesota State that could result in credit for prior learning achieved and assessed through a nationally recognized third-party assessment agency or organization, regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution, or noncredit instruction. Students demonstrate a level of proficiency that is recognized through curriculum, instruction, program or a standardized exam. CPL external assessment types may include, but are not limited to, AP, IB, CLEP, and other national standardized assessments, world languages seals and certificates, industry recognized credentials, licenses, and certifications, and noncredit instruction in programs such as registered apprenticeships, continuing education, and customized training. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - External Assessments | prior_learning | Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - External Assessments Assessment methods and processes at the colleges or universities of Minnesota State that could result in credit for prior learning achieved and assessed through a nationally recognized third-party assessment agency or organization, regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institution, or noncredit instruction. Students demonstrate a level of proficiency that is recognized through curriculum, instruction, program or a standardized exam. CPL external assessment types may include, but are not limited to, AP, IB, CLEP, and other national standardized assessments, world languages seals and certificates, industry recognized credentials, licenses, and certifications, and noncredit instruction in programs such as registered apprenticeships, continuing education, and customized training. | 0381 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Data Science | prior_learning | Topics include: equations and inequalities polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs, and systems of linear equations.Prerequisites: This course requires either of these prerequisites MATH 060 - Intermediate Algebra (Minimum grade: 2.0 GPA Equivalent) or A score of 60 on test Intermediate Alg Placement Test - CAT, unless student meets Algebra College Level placement Corequisites: Math 090 if prerequisite placement score is not met. Student may use interdisciplinary research involving Mathematics, and/or Statistics, projects, paper review, or other experiences outside the classroom in real world situations as credit for prior learning towards the 18 graduate credits requirement in | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Departmental Credit by Examination Policy | prior_learning | Departmental Credit by Examination Policy Any undergraduate student, currently enrolled at SMSU, who has gained knowledge in certain fields through post high school training or experience and who believes they have sufficient knowledge (background information) normally gained through a regular course offered by SMSU, may apply to take a comprehensive examination for credit in that course. SMSU Departments shall have the responsibility for the establishment of criteria to be used in the evaluation of the credit by examination. The departments have the right to accept or reject application for credit by examination. The student is expected to demonstrate a competence comparable to, but not necessarily identical with, that obtained by students receiving credit for the course in the usual manner. Students must be enrolled at SMSU the semester during which the examination is administered and pay a non-refundable fee in advance. This fee is determined by the MinnState Board of Trustees. Credit by examination is not available to students under the following conditions: if they have been previously or are currently enrolled in the course; if they have previously taken the course for audit; or if they have previously taken an examination for the same course. Credit by examination will not be granted for internships, field experiences, independent study, seminar courses, or practice teaching. Credits earned by examination must be awarded by the 40th instructional day of the semester. If not, they will be awarded the following semester. The instructor must use the Credit/No Credit grading system in awarding a grade for credit by examination. There is a 20-credit limitation on the number of credits earned by examination outside the major which a student may apply towards graduation. Credit by examination may not be used as a means to convert CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) to credit. Departmental Credit by Examination Procedure Students will contact the department Chairperson and the instructor in the program area where they wish to take the examination to determine if that particular course can be offered by examination. Students will obtain the “Credit by Examination” form from the Registration and Records Office. Students will complete the form as indicated and is responsible for obtaining the required signatures which include those of the instructor and of the Department Chairperson. The instructor will confirm the time and place of the examination. The student will take the form to the Registrar so that eligibility may be determined in accordance with the criteria established under 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 above. Students will take the credit by examination form to Business Services to pay the appropriate, non-refundable examination fee. The number of credits will be the same as the number listed in the regular course schedule for that course. Students will not be allowed to take the examination until the form has been stamped “paid” by Business Services. Students will take the form to the instructor giving the examination at the scheduled time. The instructor will keep the form and enter a Credit or No Credit grade after the examination has been graded. If the grade is No Credit, no entry will be made on the student’s transcript and the student may enroll in the course in order to receive college credit for it. After awarding the CR/NC grade, the instructor will send the completed form to the Registration and Records Office for processing. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed credit by examination if they are currently enrolled in that course and have gone on record as having paid tuition for the course. The examination must be completed before the student has enrolled in the course. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Departmental Credit by Examination Policy | prior_learning | Departmental Credit by Examination Policy Any undergraduate student, currently enrolled at SMSU, who has gained knowledge in certain fields through post high school training or experience and who believes they have sufficient knowledge (background information) normally gained through a regular course offered by SMSU, may apply to take a comprehensive examination for credit in that course. SMSU Departments shall have the responsibility for the establishment of criteria to be used in the evaluation of the credit by examination. The departments have the right to accept or reject application for credit by examination. The student is expected to demonstrate a competence comparable to, but not necessarily identical with, that obtained by students receiving credit for the course in the usual manner. Students must be enrolled at SMSU the semester during which the examination is administered and pay a non-refundable fee in advance. This fee is determined by the MinnState Board of Trustees. Credit by examination is not available to students under the following conditions: if they have been previously or are currently enrolled in the course; if they have previously taken the course for audit; or if they have previously taken an examination for the same course. Credit by examination will not be granted for internships, field experiences, independent study, seminar courses, or practice teaching. Credits earned by examination must be awarded by the 40th instructional day of the semester. If not, they will be awarded the following semester. The instructor must use the Credit/No Credit grading system in awarding a grade for credit by examination. There is a 20-credit limitation on the number of credits earned by examination outside the major which a student may apply towards graduation. Credit by examination may not be used as a means to convert CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) to credit. Departmental Credit by Examination Procedure Students will contact the department Chairperson and the instructor in the program area where they wish to take the examination to determine if that particular course can be offered by examination. Students will obtain the “Credit by Examination” form from the Registration and Records Office. Students will complete the form as indicated and is responsible for obtaining the required signatures which include those of the instructor and of the Department Chairperson. The instructor will confirm the time and place of the examination. The student will take the form to the Registrar so that eligibility may be determined in accordance with the criteria established under 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 above. Students will take the credit by examination form to Business Services to pay the appropriate, non-refundable examination fee. The number of credits will be the same as the number listed in the regular course schedule for that course. Students will not be allowed to take the examination until the form has been stamped “paid” by Business Services. Students will take the form to the instructor giving the examination at the scheduled time. The instructor will keep the form and enter a Credit or No Credit grade after the examination has been graded. If the grade is No Credit, no entry will be made on the student’s transcript and the student may enroll in the course in order to receive college credit for it. After awarding the CR/NC grade, the instructor will send the completed form to the Registration and Records Office for processing. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed credit by examination if they are currently enrolled in that course and have gone on record as having paid tuition for the course. The examination must be completed before the student has enrolled in the course. | 0471 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Economics | prior_learning | Can be used for credit for prior learning or other projects. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Education: Graduate | transfer_credit | Students in off‑campus learning community cohorts may transfer a maximum of three (3) semester credits. Students seeking transfer credit must submit a Student Petition Form through the Education Department. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Evaluation of Previous Coursework | transfer_credit | Transfer Credit will only be evaluated for currently active degree-seeking students. Transfer Credit will only be evaluated when an official transcript from the sending institution has been provided. College Credit courses taken from nationally accredited post-secondary institutions will be transferred subject to the following considerations: The mission of the institution from which credits would be transferred. All credits from documented Bachelor’s Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be accepted for transfer and will waive SMSU MnTC/LEP requirements. Transfer of completed MnTC areas from a partnering Minnesota State School will be considered complete at SMSU. There is no minimum or maximum amount of transfer credit that can or will applied when transferring. Transfer credits do not expire. If application status becomes inactive, transfer credit will need to be reapplied upon readmission. Other SMSU Transfer Requirements can be found in SMSU Policy A-052; Transfer Credits and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy . Edition -- | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Evaluation of Previous Coursework | transfer_credit | Transfer Credit will only be evaluated for currently active degree-seeking students. Transfer Credit will only be evaluated when an official transcript from the sending institution has been provided. College Credit courses taken from nationally accredited post-secondary institutions will be transferred subject to the following considerations: The mission of the institution from which credits would be transferred. All credits from documented Bachelor’s Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be accepted for transfer and will waive SMSU MnTC/LEP requirements. Transfer of completed MnTC areas from a partnering Minnesota State School will be considered complete at SMSU. There is no minimum or maximum amount of transfer credit that can or will applied when transferring. Transfer credits do not expire. If application status becomes inactive, transfer credit will need to be reapplied upon readmission. Other SMSU Transfer Requirements can be found in SMSU Policy A-052; Transfer Credits and Transfer Credit Appeal Policy. | 0016 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Evaluation Policy | transfer_credit | CLEP examinations will be evaluated by the Transfer Specialist and the department concerned, and credit will be granted in terms of the curriculum of Southwest Minnesota State University. This limitation includes Credit/No Credit, credit by examination, and CLEP. Students may transfer CLEP credits from accredited institutions, but the credit will be evaluated at the time of admission in accordance with the admission policy of the University. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Evaluation Policy | transfer_credit | CLEP examinations will be evaluated by the Transfer Specialist and the department concerned, and credit will be granted in terms of the curriculum of Southwest Minnesota State University. This limitation includes Credit/No Credit, credit by examination, and CLEP. Students may transfer CLEP credits from accredited institutions, but the credit will be evaluated at the time of admission in accordance with the admission policy of the University. | 0471 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress | transfer_credit | The policy also outline how grades, withdrawals, transfer credits, repeats, remedial coursework, and other academic situations are treated in SAP calculations. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| General Criteria for Transfer of Credit | transfer_credit | General Criteria for Transfer of Credit Transfer Credit will only be evaluated for currently active degree-seeking students. Transfer Credit will only be evaluated when an official transcript from the sending institution has been provided. Transcripts from institutions within the Minnesota State System may be retrieved electronically without action from the student. Any institution outside of the Minnesota State System will have to order an official transcript to be sent. College Credit courses taken from nationally accredited post-secondary institutions will be transferred subject to the following considerations: The mission of the institution from which credits would be transferred. The comparability of the course with University-level course work. Course outcomes must meet 75% of the receiving course outcomes to be considered equivalent. The appropriateness of the course work in meeting SMSU baccalaureate degree requirements. National and Regional accreditation will usually serve as the primary criterion for determining the transferability of course work from another institution. The secondary criterion for determining accreditation for college and universities is recognition by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) is the official university electronic system that provides for the evaluation of a student’s academic record by tracking transfer credits program. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| General Criteria for Transfer of Credit | transfer_credit | General Criteria for Transfer of Credit Transfer Credit will only be evaluated for currently active degree-seeking students. Transfer Credit will only be evaluated when an official transcript from the sending institution has been provided. Transcripts from institutions within the Minnesota State System may be retrieved electronically without action from the student. Any institution outside of the Minnesota State System will have to order an official transcript to be sent. College Credit courses taken from nationally accredited post-secondary institutions will be transferred subject to the following considerations: The mission of the institution from which credits would be transferred. The comparability of the course with University-level course work. Course outcomes must meet 75% of the receiving course outcomes to be considered equivalent. The appropriateness of the course work in meeting SMSU baccalaureate degree requirements. National and Regional accreditation will usually serve as the primary criterion for determining the transferability of course work from another institution. The secondary criterion for determining accreditation for college and universities is recognition by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) is the official university electronic system that provides for the evaluation of a student’s academic record by tracking transfer credits program. | 0380 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Mathematics | prior_learning | Student may use interdisciplinary research involving Mathematics, and/or Statistics, projects, paper review, or other experiences outside the classroom in real world situations as credit for prior learning towards the 18 graduate credits requirement in Mathematics. | 0186 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Mathematics (MATH) | prior_learning | Topics include: equations and inequalities polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs, and systems of linear equations.Prerequisites: This course requires either of these prerequisites MATH 060 - Intermediate Algebra (Minimum grade: 2.0 GPA Equivalent) or A score of 60 on test Intermediate Alg Placement Test - CAT, unless student meets Algebra College Level placement Corequisites: Math 090 if prerequisite placement score is not met. Student may use interdisciplinary research involving Mathematics, and/or Statistics, projects, paper review, or other experiences outside the classroom in real world situations as credit for prior learning towards the 18 graduate credits requirement in Mathematics. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Nursing, BSN | prior_learning | Upon Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam and admission to the SMSU RN to BSN Program, students will be awarded credits for prior learning. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Returning Students | transfer_credit | Students who have attended another college or university during their time away from SMSU should submit official transcripts in order to have their potential transfer credit evaluated. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Returning Students | transfer_credit | Students who have attended another college or university during their time away from SMSU should submit official transcripts in order to have their potential transfer credit evaluated. | 0015 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 2. Implementation of this Policy through Procedure and Practice | prior_learning | Any procedure or practice developed pursuant to this policy shall: Support the awarding of prior learning credits, inclusive throughout the university. Ensure that prior learning credits satisfy university requirements. Provide departments the autonomy to decide whether or not to accept prior learning credits toward their majors and minors. Enable departments to evaluate prior learning in their disciplines on a service basis, whether or not that learning is accepted toward majors and minors in their department. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 2. Implementation of this Policy through Procedure and Practice | prior_learning | Any procedure or practice developed pursuant to this policy shall: Support the awarding of prior learning credits, inclusive throughout the university. Ensure that prior learning credits satisfy university requirements. Provide departments the autonomy to decide whether or not to accept prior learning credits toward their majors and minors. Enable departments to evaluate prior learning in their disciplines on a service basis, whether or not that learning is accepted toward majors and minors in their department. | 0376 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 5. Methods of Prior Learning Assessment | prior_learning | Section 5. Methods of Prior Learning Assessment Southwest Minnesota State University recognizes that students are assessed for prior learning using nationally and locally recognized examinations as well as competence demonstrations and/or portfolio reviews consistent with MnSCU policy 3.35 and MnSCU Procedure 3.35.1. Nationally recognized examinations and Evaluations: In accordance with MnSCU Policy 3.35 and Procedure 3.35.1, students will be given opportunities to demonstrate university-level learning through nationally recognized examinations and evaluations including, but not limited to the following: Advanced Placement (AP) examinations International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) American Council on Education (ACE VETS (Veterans Education Transfer System) Portfolio Assessment: Departments may offer students the opportunity to earn college credits through portfolio reviews. Test out examinations designed by university faculty: Departments may provide opportunities for a matriculated student to demonstrate university-level learning through course-specific examinations designed by department faculty. The department shall specify which courses are available to a matriculated student for credit by faculty-designed examination. See Section 2 d and f of the Credit for Prior Learning Policy for additional clarification. Credits earned by examination must be awarded by the 40th instructional day of the semester. If not, they will be awarded the following semester. The instructor must use the Credit/No Credit grading system in awarding a grade for credit by examination. There is a 20 credit limitation on the number of credits earned by examination outside the major which a student may apply towards graduation. Students will contact the department Chairperson and the instructor in the program area where they wish to take the examination to determine if that particular course can be offered by examination. Students will obtain the Credit by Examination Form from the Registration and Records Office and follow the instructions on the form. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 5. Methods of Prior Learning Assessment | prior_learning | Section 5. Methods of Prior Learning Assessment Southwest Minnesota State University recognizes that students are assessed for prior learning using nationally and locally recognized examinations as well as competence demonstrations and/or portfolio reviews consistent with MnSCU policy 3.35 and MnSCU Procedure 3.35.1. Nationally recognized examinations and Evaluations: In accordance with MnSCU Policy 3.35 and Procedure 3.35.1, students will be given opportunities to demonstrate university-level learning through nationally recognized examinations and evaluations including, but not limited to the following: Advanced Placement (AP) examinations International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) American Council on Education (ACE VETS (Veterans Education Transfer System) Portfolio Assessment: Departments may offer students the opportunity to earn college credits through portfolio reviews. Test out examinations designed by university faculty: Departments may provide opportunities for a matriculated student to demonstrate university-level learning through course-specific examinations designed by department faculty. The department shall specify which courses are available to a matriculated student for credit by faculty-designed examination. See Section 2 d and f of the Credit for Prior Learning Policy for additional clarification. Credits earned by examination must be awarded by the 40th instructional day of the semester. If not, they will be awarded the following semester. The instructor must use the Credit/No Credit grading system in awarding a grade for credit by examination. There is a 20 credit limitation on the number of credits earned by examination outside the major which a student may apply towards graduation. Students will contact the department Chairperson and the instructor in the program area where they wish to take the examination to determine if that particular course can be offered by examination. Students will obtain the Credit by Examination Form from the Registration and Records Office and follow the instructions on the form. | 0377 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 6. Related Procedures | transfer_credit | Southwest Minnesota State University shall record any credit earned through prior learning assessment on the official student transcript. General Education and Liberal Studies Requirements: Prior learning can be used to meet Liberal Education Plan requirements. Transfer of credit. Credit for prior learning shall be accepted in transfer by Southwest Minnesota State University consistent with University Transfer Credit Policy. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 6. Related Procedures | transfer_credit | Southwest Minnesota State University shall record any credit earned through prior learning assessment on the official student transcript. General Education and Liberal Studies Requirements: Prior learning can be used to meet Liberal Education Plan requirements. Transfer of credit. Credit for prior learning shall be accepted in transfer by Southwest Minnesota State University consistent with University Transfer Credit Policy. | 0377 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 7. Criteria for Assessing Prior Learning | prior_learning | Section 7. Criteria for Assessing Prior Learning Prior learning assessment may be focused on the individual student’s learning outcomes or competence. Prior learning assessment may be for lower- or upper-division credits as approved by the department. Prior learning assessment may be registered for credit amounts approved by the department. Prior learning assessment will include evaluation of the theoretical and practical components of the course learning outcomes. To be eligible for prior learning assessment, the student’s learning must meet the following criteria, consistent with CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) standards. Prior learning must be related to students' educational goals. Prior learning must have a subject area in which theoretical and practical elements can be identified and verified. Recognition for prior learning encompasses learning and not experience alone. Prior learning outcomes must be current. Prior learning must have a general applicability outside the specific situation in which it was acquired. Prior learning must be publicly verifiable. Prior learning must be independent from credits previously recorded in transcripts at other institutions of higher education. Prior learning should be university level. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Section 7. Criteria for Assessing Prior Learning | prior_learning | Section 7. Criteria for Assessing Prior Learning Prior learning assessment may be focused on the individual student’s learning outcomes or competence. Prior learning assessment may be for lower- or upper-division credits as approved by the department. Prior learning assessment may be registered for credit amounts approved by the department. Prior learning assessment will include evaluation of the theoretical and practical components of the course learning outcomes. To be eligible for prior learning assessment, the student’s learning must meet the following criteria, consistent with CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) standards. Prior learning must be related to students' educational goals. Prior learning must have a subject area in which theoretical and practical elements can be identified and verified. Recognition for prior learning encompasses learning and not experience alone. Prior learning outcomes must be current. Prior learning must have a general applicability outside the specific situation in which it was acquired. Prior learning must be publicly verifiable. Prior learning must be independent from credits previously recorded in transcripts at other institutions of higher education. Prior learning should be university level. | 0377 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Special Education | prior_learning | A final presentation of research by individual groups will be required. Student may use interdisciplinary research involving Mathematics, and/or Statistics, projects, paper review, or other experiences outside the classroom in real world situations as credit for prior learning towards the 18 graduate credits requirement in Mathematics. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Student Transfer Credit Appeals | transfer_credit | Student Transfer Credit Appeals If a student is not satisfied with the university transfer decision, the student may appeal a transfer decision at the university level and at the system level. Edition -- | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Student Transfer Credit Appeals | transfer_credit | Student Transfer Credit Appeals If a student is not satisfied with the university transfer decision, the student may appeal a transfer decision at the university level and at the system level. Note: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, SMSU reserves the right to correct any clerical errors herein. Also, you can submit feedback. | 0380 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| System of Grades | transfer_credit | Transfer credits are recorded but are not used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| System of Grades | transfer_credit | Transfer credits are recorded but are not used in calculating the cumulative grade point average. | 0364 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Transfer Admission Criteria | transfer_credit | Transfer admission may be granted to students who meet the following criteria: Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in previous college coursework from a college, university, or technical college. Information regarding preparation for transfer or evaluation of transfer credits can be obtained by contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration and Records Office. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Transfer Admission Criteria | transfer_credit | Transfer admission may be granted to students who meet the following criteria: Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in previous college coursework from a college, university, or technical college. Information regarding preparation for transfer or evaluation of transfer credits can be obtained by contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration and Records Office. | 0367 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Transfer Requirements for Requests That Meet the General Criteria | transfer_credit | Degree Standards: All credits from documented Bachelor’s Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be accepted for transfer and will waive SMSU MnTC/LEP requirements. Transfer of completed MnTC areas from a partnering Minnesota State School will be considered complete at SMSU. Course Credit Standards: Transfer credit limits and Credit Life: There is no minimum or maximum amount of transfer credit that can or will applied when transferring. Transfer credits do not expire. If application status becomes inactive, transfer credit will need to be reapplied upon readmission. A maximum of four semester credits of non-sectarian courses in religion will be accepted for transfer. Additional Standards: International Transfer Credit: International Credit will be evaluated after an official, translated transcript has been received along with translated syllabi for each course. Articulated Courses & Programs: Credits taken as part of Articulation agreements or Minnesota State Transfer Pathways will be accepted for transfer as defined in the articulated agreement. Credits from specialized institutions, military training or industry-based education programs will be granted general elective credit and must be petitioned directly to academic departments for transfer evaluation to majors, minors or programs. Nationally recognized examinations and evaluations such as CLEP, IB, DSST, and AP will be recorded as transfer credit. Technical/Vocational Institutions, Specialized Proprietary Institutions, Military Training or industry-based education programs: Credits deemed as technical may be considered for transfer. These credits will be transferred subject to the following considerations: A maximum of 16 semester credits will be transferred as a package of lower division technical electives. Technical credit courses with direct equivalency to SMSU courses will be transferred on a course-by-course basis over and above the technical college 16 credit package. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Transfer Requirements for Requests That Meet the General Criteria | transfer_credit | Degree Standards: All credits from documented Bachelor’s Degrees or Associate of Arts Degrees will be accepted for transfer and will waive SMSU MnTC/LEP requirements. Transfer of completed MnTC areas from a partnering Minnesota State School will be considered complete at SMSU. Course Credit Standards: Transfer credit limits and Credit Life: There is no minimum or maximum amount of transfer credit that can or will applied when transferring. Transfer credits do not expire. If application status becomes inactive, transfer credit will need to be reapplied upon readmission. A maximum of four semester credits of non-sectarian courses in religion will be accepted for transfer. Additional Standards: International Transfer Credit: International Credit will be evaluated after an official, translated transcript has been received along with translated syllabi for each course. Articulated Courses & Programs: Credits taken as part of Articulation agreements or Minnesota State Transfer Pathways will be accepted for transfer as defined in the articulated agreement. Credits from specialized institutions, military training or industry-based education programs will be granted general elective credit and must be petitioned directly to academic departments for transfer evaluation to majors, minors or programs. Nationally recognized examinations and evaluations such as CLEP, IB, DSST, and AP will be recorded as transfer credit. Technical/Vocational Institutions, Specialized Proprietary Institutions, Military Training or industry-based education programs: Credits deemed as technical may be considered for transfer. These credits will be transferred subject to the following considerations: A maximum of 16 semester credits will be transferred as a package of lower division technical electives. Technical credit courses with direct equivalency to SMSU courses will be transferred on a course-by-course basis over and above the technical college 16 credit package. | 0380 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Transfer Student Admission | transfer_credit | *Note - An official transcript is required from all previously attended institutions prior to starting classes in the first term of enrollment Transfer admission may be granted to students who meet the following criteria: Have attained a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in previous college coursework from a college, university, or technical college. Information regarding preparation for transfer or evaluation of transfer credits can be obtained by contacting the Transfer Specialist in the Registration & Records Office. Students may review how courses will transfer at: www.smsu.edu/admission . Students who do not meet the above stated admission requirements may be considered for Admission if judged to have potential to be successful in the academic program at Southwest Minnesota State University. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Undergraduate Certificate | transfer_credit | This course is required to fulfill Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal 1: Communication. Can be used for credit for prior learning or other projects. | 2026 | catalog.smsu.edu |
| Undergraduate Certificate | transfer_credit | This course is required to fulfill Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal 1: Communication. Can be used for credit for prior learning or other projects. | 0066 | catalog.smsu.edu |
Source: Southwest Minnesota State University's catalog, linked per record · table academic_policy · CourseShelf publish 61