Policies

It is important to note that Bethel University is not responsible for potential transfer credit that has been repeated through courses taken at Bethel University. College/ University transcripts are evaluated for the suitability of credit to be transferred. (See Academic Policies > Transfer of Credit) Transcripts from other institutions become a permanent part of a student’s academic record. All credit pertinent to a student’s degree program is transferred to the Bethel University Transcript.

Transfer Admission Students who have completed less than 12 hours of transferable credit hours at an accredited institution must submit high school transcripts or GED scores, and unless otherwise exempt, SAT or ACT scores. (See Transfer Credit in the Academic Policies section for more information). Students wishing to transfer to Bethel must be eligible to return to their previous college to be admitted to Bethel University.

Transfer Credit Bethel University accepts credit in transfer from regionally and nation- ally accredited institutions that are recognized by the United States Department of Education. All credit presented from other institutions is evaluated for transfer on a course by course basis. Provided that the following criteria are met, enrolled students may transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning. No grade below a “C” or equivalent will be accepted as transfer credit, and grade points from hours accepted as transfer credit are not included in the Bethel University academic record. In that case, all credits and grades accepted by the Registrar’s evaluation of transfer credits from an accredited school will be accepted. (See “Transfer Students” in the Admissions section for additional information.) Undergraduate Transfer Credit • Bethel University does not limit the number of undergraduate hours that may be transferred. • Transfer work is not included in Bethel University’s GPA and only courses with the letter grades of A, B, C, P, and S are considered for transfer.

(See Advanced Standing Credit) • For Bethel University students, any credit earned at another institu- tion intended for transfer to Bethel University must have prior written approval. Graduate Transfer Credit • A maximum of six graduate semester hours from an accredited institu- tion may be applied towards a graduate degree*. • Transfer hours may be applied only in electives. • Applicants requesting recognition of transfer credit from other insti- tutions should complete transcript request forms and submit them at the time of application. If an applicant does not request an evaluation of transfer credit at the time of application, transfer credit will not be applied later toward the degree at Bethel University. • No grade below a C will be transferred. International Transfer Credit In the admissions process, international applicants must show proof of the equivalent to high school graduation and college or university attendance through the submission of official transcripts.

Advanced Standing Credit (Maximum 60 credit hours) Military Training and Experience Military credit evaluations are provided for all Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. Bethel University accepts up to 60 semester hours of Advanced Standing credit from coursework and non-duplicated training experiences.

Credit by Examination • Advance Placement Program: By submitting acceptable scores (minimum of 3) on the College Board’s Advance Placement Program, students may be awarded a maximum of 12 semester hours in Advance Placement credit. ACE educational credit by examination and ACE credit for training programs are also included in this area. Portfolio Program A process has been established that allows for the evaluation of prior learning obtained through workforce training or life experiences.

Students are required to be enrolled at Bethel University and register for the Directed Study or Individual Study course(s). Residency Requirements While Bethel University does not limit the total amount of transfer credit, students are required to complete a certain number of hours with the University. Prior to changing programs, students will need to contact the Registrar’s office of the program/college they wish to transfer to ensure all credits will be accepted in the desired program.

(See Transfer Credit). Further, if the Religion requirement has not been satisfied with transfer credit, the applicant will be required to meet Bethel University’s Religion/Philosophy General Education requirement.

All transfer credit hours accepted by Bethel University will count towards attempted hours.

The elective requirements may be fulfilled by any combination of transfer credit, experiential learning credit, challenge exams, or courses taken at Bethel University.

The balance of the credits needed after the major coursework is completed can be fulfilled with electives, previous trans- ferred credit, and other advanced standing credit options.