Transferring to the University of Southern California (USC) is an exciting step, and understanding the unit requirements is a crucial part of your Usc Transfer Planning Guide. This guide will clarify the minimum units you must earn in residence at USC and how your previous college credits may transfer.
Minimum Units in Residence at USC
Generally, transfer students are required to complete at least 64 units in residence at USC. This represents half of the total units typically needed for a bachelor’s degree. While enrolled at USC, you will also need to fulfill specific academic criteria:
- Complete all upper-division coursework for your major and any declared minor at USC.
- Satisfactorily complete WRIT 340, alongside a minimum of two Core Literacy General Education (GE) courses offered by a Dornsife College department. You’ll also need to complete any remaining GE requirements not satisfied prior to your enrollment at USC.
- Enroll in all fall and spring semester courses for USC credit. Taking courses at other institutions is generally limited to summer sessions, and even then, certain restrictions apply.
An aerial view of the University of Southern California campus, showcasing its urban setting and iconic buildings, relevant to understanding unit requirements for transfer students.
Exceptions to Standard Residency Requirements
While the 64-unit minimum is standard, there are a couple of exceptions for specific programs:
Engineering “3+2” Program
Students admitted to the Engineering “3+2” program have a reduced residency requirement. They must complete a minimum of 48 units in residence at USC. Furthermore, for these students, two-thirds of all transferable coursework must be completed at one of USC’s designated four-year partner institutions.
Bachelor of Architecture Program
The Bachelor of Architecture program has a more extensive residency requirement. Students in this program must earn at least 80 units while in residence at USC. For this program, a maximum of 70 transferable units from other institutions may be applied towards the degree.
Limits on Transfer Units
USC has established limits on the number of transfer units it will accept within particular categories. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum number of transfer units from other institutions is capped at 64. Specific limits include:
- English as a Second Language (ESL): A maximum of 4 units.
- Physical Education Activity Courses: A maximum of 4 units.
- Music Ensemble Courses: A maximum of 4 units.
- Dance Courses: A maximum of 8 units.
- Physical Education Theory Courses: A maximum of 12 units.
- Individual Instruction in Music: A maximum of 16 units.
It’s important to note that other studio and performing arts classes may also have transfer unit limitations. It is advisable to consult with your USC admission counselor for detailed information regarding your specific program and coursework.
Understanding Transferable Course Credits
Navigating what credits will transfer is key to effective USC transfer planning. Here’s a breakdown:
Accredited Courses
Generally, USC accepts coursework completed at U.S. institutions holding accreditation from one of the six regional accrediting agencies. Degrees earned from these institutions are also typically recognized. Coursework from international post-secondary institutions recognized as degree-granting by their local Ministry of Education may also be considered for transfer.
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Standardized Exams
USC recognizes the academic rigor of AP and IB exams, as well as other standardized examinations. A maximum of 32 units can be earned through standardized exams in combination.
For a comprehensive list of accepted standardized exams and the USC course requirements they fulfill, please visit arr.usc.edu/transfercredit. This resource is invaluable for your USC transfer planning.
College Courses Taken During High School
USC may grant credit for college courses completed during high school, with a maximum of 16 units transferable in this category. These units are included within the overall 32-unit limit for AP/IB/other exam credits. For these courses to be considered:
- They must be taught by college faculty on a college campus.
- They must be listed on your official college transcript as part of the regular college curriculum.
- They cannot be applied towards your high school diploma.
While these credits can satisfy General Education requirements, they cannot fulfill USC’s writing or foreign language requirements, nor will they receive direct course equivalency to specific USC courses.
A student reviewing transfer credit information online, highlighting the importance of understanding transfer policies for successful USC transfer planning.
Courses That May Be Considered for Transfer (By Petition)
Certain types of courses may be considered for transfer credit through a petition process. Credit in these cases is evaluated individually. It’s essential to retain copies of course syllabi, exams, and papers, as USC may request these materials for review. These categories include:
Nontraditional Formats and Timeframes
This category includes courses with formats or schedules that deviate from the traditional semester structure, such as:
- Distance-learning courses
- Online courses
- Concentrated “intensive” sessions
- Special weekend modules
Please be aware that for foreign language and laboratory science courses taken via distance learning, online platforms, TV, or correspondence, only elective units are typically granted. Equivalence to specific USC courses or fulfillment of degree requirements is generally not awarded for these formats.
COVID-19 Exception: Due to the academic disruptions caused by COVID-19, some exceptions to these policies may be applicable. It is recommended to consult with an admission counselor for the most up-to-date information.
Courses and Units Not Eligible for Transfer
It’s equally important to understand what coursework will not transfer to USC. These include:
Unaccredited Institutions
Coursework or degrees earned from U.S. institutions that do not hold regional accreditation will not be accepted for transfer credit.
Non-Degree Credit Courses
College extension courses and courses taken at international institutions that are not credited toward a degree at that specific college are not transferable.
Areas of Study Not Offered at USC
Courses in fields of study not offered by USC are ineligible for transfer credit. Examples include:
- Agriculture
- Business office procedures
- Hotel management
- Food services
- Industrial mechanics
- Interior design
- Fire science
- Forestry
- Police academy
- Similar professional and technical programs
Duplicated Material
Credit will not be granted for material that is considered duplicated. This includes situations where an AP exam, an IB exam, and a college course cover substantially the same subject matter.
Life and Work Experience
Credit is not awarded for life experience, work experience, portfolio work, continuing education courses, equivalency examination units, or courses offered by business and governmental agencies, even if evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE).
Placement Exams
Courses and/or unit credits granted by another institution based on placement examinations or credit-by-exam policies are not transferable to USC.
Remedial, College Preparatory, and Personal Development Courses
This category includes mathematics courses below the level of college-level algebra. (Intermediate Algebra, which is USC’s minimum math requirement for admission, is not transferable).
Nontraditional Formats at Two-Year Colleges
Nontraditional course formats taken at two-year colleges, such as independent study, directed study, correspondence courses, internships, and travel courses, are generally not transferable.
Graduate-Level Courses Taken by Undergraduates
Graduate-level coursework taken by undergraduate students is not eligible for transfer credit.
Calculating Your USC Transfer GPA
USC calculates your transfer GPA based on grades earned in all USC-transferable courses, including grades of D and even lower. Plus and minus grading is taken into account in this calculation.
Important points regarding GPA calculation:
- Expired incompletes, unofficial withdrawals, and missing grades are automatically treated as an “F” in the GPA calculation.
- Credit/No Credit and Pass/No Pass grades are not included in the transfer GPA calculation.
- USC does not recognize other colleges’ academic “renewal” or “forgiveness” programs that may allow students to improve a substandard grade on their transcript.
- If you repeat a transferable course for which you initially earned a grade of D+ or lower, both grades will be factored into your transfer GPA.
- If the original grade in a repeated transferable course was C- or higher, only the first grade earned will be included in your transfer GPA calculation.
It’s crucial to understand that your transfer GPA is distinct from the GPA you earn in courses taken directly at USC. These two GPAs are maintained separately until it’s time to determine eligibility for graduation and graduation honors, as detailed in the USC Catalogue.
Academic Standards and Requirements: Consult the USC Catalogue
The USC Catalogue serves as the definitive source for all policy matters and is subject to updates. It provides comprehensive information regarding academic standards governing transfer coursework, as well as specific requirements for your chosen major field of study. Always refer to the most current version of the USC Catalogue at catalogue.usc.edu for the most accurate and up-to-date information as part of your USC transfer planning guide.
General Education Requirements:
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Students who began college in fall 2015 or later: These students must adhere to the revised General Education requirements if they graduated high school in spring or summer 2015 and their first full-time college enrollment term was fall 2015 or after (excluding summer terms).
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Students who began college prior to fall 2015: Students who started their college education at any institution before summer 2015 will follow the GE program that was in effect prior to fall 2015.
This USC transfer planning guide aims to provide a clear understanding of unit requirements and transfer credit policies. For personalized guidance and the most current information, always consult directly with USC’s admission and academic advising resources.
