Non-Regionally Accredited Course Work Transfer Policy

11/13/18 Note: Credit may be awarded for course work from non-regionally accredited institutions beginning in Spring 2019.

Students who complete course work at a college or university that is not regionally accredited may submit a request that their course work be considered for transfer. The University of Arizona will review course work from a non-regionally accredited institution if it is nationally accredited—recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Non-regionally accredited course work will be reviewed for transfer credit based on an official transcript from the offering institution, as well as a syllabus for each course to be evaluated by the department or college faculty.

Official transcripts should be provided to the Office of the Registrar. Students must submit syllabi for each course to the Office of Transfer Credit & Articulation for evaluation of credit.  Transferability of course work will be determined by faculty in the appropriate department or college, and the credit awarded may be restricted both in number of units and in degree applicability. Non-regionally accredited course work completed over eight (8) years ago may not apply to a student's current degree program unless otherwise approved by the major department (as per the Time Limits policy).

Students must meet the following standards if they are interested in receiving credit for course work completed at a non-regionally accredited institution:  they must be admitted to the University, enrolled in a degree program, and need the credit to satisfy a degree requirement.  

Students may submit up to 2 courses, not to exceed a maximum of 10 credits, for review by the appropriate department faculty. In addition, the non-regionally accredited course work must be deemed college level by the faculty evaluating the course, and must meet or exceed “C” level work.  The credit accepted for transfer will not be calculated in the student’s GPA, cannot duplicate any previously awarded credit, and cannot be used to satisfy residency requirements.   

Students should consult with their major Academic Advisor for applicability of any transfer credit they receive from the evaluation process.