Transfer Credits
Transfer Credits
Master’s Program
A minimum of 24 credit hours of courses for the master’s degree must be taken at the University of the Incarnate Word. Students who have previously completed graduate course work at other degree-granting institutions accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education if post-secondary education was completed in the United States, or the equivalent at an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, may transfer a maximum of twelve credit hours toward the degree.
Transferred units must come from courses which are equivalent to those required by the UIW degree, or which are closely related so as to transfer as elective units. Credit hours cannot be transferred if they were previously used to satisfy a degree program, nor can they be used to satisfy more than one program. The number of credit hours may vary from program to program.
Transfer credit is allowed only for courses with a grade of “B” or better. Credit hours normally taken in the undergraduate program may not be transferred as graduate credit. Normally, graduate transfer credit which is more than seven years old may not be used to complete a degree.
The University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and Oblate School of Theology maintain a cooperative enterprise for undergraduate and graduate learning as the United Colleges of San Antonio. The consortium is a confederation composed of the independent colleges of liberal arts and sciences, specialized schools for professional training, and libraries and research institutions, cooperating with each other. In accordance with the agreement of the United Colleges of San Antonio, up to twelve credit hours may be accepted from these institutions with prior approval of the program director and the Director of Graduate Studies. These credits cannot reduce the 24-credit-hour minimum requirement for courses taken at UIW.
A University of the Incarnate Word student who wishes to take courses at another institution with the intention of transferring them to UIW must have the approval of the program director and the Director of Graduate Studies before registering for such courses.
Transfer of credit requests are recommended by the Program Director to the Director of Graduate Studies for the final approval. The Director then finalizes the decision and sends notice of acceptance or rejection to the Registrar for appropriate changes to the student transcript.
Doctoral Program
Degree requirements may be satisfied by transfer of graduate credit for courses of a grade of “B” or better from an accredited college or university and completed outside the first master’s degree. Courses normally taken in an undergraduate program will not be counted as credit toward the doctoral degree. No credit hours can be used to satisfy more than one degree.
Generally, graduate transfer credit that is more than seven (7) years old may not be used to complete a degree. Transfer for doctoral work of older courses may be considered depending on the nature of the course. This older coursework must be submitted to doctoral program faculty for consideration, and Program Director will make a recommendation about the transfer of credit to the Director of Graduate Studies. The Director of Graduate Studies will send notice of acceptance or rejection to the Registrar, who will make appropriate changes to the student transcript.
Generally, a maximum of 12 credit hours of a degree program may be gained through transfer. Exceptions to this policy require the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.
A student enrolled at the University of the Incarnate Word who wishes to take courses at another institution with the intention of transferring them to UIW must have the prior written permission of the Academic Advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies before registering for such courses.
Waiver of Course Requirements for the Doctoral Program
Courses taken toward the master’s degree that are equivalent to the courses for a UIW program of study may satisfy the course requirements but not the credit hour requirements of the degree. The Academic Advisor submits the student petition to the Dean of the College or School. If it is accepted, the Registrar is notified to make appropriate changes to the student’s degree plan.