Transfer Credit and Course Equivalency

How do you know what credit you can receive for courses taken abroad when NOT attending a JMU program?  

The procedure for transferring credit for an experience abroad works the same way as transferring credit from any other US institution. You need to complete a “Permission to Take Courses for Transfer Credit” form, provide a course description and/or syllabus, and get the required department signatures. 

Since educational systems all over the world differ, there can be some confusion as to what amount of credit you will receive at JMU for your study abroad experience. For instance, European countries who use ECTS credits will offer a course for 5 ECTS credits that will translate to 3 credits at JMU, whereas a university in Australia may have courses worth 15 credits that are worth 3-4 at JMU. (The determination of credits awarded is based on the amount of time in a lecture situation.) 

With the terms of study, credits per course and grading systems being “foreign” to you, it is understandable that you might be confused. Please know that our office (the CGE), along with the Registrar’s Office and many academic departments have all dealt with these issues. If you need help figuring it all out, please come in for advising so we can help you get started!

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