Transferring Course Credits

Students may apply up to 40% of degree program coursework taken either prior to entering the Humphrey School or courses taken outside the University of Minnesota after matriculation in their Humphrey degree program. A student has a seven-year time limit to complete the degree, starting with the date of the first course taken and including any courses transferred into the program. The following sections address the most commonly asked questions about transferring coursework.

Credits from other sources
Subject to the approval of an advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies, a student is allowed to transfer graduate credits representing up to 40% of his/her degree program (including courses taken prior to and after admission). Public Affairs credits taken at the Humphrey School prior to the term of admission are considered transfer credits and are included in the maximum 40% transfer credits that can be applied to a Humphrey School degree program. All transfer work must be from accredited institutions, must be graduate level (post-baccalaureate), and must have been taught by faculty members authorized to teach graduate courses. Credits transferred from other institutions must appear on official graduate school transcripts of the institution. The coursework must not be part of an earned degree or it will fall under the limits of double-counting (see below). Courses taken before the awarding of the baccalaureate degree cannot be transferred. Students must take 60% of the credits for their degree while registered in a Humphrey School degree program. The transfer of credits to the Humphrey School degree is accomplished by including the courses on the proposed Degree Program form. An official transcript must be included with the Degree Program unless the transcript was included with the original application to the Graduate School.

Double-counting credits from another post-baccalaureate degree
A limit of eight (8) credits, subject to the approval of an advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies, can be used from a graduate degree already earned or in progress at an accredited institution. A copy of your transcript is required, and a syllabus or official course description is generally needed. The transfer of credits to the Humphrey School degree is accomplished by including the courses on the proposed Degree Program form. An official transcript must be included with the Degree Program unless the transcript was included with the original application to the Graduate School.