Transfer Credits

Non-degree credits can be transferred into a graduate program if they are approved by the program director or advisor.   Each graduate program has limits on the number and type of transfer credits accepted.  Transfer credits must be equivalent to courses in the student’s graduate program at MSU Billings.

Official (sealed) transcripts of any transfer credit to be used on a plan of study must be sent with the plan of study for approval.  If the class to be transferred is taken after the plan of study has been approved, the transcripts must be sent as soon as the grade is received.  If the plan of study is approved that includes a transfer credit that has not been taken, the approval will be based on the understanding that the transfer credit will meet all standards of transfer credit eligibility.

The following are credits that cannot be transferred to MSU-B:

• Credits awarded by postsecondary institutions in the United States that lack regional accreditation;
• Credits with a grade of pass, credit, or satisfactory;
• Courses older than six (6) years for master’s students;
• Courses with a grade below a  (3.0);
• Credits on an undergraduate transcript (undergraduate status);
• Credits awarded by postsecondary institutions for life experience;

The following are credits that will be determined by individual programs

• Credits awarded by postsecondary institutions for noncredit courses, workshops, and seminars offered by other postsecondary institutions as part of continuing education or professional development programs;
• Credits used for completion of a graduate degree at another institution.
• Credits given for correspondence courses;

College of Allied Health Professions
Transfer credits for the Master of Health Administration are accepted from regionally accredited institutions of higher education on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the student’s advisor.

A maximum of one-fourth of the credits earned in post-baccalaureate courses at other accredited graduate degree granting institutions may be used on a plan of study for the Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling.  Transfer credits must meet the following conditions:

1. The date(s) of the course(s) must meet the same six-year time limit as Montana State University Billings courses.
2. The courses must be relevant to the degree program as a whole as approved in the plan of study review process.
3. Grades must be at least at the “3.0” (or equivalent) level.
4. Correspondence and electronically delivered courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
5. All transfer courses on a plan of study (or change in plan of study) must be approved by the advisor and/or advisory committee and be documented by course descriptions and/or course outlines.
6. Extension courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

College of Arts and Sciences
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences approves transfer credits for the Master of Science in Psychology upon the recommendations of the Psychology Graduate Committee.  Two copies of the official transcripts recording the transfer courses must be sent directly from the registrar of that institution to the Office of Graduate Studies.  No course credit may be transferred unless the grade received was at least a “3.0.”

If approved, a student may transfer a maximum of six semester hours of approved graduate credit from an accredited institution.

Correspondence courses are not accepted as transfer graduate credit.

The Chair of the Department of Communication and Theatre approves transfer credits for the Master of Science in Public Relations.  Two copies of official transcripts recording the transfer courses must be sent directly from the registrar of that institution to the Office of Graduate Studies.  No course credit may be transferred unless the grade received was at least a “3.0.”

If approved by his/her department, a student may transfer a maximum of six semester hours of approved graduate credit from an accredited institution.  Students may petition to the MSU Billings Graduate Committee, with the approval of the Department of Communication and Theatre, for additional hours to be accepted from other accredited institutions.

Correspondence courses are not accepted toward a graduate degree.

College of Education
A maximum of one-fourth of the credits earned in post-baccalaureate courses at other accredited graduate degree granting institutions may be used on a plan of study for the Master of Education, Master of Science in Special Education, and Fifth-Year Programs at Montana State University Billings.  Transfer credits must meet the following conditions:

1. The date(s) of the course(s) must meet the same six-year time limit as Montana State University Billings courses.
2. The courses must be relevant to the degree program as a whole as approved in the plan of study review process.
3. Grades must be at least at the “3.0” (or equivalent) level.
4. Correspondence and electronically delivered courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
5. All transfer courses on a plan of study (or change in plan of study) must be approved by the advisor and/or advisory committee and be documented by course descriptions and/or course outlines.
6. Extension courses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Montana State University Professional Education System Collaborative Courses for the Graduate Core in the Master of Education Degree
In 1996, the three campuses of Montana State University that offer the Master of Education Degree agreed upon a collaborative graduate core of courses to facilitate better access for individuals seeking this degree.  Candidates for the Master of Education degree may use up to 12 credits, solely or in combination, from any of the campuses at Billings, Bozeman, or Northern as part of their plan of study if approved by the student’s committee. These credits are treated as credits in residence and do not count against the transfer limit of credits from other institutions of higher education.  However, at least fifty percent of all credits used on a plan of study must be from the campus awarding the degree.

The following courses constitute the MSU collaborative graduate core for students earning the Master of Education degree at MSU Billings (all are 3 credit courses):

Extension Credits
All extension credits earned through Montana State University Billings are considered as resident credits.  Extension credits earned at any other accredited institution may be eligible for transfer according to graduate transfer policies.

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