Home 9 Policies 9 Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer Credit Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy establishes the principles, criteria, and procedures Carolina College of Biblical Studies (“CCBS” or “the College”) uses to evaluate, award, and apply credit for college-level learning earned outside the institution. It applies to all degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students.

The policy applies regardless of instructional modality (on-campus, online, hybrid) and governs credit earned prior to admission or during enrollment, including through concurrent enrollment, consortium agreements, and approved alternative learning pathways.

2. Guiding Principles

Carolina College of Biblical Studies (CCBS) recognizes that students acquire college-level learning through a variety of pathways. This policy affirms the College’s commitment to the following principles:

  • Equitable and transparent transfer credit practices that promote student success.
  • Evaluation of prior learning based on:
    • The educational quality of the learning experience;
    • The comparability of content, scope, and rigor to CCBS courses; and
    • The appropriateness and applicability of the learning to the student’s declared degree program.
  • Consistent and fair application of standards for all students.
  • Assurance that transfer credit practices do not disadvantage students based on race, socioeconomic status, military service, age, or enrollment pathway.
  • A modality-neutral approach, ensuring that the method of instructional delivery (e.g., online, hybrid, or in-person) does not affect the awarding of transfer credit.
  • Alignment with ABHE Institutional Accreditation Standards, the 2021 Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit, and applicable federal and state regulations.

CCBS retains the right to determine whether academic credit is awarded, how it is applied, and to set academic standards in a manner consistent with its mission and institutional integrity.

3. Eligibility for Transfer Credit

The College evaluates transfer credit from a variety of sources, consistent with its academic standards and mission. Credit may be considered from the following categories:

  • Accredited Institutions: Postsecondary institutions with regional, national, or faith-based accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Only courses with a final grade of “C” (2.0 GPA) or higher are eligible for transfer.
  • Non-Accredited Institutions: Credit may be awarded based on a review of course materials, including syllabi, learning outcomes, and faculty credentials, to determine content comparability and academic rigor. A minimum grade of “C” must be documented for consideration.
  • Standardized Examinations: Credit may be granted for qualifying scores on CLEP, Advanced Placement (AP), DSST, and other exams approved by CCBS. Minimum scores required for credit are:
    • CLEP: 50 or higher
    • AP: 3 or higher
    • DSST: 400 or higher (based on ACE-recommended guidelines)
  • Military and Professional Training: Evaluated based on the American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations or equivalent recognized evaluative resources.
  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Students may earn credit for college-level learning demonstrated through a faculty-evaluated portfolio. Refer to the separate PLA Policy for eligibility, procedures, and required documentation.
  • ACE-Recommended Learning Approved Providers: CCBS recognizes selected college-level learning experiences that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE CREDIT®). Credit may be awarded from approved ACE-recommended providers, including Sophia Learning, in accordance with current institutional articulation agreements and Registrar-approved equivalency guides. Students must submit an official transcript directly from the provider for evaluation. Only approved courses applicable to the student’s degree program will be awarded transfer credit.

 

4. Limits on Transfer Credit and Residency Requirements

To maintain academic integrity and meaningful engagement with the College’s curriculum, CCBS limits the amount of credit that may be earned through transfer and other nontraditional means. These limits also ensure compliance with accreditor expectations and institutional standards.

Undergraduate Degrees:

  • Up to 75% of the total degree requirements may be satisfied through transfer credit, credit by examination (e.g., CLEP), Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), or other approved nontraditional sources.
  • A minimum of 25% of the total degree requirements must be completed through CCBS instruction (“residency credits”), defined as credit-bearing courses delivered by CCBS faculty or under direct institutional oversight.
    • Associate Degree: At least 15 credits must be earned in residence.
    • Bachelor’s Degree: At least 30 credits must be earned in residence.

Graduate Degrees:

  • Up to 66% of the total degree requirements may be satisfied through transfer credit.
  • A minimum of 33% must be earned through CCBS instruction.

All transfer or alternative credits must be applicable to the student’s declared program of study. Credit is not awarded for duplicate coursework, non-college-level content, or remedial/developmental courses.

5. Evaluation Criteria and Documentation

Transfer credit is awarded based on an individualized review of the learning experience in light of the following institutional standards:

  • Educational Quality: The originating institution or source demonstrates academic rigor, typically through recognized accreditation or equivalent evaluative criteria.
  • Comparability: The course content, level, learning outcomes, and instructional scope are substantially equivalent to CCBS coursework.
  • Applicability: The learning is relevant to the student’s declared program of study and can be applied toward specific degree requirements.

To facilitate the evaluation process, students must submit appropriate documentation, including:

  • Official transcripts, sent directly to the Admissions Office from the originating institution or testing agency.
  • For credit from non-accredited institutions: course syllabi, catalog descriptions, and evidence of faculty qualifications may be required.
  • Only courses with a final grade of “C” or higher will be considered for transfer evaluation, unless otherwise specified in an articulation agreement.
  • Courses must meet the minimum credit-hour equivalency based on a semester system. Quarter-hour or non-traditional systems will be converted accordingly.
  • For Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): a comprehensive portfolio that includes reflective narratives, supporting documentation, and alignment with college-level learning outcomes. See the Prior Learning Assessment Policy for specifics.
  • Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service (e.g., WES, SpanTran) before consideration for transfer credit. The student is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of the evaluation.

While the primary responsibility for supplying documentation rests with the student, CCBS provides guidance and reasonable assistance in securing required materials.

6. Transfer Credit Evaluation Process

All transfer credit evaluations follow a consistent, multi-step review process to ensure quality, comparability, and applicability to the student’s academic program:

  1. Submission of Documentation– The student submits all required official transcripts and supporting materials to the Admissions Office.
  2. Registrar Review– The Registrar conducts an initial review to determine basic eligibility, source credibility, and completeness of documentation.
  3. Faculty/Program Director Review– When necessary, appropriate faculty or program directors assess the content, rigor, and relevance of the proposed transfer coursework.
  4. Decision and Notification– A final decision is rendered, and the student is notified by the Admissions Counselor when they enroll in their initial classes.
  5. Recording– Approved transfer credits are formally recorded in the student’s academic record and degree audit.

7. Appeals Process

Students who wish to appeal a transfer credit decision must submit a written request to the Provost within 30 days of the original decision. The appeal should include a clear rationale along with any new or additional supporting documentation.

Appeals must demonstrate either:

  • The availability of new documentation not previously reviewed, or
  • A reasonable belief that the decision was inconsistent with stated institutional policy or evaluation standards.

The Provost will review the appeal in consultation with relevant academic personnel as needed. The Provost’s decision is final.

8. Application and Recording of Credit

Approved transfer credits are recorded on the CCBS transcript as transfer credit and are designated with a non-GPA-bearing grade (e.g., “credits transferred”). These credits do not factor into the student’s cumulative grade point average at CCBS.

Transfer credits may be applied toward:

  • General education requirements
  • Program core requirements
  • Elective credit, when applicable

Credits that exceed degree requirements or do not align with the student’s program of study will not be applied. Students may not receive credit for the same or substantially equivalent course more than once, regardless of the source.

9. Articulation Agreements and Approved Sources

Carolina College of Biblical Studies maintains articulation agreements with select colleges, universities, and approved providers to facilitate the transfer of academic credit. These agreements identify pre-approved course equivalencies while preserving the College’s authority to determine how transfer credit applies to specific degree requirements.

CCBS also recognizes selected ACE-recommended learning experiences through approved providers, such as Sophia Learning, where institutional equivalencies have been established. Students should consult the Registrar before enrolling in coursework through an approved provider, as approved courses and equivalencies may change over time.

A current list of articulation agreements and approved providers is maintained by the Office of the Registrar and published on the CCBS website.

  • Sophia Learning
  • Bible Mesh
  • Southern Evangelical Seminary
  • Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

10. Student Advising and Communication

CCBS provides advising and clear communication to support students in understanding transfer credit opportunities and limitations.

  • Pre-enrollment advising is available to help prospective students evaluate the potential applicability of prior coursework and nontraditional credit.
  • A preliminary evaluation may be offered during the admissions process based on unofficial transcripts or documentation; however, final approval of transfer credit is contingent upon receipt and review of official materials.
  • Comprehensive information regarding transfer credit policies, procedures, and contacts is published in the Academic Catalog and on the College website.
  • Students are encouraged to consult with the Registrar’s Office for questions about transfer evaluation or credit applicability.

11. Maintenance of Records

All transfer credit evaluations, supporting documentation, and related communications are securely maintained as part of the student’s official academic record. These records are retained in accordance with the College’s Records Retention Policy and applicable legal and accreditation requirements.

12. Periodic Review

This policy is reviewed at least once every three years to ensure continued alignment with ABHE accreditation standards, evolving best practices in higher education, and the mission of Carolina College of Biblical Studies. Input from students, faculty, staff, and relevant administrative offices will be considered in the revision process.

13. Related Policies and References

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following related documents and standards:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Policy (available in the Policies section of the website)
  • Residency Requirements (published in the Academic Catalog)
  • Graduation Requirements (published in the Academic Catalog)
  • 2021 Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit (by AACRAO, ACE, and CHEA)

Tee Off with CCBS at the 10th Annual Golf Tournament—Register Today!

Click Here
Close Welcome Bar