Transfer Credit:
Students at the University of Michigan are permitted to transfer credit from courses taken at other institutions. Credits transfer one of two
ways: as a specific course or as department credit.
Transferring credits to the College of LSA:
1. Check the Transfer Equivalencies Website:
o Select Transfer Credit Equivalency Search
o Choose either "Search For U.S Transfers" or "Search for Study Abroad"
o Choose your host institution by highlighting the state and institution.
o Enter the subject in the UM Dept/Subject category.
2. Determine how the desired courses will transfer.
o If they transfer as the equivalent of specific course, no approval is needed.
o If they transfer as Departmental Credit, you will need approval from the department to use the course to
meet a specific requirement. (See below for further instructions.)
o If the course is not listed (or if the institution is not listed), this means that no other UM student has
transferred the course. In this case, you will need to get approval from the UM Admissions/Credit
Evaluations Office by filling out a form and submitting it online (Transfer Information & Residence
Policy>Transfer Credit Equivalency Request Form)
3. After completing the course, have the institution send the official transcript to UM Office of Undergraduate
Admissions, 515 East Jefferson Street, 1220 Student Activities Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316.
4. The Credit Evaluations Office will post your credit to your UM transcript within 6 weeks of receiving the transcript.
*If transferring credits within the University of Michigan system (aka, from UM-Dearborn or UM-Flint), your grades and honor points will
also transfer. Otherwise the course transfers with a “T” grade.
If you are taking the course for distribution credit:
For courses that transfer with a direct equivalent, no further action is needed. The course will appear in your audit with the
appropriate credit.
For courses that transfer as Phil "Dept" credit, make an appointment with your regular academic advisor to complete the exception
process (after the credit is posted to your UM transcript).
If you are planning to take a course elsewhere:
o You are strongly encouraged to request review of this course before you take it.
o You will need to provide a detailed syllabus as described below, so you must obtain one from the instructor or
institution in advance.
o Once you have completed the course (with a “C” or better), request that an official copy of your transcript be sent to
the University of Michigan, Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Even if deemed equivalent, the UM course cannot
appear on your UM transcript until an official transcript from the home institution has been received by UM
Admissions.
For courses that transfer with a direct equivalent, no further action is needed. The course will appear in your audit with the
appropriate credit.
If a course transfers as Phil "Dept" credit, you will need to meet with a department advisor to determine whether this course will
satisfy a major or minor requirement.
1. Schedule an appointment with a Philosophy advisor
2. Bring a detailed syllabus from the course to be transferred.
A detailed syllabus includes:
Instructor’s name,
Term class was offered,
Text book used,
Days and times of lectures, discussions, labs,
Number and duration of exams,
Basis of grading, and,
A day-by-day schedule of topics covered (i.e., what you covered each time you met in class)
3. Your advisor will evaluate the course and decide whether to grant an exception.
LSA Regulations
Up to 60 credits can be transferred.
30 of your last 60 credits must be at UM-Ann Arbor.
You must earn a C or better for courses to transfer (with the exception of UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint courses—all
grades transfer from those two institutions).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I take major prerequisites from a community college?
Yes, LSA students may take a course at a community college and transfer the credit back to UM. See your LSA
General Advisor for questions about LSA College policies.
Can I take a major course at another school?
The Philosophy Department strongly encourages you to take all major courses on the Ann Arbor campus—this
will put you in the best position to succeed in the major. If, however, this is not possible, you should schedule
an appointment with a Philosophy advisor to discuss your options.
The Philosophy Department does not accept credit for any course taken on-line from any institution (including
UM Flint and UM Dearborn).
