Sam Houston State University (SHSU) ensures that students earn at least one-third of credits toward a graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by SHSU by limiting the allowed number of hours transferred from other institutions. The University has clear policies regarding the transfer of credit from other institutions [1]. Students may transfer only courses with a grade of “B” or higher. Graduate programs can accept no more than the following transferred hour totals toward a graduate degree at SHSU:
The limited number of allowable transfer credits is far less than 65% of the degree requirements. The graduate advisors and admissions analysts disseminate information about transfer credits to incoming students through the admission process. The entire University community also receives the information through online posting of academic policies and the graduate catalog [2] [3].
To process a transfer of courses from another institution, graduate advisors complete a Grade/Degree Transfer Request Form and submit it to the Office of Graduate Studies [4] [5]. These requests require the approval of the Academic Dean and of the Dean of Graduate Studies. To ensure current knowledge, only in rare instances do courses older than six years gain approval for transfer. If approved, the SHSU equivalent to the course listed on the form will be included on the official transcript.
When a graduate course is accepted in transfer toward a graduate degree or post-baccalaureate professional degree, students and SHSU personnel can monitor the individual courses and hours earned at SHSU and in transfer on the unofficial or official academic transcript. SHSU differentiates credits earned in transfer and credits earned at SHSU by clear labeling on the academic transcript. Credits earned in transfer appear below a transcript heading of “Transfer Credit Accepted by the Institution” and credits earned at SHSU appear below a heading of “Institution Credit.” Further, the academic transcript provides a semester credit hour summary for hours earned at the institution, in transfer, and overall [6] [7].
An audit file for graduate degrees conferred in the fall 2017 term, including semester credit hours earned at SHSU and overall (SHSU and transfer), has been provided [8].
SHSU does not offer joint graduate programs with other institutions.