Transfer Of Credit

Graduate-level courses in other accredited graduate schools or in other Schools or Colleges of Boston University not used toward the awarding of any other degree, may be transferred on recommendation of the chair or program director.

Basic science M.A. or M.S. degree programs allow no more than eight (8) credits to be transferred from other universities.

Post-bachelor’s Ph.D. programs allow no more than sixteen (16) credits to be transferred from other universities. If a department or program requires more than the minimum sixty-four (64) credits, a student may transfer an additional number of courses corresponding to that number required in excess of the sixty-four (64) credits.

Post-master’s Ph.D. programs allow no credits to be transferred from other universities, unless a department requires more than the minimum of thirty-two (32) credits. A student may transfer the number of courses corresponding to that number required in excess of the thirty-two (32) credits.

Credits from a single course cannot be counted toward two different degree programs within GMS unless it is taken as part of a dual degree program.

General Requirements for Transfer Credit

All courses for anticipated transfer credit, must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have been taken within the past five (5) years.
  • Courses must be officially documented as graduate-level courses from an accredited institution.
  • Transfer credit is contingent upon completion of the course with a grade of B (3.0) or better.
  • Official transcripts documenting the final grade(s) must be sent to the GMS registrar.
  • Courses cannot have been used in the past or be used in the future towards another degree at Boston University.

General Requirements for Course Waiver

GMS students may petition to be waived from specific course requirements based on previous coursework. Requirements for the course waiver are:

  • Relevant courses must have been taken within the past five (5) years.
  • Students must have earned a grade of B (3.0) or better in the course.
  • Students must complete a Request for Transfer Credit/Course Waiver Form and provide the requested documentation with the form to the GMS registrar.
  • Students may be asked to demonstrate their proficiency in the courses to be waived.
  • The decision to grant a waiver is at the discretion of the chair or program director.
  • Such waivers will not reduce the overall number of course credits required to be taken in GMS to fulfill program requirements.