2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Recognition of Degrees and Acceptance of Transfer Credit


The University of San Francisco evaluates, without prejudice, applicants for admission from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions and from postsecondary institutions that are candidates for accreditation (as defined in the Handbook of Accreditation, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Applicants are reviewed on the merits of their prior academic achievements and potential for achieving the goals and objectives of the program to which they seek admission. The University of San Francisco shall not refuse, on the basis of policy, to recognize the degrees or accept the transfer of credits from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or a postsecondary institution that is a candidate for regional accreditation.

Courses from regionally accredited four-year postsecondary institutions or from such institutions that are candidates for regional accreditation are generally transferable if the course content is similar to the content of a course listed in the University of San Francisco Catalog. Courses from regionally accredited, two-year postsecondary institutions, or such institutions that are candidates for regional accreditation, are generally transferable under the same conditions. If the institution is part of the California Community College System, those courses which have been designated as “California State University Transferable” will be accepted. The University does not accept transfer of credit from unaccredited institutions.

Graduate students must submit an official Bachelor’s degree transcript with degree conferral (and a Master’s degree transcript for EdD and DNP students) from a U.S. college or university that is a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, or an equivalent degree transcript from an international institution.

Degrees from Outside the United States

The international applicant for admission to USF master’s level programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

Three-year undergraduate (bachelor’s) degrees within the Bologna Process signatory countries will be accepted by the following University of San Francisco School/Colleges:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Nursing and Health Professions
  • School of Management
  • School of Law (for the LLM program).

Three-year undergraduate degrees from all other countries (e.g., in Africa, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by all schools and colleges at the University of San Francisco.

In all cases, the University of San Francisco will only accept degrees from colleges and universities that are recognized by a governmental ministry of education (or its equivalent) as a degree-granting institution for the country within which the institution of higher learning is located.

Applicants for admission to Masagung Graduate School of Management must present an evaluation of all required academic documents compiled by an independent academic credential evaluation provider. USF MBA requires that all applicants use World Education Services; their website is accessible at www.wes.org.

Applicants for admission to all other graduate programs must request that official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended be sent directly to USF.

Applicants who attended institutions that do not issue complete academic records in English must submit both official copies of native-language records and literal translations prepared by an appropriate university or government official.

Official transcripts must show all courses and subjects taken and all grades (marks) received. If the degree conferral date or graduation date is not posted on the transcript, additional documentation, such as degree and graduation certificate or a copy of the diploma, must be submitted.

Diploma supplements must accompany transcripts from European institutions.