Transfer of Undergraduate Units from US Institutions

University Policy

College of Arts & Sciences Policy

Units and coursework of incoming transfer students are evaluated by faculty in the corresponding CAS or other BU academic departments and programs. The transfer units evaluation is initiated and coordinated by the Office of the University Registrar (OUR).

Only courses comparable to those offered by the undergraduate schools and colleges of Boston University will be accepted for transfer. A total of 128 units are required for graduation. First-year undergraduate students entering BU’s full-time on-campus schools/colleges can apply a maximum of 60 external or transfer units toward their degree requirements at Boston University. For undergraduate students transferring into one of BU’s full-time on-campus schools/colleges, a maximum of 68 external or transfer units can be applied toward degree requirements.

Transfer students should make every effort to attend the special transfer orientation program held during the summer (or in January for students entering in January).

Except under cooperative arrangement, no matriculated student may carry courses concurrently in another institution. Grades from courses taken at external colleges and universities (except coursework undertaken as part of the college’s consortium agreement) will not be included in the student’s grade point average (GPA) or appear on the student’s Boston University transcript.

See also Summer Study at Other Universities and the BU Residency Requirement and Transfer of Undergraduate Units policy.

Please note: Students considering taking a non-BU course abroad for transfer units must consult with the BU Study Abroad Program Manager for External Programs prior to applying for an international study program.