Transferring engineering credits to OSU: What should I know?

I'm studying engineering at a local college and planning to transfer to Ohio State University. How do I ensure my credits transfer smoothly to OSU's engineering program? Any specific GPA requirements or complications to be aware of?

It's crucial when transferring to understand the credit transfer process to ensure that most, if not all, of your credits will transition with you to Ohio State University's (OSU) engineering program. You'll want to be familiar with two key processes, which can be found on the OSU website: Transfer Credit Policy and Transfer Credit Evaluation.

The Transfer Credit Policy is the overall framework for determining which credits can be applied at OSU. As a general rule, credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities are transferable, provided the coursework is non-remedial and passed with a C- grade or better. OSU usually doesn't accept more than 90 quarter (60 semester) technical credits from community or technical colleges.

Once you understand the Transfer Credit Policy, you'll need to submit your courses for the Transfer Credit Evaluation. An advisor will look at what you’ve taken and compare it to the requirements for your planned major to see how many of your credits will actually count towards that degree. They do this by looking at the course content, not just the title or number of the course at your local college.

The GPA required for transfer students typically varies by department. Most departments recommend, at minimum, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all college coursework, but the engineering program may require a higher GPA. Therefore, I recommend speaking with an OSU transfer advisor about the GPA requirements.

Just remember: transferring can be a complex task, but it's definitely manageable. Investing time into understanding the process and getting help when needed can assure a smoother transition. You can always reach out to OSU's Transfer Student Services for any questions or guidance.