How do transfer credits work at Ringling College of Art and Design?

I'm considering transferring to Ringling College of Art and Design. Can anyone provide insights on how the transfer credit evaluation process works there? I'm not sure how many of my current credits will be accepted.

When it comes to transferring credits to Ringling College of Art and Design, the general rule is that they'll consider credits for coursework you've completed at a regionally accredited institution, as long as you've earned a grade of 'C' or better. However, each case is evaluated individually, so it's important to be prepared for different outcomes.

Transfer credit is evaluated by the department chair of the student’s chosen major, in consultation with the Registrar's Office. They match classes from previous institutions to equivalent classes at Ringling, while also considering how those classes align with the curriculum for your chosen major. They may require additional documentation such as course syllabi or project samples to help with this evaluation, especially for studio courses.

Importantly, liberal arts and studio credits transfer differently. For studio courses, the maximum age for transferable credits is typically five years. However, liberal arts courses might transfer regardless of when you completed them, providing the content is still relevant and current.

Another important point is that students are limited to a total of 66 semester hours of transfer credits. A minimum of 54 semester hours must be taken at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Remember, though, that even if academic credits transfer, they do not necessarily apply to the Core Curriculum or major requirements, and may instead contribute to your overall elective credits. Because of Ringling's specific and comprehensive program structures, even many transfer students must start in their program's first year.

To get a more accurate estimate of the amount of credit you can transfer, you should contact the Ringling admissions office, which can guide you through the process and even help with an unofficial initial evaluation.