Transfer Credit/Articulation Information
SUNY Upstate is an upper-division transfer and graduate college. Students in our bachelors programs complete 60 semester hours of prerequisite courses prior to enrolling. Students in our graduate degree programs complete prerequisite courses and a bachelors degree prior to enrolling. The prerequisite courses are not taught at SUNY Upstate. Prerequisites for each program are listed on the departments webpages. Completing the prerequisites does not guarantee admission to SUNY Upstate or our programs.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates transfer credit as part of the application process Applicants are able to attend the accredited college(s) of their choice to complete the prerequisites prior to enrolling at Upstate. Course Equivalency Guides have been created to assist prospective students. Questions about prerequisites may be e-mailed to Student Admissions ([email protected]).
Online courses at accredited colleges may meet prerequisite courses for most programs. The Norton College of Medicine does not accept on line science courses to meet the science prerequisites.
While there is no time limitation for prerequisite courses, it may be advisable to re-take a prerequisite(s) to be competitive. There may be time limitations for courses meeting program of study credit.
Prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade of "C" to transfer within the College of Health Professions and College of Nursing.
Advanced Placement (AP) college credits will be accepted; however, the AP credits must be listed on the previous college transcript(s) to be awarded.
Articulation Agreements
Articulation Agreements exist with all four colleges. To view current, college-specific articulation agreements, please go to:
Norton College of Medicine
College of Health Professions
Please note, with the exception of 3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapist Early Admission, prospective students may attend the accredited college(s) of their choice, even if a credit evaluation or articulation agreement is not listed.
Clinical Perfusion Program of Study transfer credits are evaluated on an individual basis in consultation with program faculty. In the event that courses taken at another institution fulfill a course requirement within the student’s program of study and the program faculty agrees, the student will receive credit for such course.
College of Graduate Studies
College of Nursing
Student Handbook
The Transfer Credit Policies may be found in the Student Handbook.
Credit for Prior Learning at SUNY Upstate
Students who have acquired significant knowledge and skills through prior experiences, such as employment, military service, or specialized training, may be eligible to petition for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Students interested in earning CPL should consult with the appropriate department chair to determine eligibility.
Guidelines for Awarded Credit for Prior Learning
- Credit for Prior Learning will be recorded on the student’s transcript, noting the credit hours awarded.
- No letter grades will be assigned for CPL, and it will not be factored into the student’s GPA.
- CPL may be applicable to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.
- Prior learning credits do not count toward fulfilling residency requirements.
- Certain required courses or prerequisites may not be satisfied through CPL, depending on the academic department’s guidelines.
Request for Review of Credit for Prior Learning
It is recommended that CPL assessments be conducted early in the academic program to assist in academic planning for degree requirements. To request CPL, students must demonstrate how their prior learning aligns with course learning outcomes. This should be presented through a portfolio that includes:
Portfolio Requirements:
- Credit for Prior Learning Form
- Experience Description: Include the following details:
- Name and address of the organization where the experience took place
- Contact person at the organization
- Dates and estimated hours of experience
- Written Statement: Outline the learning outcomes achieved, including the skills and knowledge gained, how the experience led to learning, and how it is relevant to their degree at SUNY Upstate.
- Evidence of Learning: Include work samples, tests, or letters of support that substantiate the learning outcomes.
- Requested Credit: Identify the specific course(s) or category of requirements for which the student is petitioning for credit.
The portfolio will be reviewed by faculty from the relevant department, with consultation from support offices as needed. The student may be asked to present or discuss their petition in further detail. Faculty will assess whether credit will be awarded and how it aligns with a program of study. The student will be notified of the decision via email.
Transfer Credit Appeal Process
Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Credit – FAQ
Expand allWhat type of school is SUNY Upstate?
SUNY Upstate is an upper-division transfer and graduate college. Students complete required prerequisite coursework before enrolling.
Are prerequisite courses taught at SUNY Upstate?
No. Prerequisites are not taught at SUNY Upstate. Each program's prerequisites are listed on departmental webpages.
Does completing prerequisites guarantee admission?
No, completing prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
How are transfer credits evaluated?
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions evaluates transfer credits during the application process. Applicants may attend any accredited institution to complete prerequisites.
Are online courses accepted?
Yes, for most programs.
Exception: The Norton College of Medicine does not accept online science courses for science prerequisites.
Is there a time limit on prerequisite courses?
No general time limit, but retaking older coursework may improve competitiveness. Some programs may have specific time limits for courses toward degree completion.
Physician Assistant requires one Biology course and one Chemistry course to be taken within the last 5 years
What is the minimum grade for transfer credit?
A minimum grade of "C" is required for transfer credit in the College of Health Professions and College of Nursing.
Does SUNY Upstate accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit?
Yes, if the AP credit appears on the official transcript from the college or university.
Does SUNY Upstate award credit for prior learning or experience?
Yes. SUNY Upstate accepts credit for:
- Standardized exams (CLEP, DSST, Excelsior, Portage Learning)
- Military training (via JST and ACE)
- Experiential learning portfolios (directly evaluated by SUNY Upstate program department chair)
Are there Course Equivalency Guides?
Yes. Course Equivalency Guides are available to assist students. Email [email protected] for more information.
Is there an appeal process for transfer credit decisions?
Yes. Students can appeal transfer evaluations through Student Admissions. SUNY transfers may also appeal through the SUNY System.