Required Hours in Residency/Transfer Credit Limits

1. Purpose

A policy is needed to address the maximum number of transfer credits allowed for certificate programs. Instead of having a policy for each credential the University offers, I propose a comprehensive policy that includes the required hours in residency and transfer credit limits for all credentials.

Per SACSCOC Standard 10.8:

The institution publishes policies for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit not originating from the institution. The institution ensures (a) the academic quality of any credit or coursework recorded on its transcript, (b) an approval process with oversight by persons academically qualified to make the necessary judgments, and (c) the credit awarded is comparable to a designated credit experience and is consistent with the institution’s mission. (Evaluating and awarding external academic credit).

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness recommended we explore policy updates to include certificates. Moving forward, we'll need to demonstrate that we have policies on transfer credits for certificates and that we follow our policies.

2. Applicability

This policy will apply to all degree and certificate programs approved by Academic Affairs. This policy will not apply to degree/certificate programs within the Whiddon College of Medicine or USA Health System.

3. Definitions

N/A

4. Policy Guidelines

4.1 Certificates & Minors

At least half of the courses in the certificate must be completed at the University. If a minor is required in an undergraduate degree program, 9 credit hours of courses in the minor must also be completed at the University of South Alabama.

4.2 Baccalaureate Degrees

A candidate for graduation must complete a minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through instruction offered by the University of South Alabama in upper-division coursework (300 and 400 levels). Upon the recommendation of the dean of the appropriate college and approval of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs or Vice President for Medical Affairs, other credit earned at USA may be substituted to meet the residency requirement. Up to 15 credit hours of study abroad courses may be used to satisfy USA upper-division course requirement. In such cases, up to 15 credit hours of lower-division courses may be used to help meet the requirement that a minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree are accomplished through courses offered by USA.

There is also a minimum number of semester hours that must be completed in the major and minor at the University of South Alabama: A minimum of 15 credit hours of courses at the 300/400 level in the major discipline must be completed at the University of South Alabama. If a minor is required in the particular degree program, 9 credit hours of courses in the minor must also be completed at the University of South Alabama.

Any deviation from these residency policies must be approved by the Executive Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs or Vice President for Medical Affairs. Students should consult the University Bulletin for additional regulations in each academic unit.

4.3 Master’s Degrees

A minimum of 30 semester hours of credit in a program approved by the graduate program and the Dean of the Graduate School is required. The following limitations apply:

- No more than 18 hours of dual-listed courses (400-and 500-level listing for the same course) may be counted toward meeting the minimum hours required for a degree. Graduate students will only receive graduate credit for the 500-level version of dual-listed courses.
- A maximum of twelve (12) semester hours of graduate credit obtained at another accredited institution may be approved for transfer to the University of South Alabama. Transfer credit must have the recommendation of the graduate program and appropriate director of graduate studies and the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. Only grades of "A," "B," or "S" or the equivalent may be accepted as transfer credit. Grade equivalency must be verified by the appropriate director of graduate studies. Coursework completed more than seven years prior to the date for graduation may not be counted for degree credit. Students must meet all degree residency requirements.
- A course applied toward credit for a degree at this institution, or elsewhere, will not be acceptable as credit toward a subsequent master's degree, except in approved dual master's programs where a maximum of nine (9) hours may be counted in both programs (or accelerated bachelor's to master's degree).
- A minimum of 21 semester hours of degree program credit in residence at the University of South Alabama is required.

4.4 Doctoral Degrees

The specific requirements for doctoral degrees vary among the specialties. Each program leading to the completion of a doctoral degree has specific requirements regarding courses, seminars, laboratory studies, directed studies, workshops, and research. In general, a minimum of 60 credits of graduate work will be required for the doctoral degree. Transfer of graduate credit from regionally accredited universities may be accepted by certain programs. Prior approval of the college director of graduate studies is required. Only courses with "A" or "B" grades are acceptable for transfer. The quality of the student's program and performance are emphasized and are considered as important as the fulfillment of requirements. Completion of original research, and writing and defending a dissertation are requirements for the doctoral degree.

5. Procedures

The required hours in residency and transfer credit limits will be published in the Bulletin and Degree Works effective Fall 2025.

6. Enforcement

The required hours in residency and transfer credit limits will be enforced using Degree Works. Compliance will be verified by the Registrar’s Office during the official check of remaining degree requirements following the students’ filing of the application for graduation. Since certificate students do not apply for graduation, the college representative who signs the Application for Certificate forms will bear this responsibility. Non-compliance with the policy will be reported to the Executive Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs or Vice President for Medical Affairs.

7. Related Documents

7.1 SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation Resource Manual: https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2024/02/2024-POA-Resource-Manual.pdf

7.2 Definition of a Minor: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/academicaffairs/resources/definitionofaminor.pdf

7.3 Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees (see “Hours in Residence/Residency Requirement”):
https://southalabama-curr.courseleaf.com/academic-policies-procedures/requirements-baccalaureate-degrees/

7.4 Graduate School Degree Requirements:
https://southalabama-curr.courseleaf.com/programs-az/graduate/#degreerequirementstext