Transfer Your Credits
UNC Pembroke offers and accepts several different options for students to earn college credit toward their degree. Students can combine traditional in-classroom credits and other non-traditional credit methods to complete an undergraduate degree. New and Transfer students can take advantage of these options to save time and money!
Transferring Your Credits
Students must request that official transcripts from all prior schools be sent to UNC Pembroke. Our team of evaluators will complete a course-by-course evaluation of your transfer credit. A combined maximum of 90 credit hours can be applied to a bachelor's degree program. Accepted institutional accreditors include but are not limited to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Other US Department of Education recognized national accreditors such as the American Council on Education, which are not listed above are also considered accepted institutional accreditors.
Transfer credit is assessed on the educational quality and timing of the learning experience; the comparability of the grade, content and level of the learning experience; and the applicability of the learning experience considering the student's educational goals.
UNC Pembroke is an active participant in the Statewide Articulation Agreements including the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), which governs the transfer of credits between NC community colleges (NCCC) and public universities in North Carolina. UNC Pembroke accepts all credit under the guidelines of the agreement for courses in which a grade of C- or better is earned. Full details of the CAA
Transfer Guides can help NCCC students create a plan for degree completion.
Students transferring to UNC Pembroke with an associate of arts or associate of science degree will have the university General Education Program requirements met; major-specific general education credits may still be required. Bachelor's degree-seeking students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution will satisfy the university General Education Program requirements; major-specific general education credits may still be required.
Check out these additional tools designed for all transfer students to see how their transfer credits could be applied to a UNCP program:
- UNCP Transfer Equivalency Database – Database of previously evaluated coursework to UNCP equivalent courses
- Transfer Equivalency Tool (Degree Audit) – View how your transfer work will apply to a specific degree program based on UNCP evaluated course equivalents.
North Carolina's Reverse Transfer Program
North Carolina's Reverse Transfer Program is an initiative that rewards students for credit they have already earned or will earn at a four-year university.
For more information on reverse transfer, visit the Transfer page.
Testing is a quick and inexpensive way to earn college credit. Some exams are limited to high school students, while others can be completed by anyone at any time. Below are some of the previously evaluated options, with details of potential transfer.
Exam Types
CLEP Exam Credit
UNC Pembroke participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), allowing you to earn credit by demonstrating mastery of introductory college-level material. Students may receive CLEP credit, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Scores must meet UNCP's credit-granting standards.
- Official score report or transcript must be sent to the UNCP Registrar's Office.
- Exams must be on the approved list for credit.
CLEP exams may be taken before or during your time at UNCP. Each exam can award three to 12 semester credit hours and may fulfill General Education or major requirements. Some exams, however, may only provide general elective credit.
CLEP Examinations
Language and Literature
American Literature: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to ENG 2240 (General Education credit).
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to ENG 2030 (General Education credit).
English Composition with Essay: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to ENG 1050 (General Education credit).
English Literature: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to ENG 2470 (General Education credit).
French: A minimum score of 50 earns six credits, equivalent to FRH 1310 and 1320 (General Education credit).
A minimum score of 62 earns 12 credits, equivalent to FRH 1310, 1320, 2310 and 2320 (General Education credit).
German: A minimum score of 50 earns six credits, equivalent to GER 1310 and 1320 (General Education credit).
A minimum score of 63 earns 12 credits, equivalent to GER 1310, 1320, 2310 and 2320 (General Education credit).
Spanish: A minimum score of 50 earns six credits, equivalent to SPN 1310 and 1320 (General Education credit).
A minimum score of 66 earns 12 credits, equivalent to SPN 1310, 1320, 2310 and 2320 (General Education credit).
Social Sciences and Humanities
American Government: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to PLS 1010 (General Education credit).
History of U.S. I (Early Colonizations to 1877): A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to HIST 1010 (General Education credit).
History of U.S. II (1865 to Present): A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to HIST 1020 (General Education credit).
Human Growth and Development: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to PSY 2050 (no General Education credit).
Humanities: Minimum score of 50 earns six credits, equivalent to ART 2050 and MUS 1020 (General Education credit).
Psychology, Introductory: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to PSY 1010 (General Education credit).
Sociology, Introductory: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to SOC 1020 (General Education credit).
Western Civilization: I: Ancient Near East to 1648: A minimum score of 50 earns three elective credits (no General Education credit).
II: 1648 to Present: A minimum score of 50 earns three elective credits (no General Education credit).
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Algebra, College: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to MAT 1070 (General Education credit).
Biology: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to BIO 1000 (General Education credit).
Calculus: A minimum score of 50 earns four credits, equivalent to MAT 2210 (General Education credit).
Chemistry: A minimum score of 50 earns six credits, equivalent to CHM 1300 and 1310 (General Education credit).
Mathematics, College: A minimum score of 50 earns three credits, equivalent to MAT 1050 (General Education credit).
Natural Science: A minimum score of 50 earns six credits, equivalent to BIO 1000 and PHS 1000 (General Education credit).
Precalculus: A minimum score of 50 earns four credits, equivalent to MAT 1090 (General Education credit).
Credit may be awarded for Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations depending upon the grades earned on the examination(s).
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Art History: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to ART 2050.
Studio Art: Drawing: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to ART 1320.
English Language and Composition: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to ENG 1050.
English Literature and Composition: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to ENG 1050.
French Language: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to FRH 2310.
A score of 4 grants six credits, equivalent to FRH 2310 and 2320.
French Literature: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to FRH 3210.
A score of 4 grants six credits, equivalent to FRH 3210 and 3220.
Spanish Language: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to SPN 2310.
A score of 4 grants three credits, equivalent to SPN 2310 and 2320.
Spanish Literature: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to SPN 3210.
A score of 4 grants six credits, equivalent to SPN 3210 and 3220.
Music Theory: A score of 3 grants four credits, equivalent to MUS 1140 and MUSL 1140.
Social Sciences
Government and Politics: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to PLS 1010.
History (American): A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to HIS 1010.
History (European): A score of 3 grants six credits, equivalent to General University Elective credit.
History (World): A score of 3 grants six credits, equivalent to HIS 1140.
Psychology: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to PSY 1010.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Biology: A score of 3 grants four credits, equivalent to BIO 1000.
Chemistry: A score of 3 grants four credits, equivalent to CHM 1300 and 1100.
Computer Science AB: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to CS 1550.
Environmental Science: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to ENV 1100.
Mathematics (Calculus AB): A score of 3 grants four credits, equivalent to MAT 2210.
Mathematics (Calculus BC): A score of 3 grants four credits, equivalent to MAT 2220.
Physics B: A score of 3 grants six credits, equivalent to PHY 1500 and 1510.
Physics C: Mechanics: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to PHY 2000.
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to PHY 2010.
Statistics: A score of 3 grants three credits, equivalent to Sociology/Social Work/Criminal Justice 3600 or MAT 2100.
The DSST program allows students to earn college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom. DSST, formerly known as DANTES and currently administered by Prometric, is a nationally recognized testing program. Exams cover college-level subjects and allow students to demonstrate knowledge equivalent to that gained in a college course. Credit is awarded by subject based on exam scores reported on an official score report.
Credit may be awarded for certain Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education courses. Depending on the course, credit can be earned with a passing grade of E or higher for Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) and/or Advanced Level (A Level) courses. No credit is awarded for courses taken at the Ordinary Level (O Level).
UNC Pembroke offers IB credit transfer for students who have completed select IB courses, granting college-level credit to recognize their achievements in advanced study areas.
Science and Technology
Chemistry (Higher Level): A score of 5 or higher earns eight credits, equivalent to CHM 1300, 1310, 1100 and 1110.
Computer Science: Standard Level: A score of 5 or higher earns three credits (CSC 1550).
Higher Level: A score of 5 or higher earns six credits (CSC 1550 and 2150).
Physics (Higher Level): A score of 5 or higher earns eight credits, equivalent to PHY 1500, 1510, 1560 and 1570.
Social Sciences and Humanities
Cultural Anthropology (Standard or Higher Level): A score of 5 or higher earns three credits, equivalent to SOC/AIS 1050.
Economics (Higher Level): General Economics: A score of 5 or higher earns six credits (ECN 2020 and 2030).
Resource Market (A1): A score of 5 or higher earns three credits (ECN 1000).
History: Higher Level: A score of 4 or higher earns three credits (HST 1150).
Standard Level: A score of 4 or higher earns six credits (HST 1140 and 1150).
20th Century World History (HL): A score of 5 or higher earns three elective credits.
Islamic History (HL): A score of 5 or higher earns three elective credits.
Language A1 (Higher Level): A score of 5 or higher earns six credits, equivalent to ENG 1050 and 2060.
Geography (Higher Level): A score of 5 or higher earns three credits, equivalent to GGY 1010.
Mathematics and Music
Mathematical Studies: Part I Core + Part II Option 7 (SL): A score of 5 or higher earns three credits (MAT 1180).
Part I Core + Part II Option 8 (SL): A score of 5 or higher earns three credits (MAT 2100).
Part I Core + Part II Option 9 (SL): A score of 5 or higher earns four credits (MAT 2150).
Mathematics (Higher Level): A score of 5 or higher earns eight credits, equivalent to MAT 1090 and 2210.
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches:
Standard Level: A score of 5 or higher earns four credits, equivalent to MAT 2210 (Calculus I).
Higher Level: A score of 4 or higher earns eight credits, equivalent to MAT 2210 and MAT 2220 (Calculus I and II).
Mathematics Applications & Interpretations:
Standard Level: A score of 4 or higher earns four credits (MAT 2150, Calculus with Applications).
Higher Level: A score of 4 or higher earns four credits (MAT 2210, Calculus I).
Further Mathematics (Standard Level): A score of 5 or higher earns three credits (MAT 2200).
Music: Standard Level: A score of 5 or higher earns three credits (MUS 1020).
Higher Level: A score of 5 or higher earns four credits, equivalent to MUS 1150 and MUSL 1140.
Many students come to UNC Pembroke with extensive professional experience. This experience can be evaluated for potential college credit! Below are a few options that have been previously evaluated:
Military Service Courses and Training
The Registrar's Office can evaluate a service member's Joint Services Transcript (JST) for potential college credit. Recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) for Military Occupation and Military Course will be considered in determining credit awards. Students should request that their JST be sent electronically to UNC Pembroke directly from jst.doded.mil.
Explore credit from your military training and occupations at all UNC system universities in the UNC Military Equivalency System.
Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction
The university recognizes credit recommendations established by the American Council on Education (ACE) and published in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. ACE offers credit recommendations for certifications and some corporate training programs – search for your employers and training programs.
Many students use self-paced study courses through an ACE-recommended third party as a fast alternative to in-class instruction. Credit may be awarded for third-party courses if a passing score was achieved and the individual course has an associated ACE credit recommendation.
Transfer Credit Evaluation Appeal
Students are encouraged to review their degree audit and transfer credit award with their admissions and/or academic advisor.
If a student feels some of their transfer credits were given the wrong type of credit or not accepted, they can appeal the decision.
- To prepare the appeal, students should:
- Read the official transfer credit evaluation provided by UNCP on the Degree Works degree audit. The degree audit displays the credit awarded and applied to the declared degree program.
- Identify which courses were not accepted or were given different-than-expected equivalencies (e.g., elective credit instead of major credit).
- Prepare evidence/justification that demonstrates the course(s) taken at previous institution(s)
match the content and rigor of the course(s) at UNCP. This should include the course
description from the year the course was complete is required.
- Additional supporting documentation is not required, but may be helpful for your request (e.g. a course syllabus).
- Submit the Transfer Credit Evaluation Appeal Form: Transfer Credit Evaluation Appeal.
- Provide:
- Name, student ID, major
- Course(s) taken at the previous institution with course description
- UNCP course(s) believed to be equivalent
- A written justification explaining why the credits should transfer
- Appeal Level I
- The Registrar's Office will reevaluate the requested credit, with consultation from the appropriate academic department when needed.
- If the Registrar's Office determines that the student request is justified, the credit adjustment will be made, and student and advisor will be notified via email within 15 days.
- Appeal Level II
- If equivalency or reclassification of credits is not approved at Level I, the Registrar's Office will present the appeal request to a committee, which includes representatives from Admissions, Academic Departments, Registrar, and Transfer Transition and Engagement.
- The student may appeal the decision of the committee to the Provost or designee one time.
- Additional documentation or clarification may be requested of the student at any point during the appeal process.
- Students will be notified of the Level II committee decision no later than 15 days.
- Appeal Decision Communication
- The decision will be communicated via email. The result may be:
- Approved: Credit accepted or re-evaluated as requested. Credits applied to the Degree Works degree audit.
- Partially Approved: Some changes, but not all. Approved credits applied to the Degree Works degree audit.
- Not Approved: No change to the original evaluation.
- The decision will be communicated via email. The result may be:
Contact Us
Lumbee Hall
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.521.6262
