Transfer to Baccalaureate Institutions and Credit for Prior Learning
Transfer To Baccalaureate Institutions
Transfer is a process in which a student can move credit earned at one institution to another, to apply toward a degree at the other institution. The Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees at KCTCS are transfer degrees made up of primarily general education credits and prerequisites needed to transfer to a baccalaureate institution. The courses taken for the AA and AS should be selected based on the desired bachelor's degree at a particular transfer institution to fulfill the bachelor's degree core requirements and ensure seamless transfer. Entrance requirements and acceptance of transfer credit can vary with different baccalaureate programs; therefore, students should consult with KCTCS transfer advisors.
All students are encouraged to complete an associate degree at KCTCS prior to transferring to a four-year institution. Students who transfer before earning a degree are encouraged to become General Education certified first, which meets in-state public four-year institutions' general education requirements. KCTCS has developed several pathways and transfer agreements to help students complete an associate's degree and then seamlessly transfer to a bachelor's degree program at a four year institution, both in and out of state. Those agreements are available at the Transfer Guide Section on the KCTCS Transfer web page https://kctcs.edu/education-training/transfer/transfer-guides/index.aspx.
KCTCS strives to ensure students have access to information and assistance with transfer. There are staff available to assist students with transfer at each KCTCS College and four-year institution. Students who are interested in transferring or who have questions about transfer are encouraged to seek information as soon as possible. KCTCS contacts are available in the Contact section of the KCTCS Transfer web page https://kctcs.edu/education-training/transfer/contacts/index.aspx.
Credit for External Experiences and Prior Learning
KCTCS values the diverse life experiences of its students. These unique experiences and learning opportunities allow students to learn at the college level outside the formal classroom. College- level learning is the same, whether gained in the traditional classroom or through non-collegiate sources. Credit for prior learning methods allow KCTCS credits to be awarded when academically sound and rigorous processes validate equivalencies. Awarding credit for prior learning accelerates students towards completion of credentials, saves time and money, promotes educational equity, improves student retention, and gets students more rapidly into high-skill, high-wage, in-demand jobs in their chosen industry.
- Articulation Agreements
Articulation agreements provide a mechanism to accept and award credit for courses that will transfer toward a credential. Articulation agreements specify the terms and conditions for courses taken at other institutions that will apply to a KCTCS credential, and/or the terms and conditions for courses taken at KCTCS that will apply to credentials or degree programs at other institutions. In either case, the award of applicable credit to the credential is subject to the specific terms of each agreement and all requirements specified in the agreement must be met before credit can be awarded. For information about articulation agreements for KCTCS credentials, contact the college Student Records Office.-
CTE 2 KCTCS - High School Articulation
Statewide High School Articulation, which is required by statute as of July 1, 2022 (KRS 164.2951(2)(o), is an alternative method for college credit for secondary CTE completers who may not have the opportunity to take dual credit for specific technical courses. Public high school students now have two early postsecondary opportunities to earn college credit through the skills, competencies, credentials, and coursework they complete in their secondary CTE program. Students can start with their high school instructor to receive credit.
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- Military Service Experience
A student may receive course credit where appropriate and equivalent courses are available for formal military training or education as recommended in the ACE Military Guide published by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students will need to submit their Joint Service Transcript to the Registrar of their home KCTCS college and visit the KCTCS veteran's services coordinator on that campus. There is no cost to be awarded credit for training received in the military. - Special Exam: STEP (Special Technical Education Proficiency) or Challenge
Institutionally developed and administered exams provide an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of course content and receive credit toward program requirements. The student must be accepted for admission and enrolled in the college and applied for the exam through the Student Records Office. For more information, see “Tuition and Charges.” A STEP test allows students to earn credit in technical courses by assessing learning acquired through non-college experiences. Challenge exams enable students to test out of courses not required for the program but are prerequisites for the higher-level required program courses.
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Challenge Exam - A Challenge Exam is utilized in cases where a student requests to test out of general or developmental subject matter. An example would be supplemental instruction courses that support math or English.
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STEP Exam - A Special Technical Education Proficiency (STEP) Exam is utilized in technical programs when students believe they have knowledge and skills to test out of a course such as welding, electrical, and others. A student may have taken related courses in high school or acquired skills through a position at work.Portfolio
- Portfolio
A portfolio is a formal faculty-validated narrative of your learning. Students need to align that prior learning, supported by experiences, to the learning outcomes of a college-level course. That is the main component of the narrative. The vital point is not what you have done but how you have learned through those activities. Portfolio students may contact any KCTCS college for information regarding applications for college credit via portfolio. For more information, please meet with your KCTCS academic advisor.
- Non-Classroom Learning Experiences
- Work-Based Learning Experiences
Many diploma and degree programs offered through the colleges include Work-Based Learning in the curriculum. Work-Based Learning refers to the programs that provide academic credit for degree-related work experience during a specific semester. The experiences and credit awarded vary according to the program’s requirements. The experiences and credits awarded vary according to the program's requirements. The college and the employer must be planned and supervise these experiences to ensure that the work experience contributes to the student's education and career objective. The cornerstone of Work-Based Learning is Cooperative Education. Internships, Practicums and Experiential Learning are other programs considered part of Work-Based Learning. These courses offer students unique opportunities to integrate formal classroom training with supervised work experience. - Service-Learning
Service-Learning Students can enroll in service-learning programs designed to integrate community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical and reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing academic skill, sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the community.
External Exams
Advanced Placement (AP) - AP Exams are standardized exams and designed to measure how well a student has mastered the content and skills of a specific AP course. KRS 164.098 requires Kentucky institutions to award credit for scores of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Tests. KCTCS colleges participate in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Therefore, interested students should have their official examination results sent to the Admissions Office of their local KCTCS college. In addition, students are responsible for providing a transcript of AP credits earned.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - CLEP offers over 30 exams covering introductory college course material. The level of proficiency to earn credit through CLEP is approximately equivalent to that required to achieve a "C" in the course. Therefore, interested students should have their official examination results sent to the Admissions Office of their local KCTCS college. In addition, students are responsible for providing a transcript of CLEP credits earned.
DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) - The DSST started as an exam offering military members college credit, administered by Prometric and available to anyone. There are over 30 DSST exams in business, humanities, math, physical science, social sciences, and technology. Interested students should have their official examination results sent to the Admissions Office of their local KCTCS college. In addition, students are responsible for providing a transcript of DSST credits earned.
International Baccalaureate (IB) - Most US colleges have recognized the International Baccalaureate program. The IB Diploma program is an intense curriculum for high school juniors and seniors emphasizing intercultural understanding and enrichment. It culminates in six rigorous subject exams. Interested students should have their official examination results sent to the Admissions Office of their local KCTCS college. In addition, students are responsible for providing a transcript of IB credits earned.
Guidelines for DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
| Exam Subject | Scaled Score to Earn Credit | Equivalent Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astronomy | 400 | TRN 130 | 3 |
Guidelines for Advanced Placement Credit
| AP Subject Examination | Scaled Score to Earn Credit | Equivalent Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP Research Capstone | 3-5 | Elective Credit** | 3 credit hours |
| AP Seminar Capstone | 3-5 | Elective Credit** | 3 credit hours |
| Art History | 3 | ART 105 or ART 106 | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | ART 105 and ART 106 | 6 credit hours | |
| Biology | 3-5 | BIO 112 | 3 credit hours |
| Calculus AB | 3-5 | MAT 175 | 5 credit hours |
| Calculus BC | 3-5 | MAT 175 and MAT 185 | 10 credit hours |
| Chemistry | 3 | CHE 170 | 4 credit hours |
| 4-5 | CHE 170 and CHE 180 | 8 credit hours | |
| Chinese Language and Culture | 3 | RAE 150 | 4 credit hours |
| 4-5 | RAE 150 and RAE 151 | 8 credit hours | |
| Comparative Government and Politics | 3-5 | POL 210 | 3 credit hours |
| Computer Science A | 3 | Elective Credit** | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | CIT 149 | 3 credit hours | |
| Computer Science Principles | 3-5 | Elective Credit** | 3 credit hours |
| English Language/Composition | 3-5 | ENG 101 | 3 credit hours |
| English Literature/Composition | 3-5 | ENG 161 | 3 credit hours |
| Environmental Science | 3-5 | EST 150 | 4 credit hours |
| European History | 3-5 | HIS 104 and HIS 105 | 6 credit hours |
| French Language | 3 | FRE 201 | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | FRE 201 and FRE 202 | 6 credit hours | |
| German Language | 3 | GER 201 | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | GER 201 and GER 202 | 6 credit hours | |
| Human Geography | 3-5 | GEO 172 | 3 credit hours |
| Italian Language and Culture | 3 | Elective Credit** | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | Elective Credit** | 6 credit hours | |
| Japanese Language and Culture | 3 | JPN 201 | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | JPN 201 and JPN 202 | 6 credit hours | |
| Latin: Vergil | 3 | Elective Credit** | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | Elective Credit** | 6 credit hours | |
| Macroeconomics | 3-5 | ECO 202 | 3 credit hours |
| Microeconomics | 3-5 | ECO 201 | 3 credit hours |
| Music Theory | 3-5 | MUS 174 | 3 credit hours |
| Physics 1 | 3-5 | PHY 151 | 3 credit hours |
| Physics 2 | 3-5 | PHY 152 | 3 credit hours |
| BOTH Physics 1 and Physics 2 | 4-5 | BOTH PHY 2012,* and PHY 2032,* | 8 credit hours |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 3-4 | PHY 2011,* | 4 credit hours |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 3-4 | PHY 2031,* | 4 credit hours |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 5 | PHY 2312,* | 4 credit hours |
| Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 5 | PHY 2322,* | 4 credit hours |
| Precalculus | 3-5 | MAT 171 | 5 credit hours |
| Psychology | 3-5 | PSY 110 | 3 credit hours |
| Spanish Language | 3 | SPA 201 | 3 credit hours |
| 4-5 | SPA 201 and 202 | 6 credit hours | |
| Spanish Literature | 3-5 | Elective Credit (humanities)** | 3 credit hours |
| Statistics | 3-5 | STA 220 | 3 credit hours |
| Studio Art 2-D Design | 3-5 | ART 112 | 3 credit hour |
| Studio Art 3-D Design | 3-5 | ART 113 | 3 credit hours |
| Studio Art – Drawing | 3-5 | ART 110 | 3 credit hours |
| US Government & Politics | 3-5 | POL 101 | 3 credit hours |
| US History | 3-5 | HIS 108 and HIS 109 | 6 credit hours |
| World History - Modern | 3-5 | HIS 102 | 3 credit hours |
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Credit is not given for PHY 151 or PHY 152 to students who receive credit for PHY 201 and PHY 203.
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Credit is not given for PHY 201 or PHY 203 to students who receive credit for PHY 231 or PHY 232, respectively.
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Upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience, credit will also be given for the laboratory portions of these courses.
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KCTCS does not offer courses that are an exact equivalent for the AP subject offered. Appropriate General Education or technical elective credit is awarded in these cases.
Guidelines for CLEP General Examinations
| CLEP Subject Examination | Scaled Score to Earn Credit | Equivalent Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Languages | |||
| College Level French Language | 50-65 | FRE 201 | 3 |
| College Level French Language | 66 or above | FRE 201, FRE 202 | 6 |
| College Level German Language | 50-65 | GER 201 | 3 |
| College Level German Language | 66 or above | GER 201, GER 202 | 6 |
| College Level Spanish Language | 50-65 | SPA 201 | 3 |
| College Level Spanish Language | 66 or above | SPA 201, SPA 202 | 6 |
| History and Social Sciences | |||
| American Government | 50 or above | POL 101 | 3 |
| History of the United States I | 50 or above | HIS 108 | 3 |
| History of the United States II | 50 or above | HIS 109 | 3 |
| Introductory Psychology | 50 or above | PSY 110 | 3 |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 50 or above | ECO 202 | 3 |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 50 or above | ECO 201 | 3 |
| Introductory Sociology | 50 or above | SOC 101 | 3 |
| Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 | 50 or above | HIS 104 | 3 |
| Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present | 50 or above | HIS 105 | 3 |
| Social Sciences and History | 50 or above | SOC 101 | 3 |
| Human Growth and Development | 50 or above | AHS 100 | 2 |
| Science and Mathematics | |||
| Calculus | 50 or above | MAT 174 or MAT 175 | 4, 5 |
| College Mathematics | 50 or above | MAT 146 | 3 |
| College Algebra | 50 or above | MAT 150 | 3 |
| Pre-calculus | 50 or above | MAT 160 | 5 |
| Biology | 50-59 | BIO 112 | 3 |
| Biology | 60-64 | BIO 120, BIO 112 | 6 |
| Biology | 65-80 | BIO 150, BIO 152 | 6 |
| Chemistry | 50 or above | CHE 170, CHE 180 | 8 |
| Natural Sciences | 50 or above | BIO 112 | 3 |
| Business and Computer Applications | |||
| Financial Accounting | 50 or above | ACC 201 | 3 |
| Principles of Management | 50 or above | BAS 283 | 3 |
| Principles of Marketing | 50 or above | BAS 282 | 3 |
| Introduction to Business Law | 50 or above | BAS 267 | 3 |
| Information Systems | 50 or above | Elective Credit | 3 |
| English and Humanities | |||
| American Literature | 50 or above | ENG 251 | 3 |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 50 or above | ENG 161 | 3 |
| English Literature | 50 or above | ENG 161 | 3 |
| Humanities | 50 or above | HUM 120 | 3 |
| College Composition, College Composition Modular | 50 or above | ENG 101 | 3 |
Guidelines for International Baccalaureate (IB)
| IB Course | Score | Credit Awarded | Credit Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology HL | 4 | BIO 152 | 3 credit hours |
| Biology SL | 4 | BIO 112 | 3 credit hours |
| Chemistry HL | 4 | CHE 170, CHE 180 | 8 credit hours |
| Chemistry SL | 4 | CHE 140 | 3 credit hours |
| English A: Literature HL | 4 | ENG 101 | 3 credit hours |
| French B HL | 5 | FRE 201, FRE 201 | 6 credit hours |
| French B SL | 5 | FRE 101, FRE 102 | 8 credit hours |
| History HL | 5 | HIS 108, HIS 109 | 6 credit hours |
| Mathematics HL | 5 | MA 113 | 4 credit hours |
| Mathematics SL | 5 | MAT 170 | 3 credit hours |
| Math Studies SL | 5 | Technical Math Elective | 3 credit hours |
| Music SL/HL | 4 | MUS 100 | 3 credit hours |
| Physics SL/HL | 5 | PHY 2011 | 4 credit hours |
| Psychology SL | 4 | PSY 110 | 3 credit hours |
| Spanish B HL | 5 | SPA 201, SPA 202 | 6 credit hours |
| Spanish B SL | 5 | SPA 101, SPA 102 | 8 credit hours |
| Theatre Arts HL/SL | 4 | THA 101 | 3 credit hours |
| Visual Art HL/SL | 4 | ART 100 | 3 credit hours |
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Upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience, credit will also be given for the laboratory associated with this course, PHY 202 College Physics I Laboratory (1 credit hours).