Credit Transfer Guide

If you find RMCAD is what you’re looking for, you’ll want to see how your current credits transfer, figure out your finances, and apply. This is where our Admissions Counselors come in. As your liaison to the RMCAD community, they’ll provide the expert assistance you need to ensure your transition to RMCAD is seamless. They’ll work with the Registrar to evaluate your transcript to see which credits will transfer and determine which classes you’ll need to take once you’re here. They’ll discuss your financial aid and scholarship options, and walk you through the admissions process. If you’re still enrolled in another school, they can also advise you on which classes to take before you make the switch.

Notes From the Registrar

As you consider transferring to RMCAD, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Studio elective credits that can be transferred are limited based on your area of study (for most programs a maximum of 12 credits of studio electives will be accepted).
  • A maximum of 60 credits can be earned from sources other than RMCAD coursework.
  • The last 15 credits of your degree program must be taken at RMCAD.
  • We only accept college-level courses (numbered at least 100).
  • Only courses completed with a grade of “C” or better will be considered for credit.
  • Grades from external credit are not factored into your RMCAD GPA.
  • We only accept credits from institutions accredited by NASAD, CIDA (only applicable to interior design programs), HLC or any of the other five regional accrediting associates. However, we may award credit based on portfolio work.

Antiquity Policy

There are no antiquity limitations on courses that are deemed equivalent to lower division (1000/2000 level) RMCAD art and design courses. Digital media and other computer- or technology-based courses are considered for transfer provided they were completed within the last two years.

Associate of Arts Degree Transfers

Students who have a prior Associate of Arts degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the US automatically receive credit for all liberal arts requirements except for AH1010 Art + Design History I, AH1020 Art + Design History II, and AH2010 History of Art + Design in the Non-Western World.

Official Transcript Evaluation

Figuring out which classes will transfer can be tricky - that's why a transcript evaluation is so important. Click here to submit your transcripts for evaluation by one of our Admissions Counselors.

Students with college credit and/or IB, CLEP or AP scores will have all transcripts evaluated for possible RMCAD credit. We don't do "partial" evaluations, so we'll need all transcripts in order to begin this process. If for some reason you are unable to obtain a transcript with final grades and/or IB, CLEP and/or AP scores reflected, you may be asked to complete an “Exception to Policy” form. Remitting this form allows RMCAD to move forward in scheduling you without final transcripts in place. However, in order to be scheduled for subsequent semesters you'll need to provide an official transcript.

Students who apply less than one month before the beginning of the term are considered late applicants. If you are a late applicant, you may save time by submitting unofficial transcripts with your application. Make sure to include both sides of any documents copied.

If you send unofficial transcripts, you'll still need to arrange for our admissions office to receive official documents during your first term. We cannot grant transfer credits or allow you to register for additional terms until we've evaluated your official transcripts. If you enroll for a class that later turns out to be transferable from a prior institution, you will not receive a refund. Please contact your Admissions Counselor with any questions.

Current RMCAD students who are also taking courses at another institution and would like to transfer those credits to RMCAD should submit official transcripts with final grades to the RMCAD Registrar's office as soon as they become available. Official transcripts are due no later than one term after completion of the course.