Recognition of Degrees and Acceptance of Transfer Credit

The University of San Francisco evaluates, without prejudice, applicants for admission from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions and from postsecondary institutions that are candidates for accreditation (as defined in the Handbook of Accreditation, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Applicants are reviewed on the merits of their prior academic achievements and potential for achieving the goals and objectives of the program to which they seek admission. The University of San Francisco shall not refuse, on the basis of policy, to recognize the degrees or accept the transfer of credits from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or a postsecondary institution that is a candidate for accreditation.

Courses from regionally accredited four-year postsecondary institutions or from such institutions that are candidates for accreditation are generally transferable if the course content is similar to the content of a course listed in the University of San Francisco Catalog. Courses from regionally accredited, two-year postsecondary institutions, or such institutions that are candidates for accreditation, are generally transferable under the same conditions. If the institution is part of the California Community College System, those courses which have been designated as "California State University Transferable" will be accepted. The University does not accept transfer of credit from unaccredited institutions.

Graduate applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree (and a master's degree for Ed.D. and certain D.N.P. applicants) from a U.S. college or university must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.

Degrees from Outside the United States

The international applicant for admission to USF master's level programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

Three-year undergraduate (bachelor's) degrees within the 45 Bologna Process signatory countries will be accepted by the following University of San Francisco School/Colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Professional Studies
• School of Nursing
• Masagung Graduate School of Management
• School of Law (for the LLM program).

The School of Education will review three-year bachelor's degrees from countries within the Bologna Process on a case-by-case basis, as California licensure and/or credential requirements may limit or prohibit acceptance into some School of Education programs based on these degrees.

Three-year undergraduate degrees from all other countries (e.g., in Africa, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by all schools and colleges at the University of San Francisco.

In all cases, the University of San Francisco will only accept degrees from colleges and universities that are recognized by a governmental ministry of education (or its equivalent) as a degree-granting institution for the country within which the institution of higher learning is located.

Applicants for admission to graduate programs must request that official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended be sent directly to USF.

Applicants who attended institutions that do not issue complete academic records in English must submit official copies of native-language records and literal translations prepared by an appropriate university or government official.

Official transcripts must show all courses and subjects taken and all grades (marks) received. If the degree conferral date or graduation date is not posted on the transcript, additional documentation, such as degree and graduation certificate or a copy of the diploma, must be submitted.

Diploma supplements must accompany transcripts from European institutions.