The College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is the largest of the University of Virginia’s 11 schools and is the institution’s intellectual core. The College welcomes properly qualified transfer students from other institutions of higher education. To be admitted as a transfer student, you must submit to the Admission Office your official final transcript from your current and all previous colleges and universities. To learn more about transferring credit and to evaluate course credit equivalencies, please visit the College’s transfer credit page.
College Transfer Course Requirements:
- English Composition (your school’s full course sequence)
- Foreign Languages - Demonstrated proficiency equal to the intermediate level of college instruction (usually the 202 level).
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics (12 credits) - Courses in at least two of the disciplines: astronomy, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, physics, and mathematics. Math courses must include statistics, finite math calculus, or higher level-courses; pre-calculus will apply towards a degree but will not satisfy the requirement.
- Social Sciences (6 credits) - One course in two of the following subjects: anthropology, economics, government, linguistics, psychology, or sociology.
- Humanities (6 credits) - One course in two of the following three groups: literature (classics, comparative literature, English, foreign literature): fine arts (art, drama, music); moral, philosophical, and religious thought (political theory, philosophy, religion).
- Historical Studies (3 credits) - One course that is substantially historical, whether taught in a history department or in some other discipline.
- Non-Western Perspective (3 credits) - One course from any department that deals substantially with a cultural heritage other than that of the West
Important: Candidates with an associate's degree or two years of college coursework are preferred. Students transferring after one year of college should have completed at least 24 semester-hours; students transferring after two years should have completed at least 60 semester-hours. The College of Arts and Sciences will not grant credit for more than 60 semester-hours completed elsewhere.
Most students who are offered admission will be able to enter directly into their chosen major. Biology, Physics, Economics, and Political and Social Thought are more competitive or have specific course prerequisite requirements. For guidance about specific courses that must be taken at your current institution to meet prerequisites needed for those particular majors, please contact the department of your intended major.
Transfer students considering the Economics Major are strongly advised to review this website before selecting fall courses. Any questions about the Economics Major should be sent to [email protected].
There are a minimal number of seats for rising third-year transfers who are interested in Media Studies. These students would need to enroll in two prerequisite courses during the fall term and may declare the Media Studies major prior to the beginning of the spring term if they complete the prerequisites. Such students will always need to have the necessary prerequisites for an alternate major in case the student is not eligible for Media Studies.
The BA in Computer Science is a highly selective major. We strongly encourage you to review the transfer student information at this link for more details.
The School of Architecture welcomes qualified transfer students from other institutions of higher education. In every case, applicants for transfer admission must be in good academic standing and be eligible to return to their most recent college. Transfer students must complete at least two years of coursework in the School of Architecture to earn a degree. Considering the demands of the programs in the School of Architecture, and the competition for transfer spaces, it is strongly suggested that transfer students should have at least a B average or the equivalent in previous college work. Applicants may select from three majors within the school: Architecture, Urban and Environmental Planning, and Architectural History.
Bachelor of Science Architecture
Students may apply to transfer into the 2nd or 3rd year of study, and may only apply for fall admission. A portfolio is required of all applicants to the Architecture degree. Refer to the School of Architecture’s website for details on how to design your portfolio.
- Students entering the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Science Architecture must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of the following requirements, and are required to complete ARCH 1030 at UVA from mid-July to August of the summer prior to fall enrollment.
- Students entering the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Science Architecture must complete a minimum of 54 semester hours of the following requirements, and are required to complete ARCH 2011 and 2021 at UVA from mid-June to August of the summer prior to fall enrollment.
Prospective students seeking additional advice on course planning to transfer to the Bachelor of Science Architecture should contact Maya Laurinaitis Drake, Academic Advisor in the School of Architecture for assistance.
NOTE: To evaluate course credit equivalencies, visit the College of Arts and Sciences transfer credit page.
- English (6 credits, or your school’s full course sequence).
- Mathematics/Natural Sciences (6 credits): Calculus is recommended and physics is required
- Social Sciences (6 credits): Select from courses in anthropology, economics, government, history, psychology, or sociology.
- Humanities (6 credits): Select from courses in art, art history, computer science, drama, English (except composition), foreign languages, music, philosophy, religion, speech.
- General Education Electives (12 credits): Select additional courses from Mathematics/Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, or Humanities sections above.
- Open Electives (18 credits): Contact Maya Laurinaitis Drake for advising and course selection.
Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning
Students may apply to transfer into the 2nd or 3rd year of study for fall admission only.
- Students entering the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning in the fall must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of the following requirements.
- Students entering the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning in the spring must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of the following requirements.
- Students entering the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning in the fall must complete a minimum of 54 semester hours of the following requirements.
Prospective students seeking additional advice on course planning to transfer to the Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning should contact Maya Laurinaitis Drake, Academic Advisor in the School of Architecture for assistance.
NOTE: To evaluate course credit equivalencies, visit the College of Arts and Sciences transfer credit page.
- English (6 credits, or your school’s full course sequence).
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Mathematics/Natural Sciences (6 credits): At least one course in environmental science is recommended.
- Economics (6 credits): One course in microeconomics and one course is macroeconomics is required.
- Social Sciences (12 credits): Select from courses in anthropology, economics, government, history, psychology, or sociology.
- Humanities (6 credits): Select from courses in art, art history, computer science, drama, English (except composition), foreign languages, music, philosophy, religion.
- Open Electives (15 credits): Contact Maya Laurinaitis Drake for advising and course selection.
Bachelor of Architectural History
Students may apply to transfer into the 2nd or 3rd year of study for fall admission only.
- Students entering the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Architectural History in the fall must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of the following requirements.
- Students entering the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Architectural History in the spring must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of the following requirements.
- Students entering the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Architectural History in the fall must complete a minimum of 54 semester hours of the following requirements.
Prospective students seeking additional advice on course planning to transfer to the Bachelor of Architectural History should contact Maya Laurinaitis Drake, Academic Advisor in the School of Architecture for assistance.
NOTE: To evaluate course credit equivalencies, visit the College of Arts and Sciences transfer credit page.
- English (6 credits, or your school’s full course sequence).
- Mathematics/Natural Sciences (6 credits)
- Foreign Language (12 credits)
- Social Sciences (6 credits): At least 3 credits in historical studies and remaining 3 credits selected from courses in anthropology, economics, government, history, psychology, or sociology.
- Humanities (6 credits): Select from courses in studio art, art history, drama, English, foreign languages (beyond the second year level), music, philosophy, religious studies, classics, media studies, Slavic folklore, comparative literature.
- Open Electives (18 credits): Contact Maya Laurinaitis Drake for advising and course selection.
The McIntire School of Commerce acknowledges and values students' different paths toward a college degree. Transfer students bring a wealth of knowledge and professional and personal experience, greatly contributing to the McIntire community. The McIntire Office of Undergraduate Admission works with students enrolled at two-year and four-year colleges and universities considering applying to the B.S. in Commerce Program.
Applicants for Entry in Fall 2025
The School of Commerce will consider applications from external transfers to enter into the second and third year of the Commerce Curriculum for this term.
Second Year Admission Requirements
Students who will have completed around 30 credits at the time of entry should apply as second years, and will be expected to have:
- Completed courses that will transfer to UVA as: COMM 1800 (Introduction to Business), ECON 2010 (Principles of Microeconomics), 1st Writing Requirement (English Composition)
- Completed 24 graded credits that will transfer to UVA towards any of the requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences
Students who enroll in McIntire as second year students will be required to complete six semesters at McIntire. Also, if not completed prior to transferring, these students will be expected to complete the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences prior to graduating from McIntire.
Third Year Admission Requirements
Students who have completed around 60 credits should apply as third years, and will be expected to have completed or be currently enrolled in:
- Elementary Accounting (6 credits, two courses) - Financial and Managerial Accounting
- Principles of Economics (6 credits, two courses) - Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- First Writing Requirement* (3-6 credits, one to two courses)
- Mathematics (6 credits, two courses) - One course in statistics (descriptive and inferential) and one course in calculus.
- Humanities* (6 credits, two courses)
- World Languages* - Varies. Demonstrated proficiency equal to the intermediate level of college instruction (the 202 level).
- Introduction to Business (3 credits, one course)- Introduction to business
*First Writing Requirement, Humanities and World Languages as defined by the College of Arts and Sciences Area Requirements.
Applicants for Entry in Fall 2026 and Beyond
The School of Commerce will consider applications from external transfers to enter into the second year of the Commerce curriculum.
Competitive applications for transfer will be expected to have:
- Completed courses that will transfer to UVA as COMM 1800 (Introduction to Business), ECON 2010 (Principles of Microeconomics), and the First Writing Requirement (English Composition)
- Completed 24 or more graded credits that will transfer to UVA towards any of the requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences
Students who enroll in McIntire as second year students will be required to complete six semester at McIntire. If not completed prior to transferring, these students will be expected to complete the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences prior to graduating from McIntire.
Transfer Credit toward a degree is allowed for approved work completed in another college or university, or in other schools of the University, upon presentation of an official transcript of record. The School of Commerce grants transfer credit based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student's intended major and degree program, the quality of the student's performance in the course, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. However, no credit is given for a required upper-level commerce course unless that course is taken in the School of Commerce. No adjustment of transfer credit is made after the student's first semester in the School of Commerce. In general, credit is not granted for work completed with a grade of less than C; business courses beyond the elementary courses in accounting; or more than one credit of physical or health education courses.
Please consult the McIntire Office of Undergraduate Admission’s prospective transfer student website for additional information. You may also want to review the policy for evaluating external credit earned during Spring 2020.
The School of Education and Human Development offers professional programs designed to prepare individuals for careers related to education, youth development, health and well-being, and more. Programs open to undergraduates include teacher education, kinesiology, speech communication disorders, and youth & social innovation. Each program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree. Students must apply to a specific program.
Students applying to transfer as second years need not have completed all of the listed requirements. Students applying as third-years should complete most, if not all of listed pre-requisite coursework.
Kinesiology
Candidates with an associate's degree or two years of college coursework are preferred. Students transferring after one year of college should have completed at least 24 semester-hours; students transferring after two years should have completed at least 60 semester-hours. Transfer admission to Kinesiology is competitive with only one or two students entering the program each year.
Course Requirements:
- Writing (3-6 credits): your school's English composition requirement
- Natural Sciences (9 credits): including Bio 1 and 2 (+ labs) and Anatomy and Physiology (+ labs)
- Mathematics (3 credits): calculus is required
- Statistics (3 credits): statistics is required
- Humanities (6 credits): select courses in literature, fine arts, or moral, philosophical, or religious thought
- Social Sciences (9 credits): select courses in anthropology, economics, government, history, linguistics, psychology, or sociology
- Non-Western Perspective or Cultural Literacy (3 credits): One course from any department that deals substantially with a cultural heritage other than that of the West and/or that provides a global perspective, enhances cultural awareness, and broadens perspectives
Program Website: https://curry.virginia.edu/academics/undergraduate-kinesiology-major
Speech Communication Disorders
A minimum of 54 semester hours is required for admission.
Course Requirements:
- Writing (3-6 credits): your school's English composition requirement
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics (9 credits):
- One course must be a biology course
- One course must be a physical science or chemistry course
- Select an additional course from any natural science or mathematics department
- Statistics (3 credits): a statistics course is required; this course may not count toward the 9 credits of natural science and mathematics listed above
- Humanities (6 credits): select courses in literature, fine arts, or moral, philosophical, or religious thought
- Social Sciences (9 credits):
- One course must be in psychology or sociology
- Take six additional credits from any of the following departments: Anthropology, History, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Sociology or Psychology
- Non-Western Perspective or Cultural Literacy (3 credits): One course from any department that deals substantially with a cultural heritage other than that of the West and/or that provides a global perspective, enhances cultural awareness, and broadens perspectives
Program Website: https://curry.virginia.edu/academics/undergraduate-speech-communication-disorders-major
Youth and Social Innovation
A minimum of 24 semester hours if transferring as a second-year student or a minimum of 54 semester hours if transferring as a third-year student.
- Writing (3-6 credits): your school's English composition requirement
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics (9 credits): courses must be taken from at least two different departments
- Humanities (6 credits): select courses in literature, fine arts, or moral, philosophical, or religious thought
- Social Sciences (9 credits): select courses in American studies, linguistics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, economics, political science, geography, or women and gender studies
Recommended Coursework:
- Statistics (3 credits): Students are encouraged to take a course in statistics prior to transferring. This course may not count toward the 3 credits of natural science and mathematics listed above. Students who do not transfer a statistics course will take this course at UVA.
- Non-Western Perspective or Cultural Literacy (3 credits): Students are encouraged to take a course from any department that deals substantially with a cultural heritage other than that of the West and/or that provides a global perspective, enhances cultural awareness, and broadens perspectives. Students who do not transfer a cultural literacy course will take this course at UVA during the third or fourth year.
It is also important to have taken some coursework relating to children and youth, and to have demonstrated an interest in youth through applied experience working with or on behalf of youth.
Program Website: https://curry.virginia.edu/academics/undergraduate-youth-social-innovation
Teacher Education: Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education
A minimum of 24 semester hours if transferring as a second-year student or a minimum of 54 semester hours if transferring as a third-year student.
Course Requirements:
- Writing (3-6 credits): your school's English composition requirement
- Humanities (6 credits): select courses in literature, fine arts, or moral, philosophical, or religious thought
- Social Sciences (9 credits):
- One course must be in United States history
- One course must be in child development or developmental psychology
- Select three additional credits from any of the following: American studies, linguistics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, economics, political science, geography, or women and gender studies
- Natural Sciences (6 credits): select courses from two different science disciplines chosen from: Astronomy, Biology (Life Science), Chemistry, Earth/Environmental Science, Geology, Physics
- Mathematics (3 credits): select one course in mathematics
Recommended Coursework:
- Statistics (3 credits): Students are encouraged to take a course in statistics prior to transferring. This course may not count toward the 3 credits of natural science and mathematics listed above. Students who do not transfer a statistics course will take this course at UVA.
- Non-Western Perspective or Cultural Literacy (3 credits): Students are encouraged to take a course from any department that deals substantially with a cultural heritage other than that of the West and/or that provides a global perspective, enhances cultural awareness, and broadens perspectives. Students who do not transfer a cultural literacy course will take this course at UVA during the third or fourth year.
It is also important to have demonstrated an interest in youth through coursework and/or applied experience working with or on behalf of youth.
Note: For those interested in Secondary Education and preK-12 Education, there is no undergraduate program available. You may earn licensure through a one-year Post-Graduate Master of Teaching (PGMT). The one-year program will offer an intensive, field-based curriculum centered on high-leverage teaching practices. UVA undergraduate students are eligible to apply for early admission to the PGMT program.
Program Website: https://curry.virginia.edu/academics/teacher-education/teacher-education-teaching-degrees
Transfer students are admitted to the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), and are not admitted directly into an academic major at the admission phase of this process. Transfer students will be contacted by the Engineering Registrar to declare their major as promptly as possible after their admission deposit is paid.
In every case, an applicant for transfer admission must be in good academic standing at any college which he/she is currently attending or has previously attended, and must be eligible to return there. A transfer student is expected to have a better than average academic record and, in considering this record, the Committee on Admission will give special attention to the performance in mathematics and science, fields in which an aptitude for a science-based curriculum should be shown.
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Degree of Bachelor of Science is granted with the following majors:
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering - specific course prerequisite requirements, contact the department for more information
Chemical Engineering – This program may take three years to complete, even for incoming third-year transfers.
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Science
Materials Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering
Each student is required to write a thesis in the last undergraduate year. This is done under the guidance of a technical advisor and an instructor in the STS program within the Department of Engineering and Society. Writing the thesis constitutes a major portion of two required courses, STS 4500 and 4600, and is the culminating experience for the undergraduate program in SEAS. The thesis represents a significant, challenging, yet rewarding effort on the part of the student.
Course Requirements for Transfer (required course credits in parentheses):
- Calculus (8 credits)
- Physics (8) - Two courses in calculus-based college physics
- Chemistry (4) - At least one course in calculus-based college chemistry
- Computer Science (3) - A course in introductory computer programming, preferably in PYTHON
- English Composition (your school’s full course sequence)
- Other Requirements - Remaining courses may be in any area.
The School of Nursing confers the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing on candidates who successfully complete a four-year program of study. Students attending a Virginia community college must pursue a program of pre-nursing general education courses in order to be eligible for transfer. The School of Nursing accepts transfer students into the second year of the program. Students will normally complete at least one year of college level work before transfer. Completion of the program qualifies the graduate for beginning positions in hospital, clinic, office, school, public health and industrial nursing, for commissions in military service, and for graduate study in nursing.
PROGRAM COMPOSITION AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Courses in the School of Nursing are composed of two discrete but interrelated elements—Interprofessional and Core. Interprofessional courses are designed to facilitate transition to the role of health care provider and include social science and natural science content with special application to health care. Selected interprofessional courses are open to all students within the University in addition to students of nursing.
The nursing core courses include basic knowledge and skills needed to practice professional nursing at a beginning level. Clinical and classroom experiences and academic work provide a broad basis for nursing practice related to both acute and chronic illness and health promotion. The emphasis is on individuals, families, and groups with varying levels of health and at all points in the life cycle. In addition, issues related to professional nursing are also included.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing is conferred by the General Faculty upon those candidates recommended by the faculty of the School of Nursing as having successfully completed a prescribed course of study, including not fewer than 120 semester hours of approved courses. A total of 49 semester hours is required in the natural and social sciences and the humanities; and 71 semester hours are required in nursing courses. In addition, the candidate must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 ("C") on prescribed work.
Two tracks are offered for non-traditional students interested in preparation for nursing practice. Registered nurses without baccalaureate degrees may progress through a modified undergraduate curriculum and obtain their BSN degree in two academic years (part-time study). Students who have baccalaureate degrees in other fields may progress through a Master's Level degree program. Please see the School of Nursing website for more information. Further progression in graduate study is encouraged and facilitated for interested, qualified individuals. For details, contact the School of Nursing.
ADMISSION
PLEASE NOTE: Admission guidelines contained herein speak specifically to transfer applicants from the community college system and from other undergraduate programs. Registered Nurse applicants must contact the School of Nursing for specific admission requirements. In every case, an applicant for transfer admission must be in good academic and social standing at any college which he/she is currently attending or has previously attended, and must be eligible to return there. Relevant volunteer or work experience in a clinical setting will be taken into consideration and will be a factor in the selection process. Students wishing to transfer after one year at a Virginia community college or another accredited college must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of the following general education requirements:
School of Nursing Transfer Prerequisite Requirements:
The following four prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of a C or better prior to beginning the program in the fall semester.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits, lab required)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits, lab required)
- Microbiology (3-4 credits)
- Chemistry (3-4 credits)
-The following is a suggested pre-nursing curriculum:
Fall Semester, Year 1
English Composition, Part 1 (3 credits)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4 credits) *
Chemistry (3-4 credits) *
Social Science / History course (3 credits)
Humanities / Fine Arts course (3 credits)
Spring Semester, Year 1
English Composition, Part II (3 credits)
Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (4 credits) *
Microbiology (3-4 credits) *
Social Science / History course (3 credits)
Humanities / Fine Arts course (3 credits)
* All prerequisite courses need to be completed before the start of the fall semester and can be completed in the summer semester if needed.
Important: Students wishing to transfer after one or two years of college work, and who have not already completed a bachelor’s degree in another area, must have successfully completed a minimum of at least 30 semester-hours and the requirements listed above to enter the School of Nursing in the fall semester second-year. All students will transfer in as second-year students and will complete the BSN in three additional years of full-time study. Students admitted into the transfer cohort for Fall 2017 will graduate from the School of Nursing in May 2020. See the School of Nursing website for more information.
Nontraditional Nursing Programs
RN to BSN. Registered Nurses who have completed the required 49 general education courses and five prerequisite courses may apply for transfer admission to an innovative program leading to a BSN. The RN to BSN program is a two year, part-time program. Courses meet in person one day a week. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the School of Nursing to have their transcripts evaluated.
The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy was founded in 2007. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership, Batten offers to UVA students a Minor in Public Policy and Leadership, a Minor in Social Entrepreneurship, and an Accelerated Master of Public Policy.
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary degree which introduces students to the many facets of public policy—from the economic and political to the psychological and cultural—and prepares them for robust participation in public life. The program focuses on understanding how public policy decisions are made; how civic leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector contribute to collective problem solving; and how policy decisions affect public problems in communities.
The Batten School welcomes qualified transfer students into the undergraduate major from other institutions of higher education. Prior to the fall they begin in the program, students must complete three prerequisite courses, earning a C or higher: ECON 2010: Microeconomics (or equivalent), PSYC 2600: Social Psychology (or equivalent), and LPPP 2200: Introduction to Public Policy. Accepted transfer credit from another college or university is allowed towards the fulfillment of these prerequisites. Exceptions to prerequisite requirements are granted on a case-by-case basis by appeal to the Batten Admissions Office.
In addition to the three prerequisite courses, successful candidates for transfer admission to the Batten School must exhibit satisfactory progress towards the completion of Batten’s general education requirements :
- English Composition (3 credits or your school’s English comp requirement)
- Foreign Languages - Demonstrated proficiency equal to the intermediate level of college instruction (the 202 level)
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics (12) - Courses in at least two of the disciplines: astronomy, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, physics, and mathematics. Math courses must include statistics, finite math calculus, or higher level-courses; pre-calculus will apply towards a degree but will not satisfy the requirement.
- Humanities (3) - One course in one of the following two groups: literature (classics, comparative literature, English, foreign literature) or fine arts (art, drama, music).
- Historical Studies (3) - One course that is substantially historical, whether taught in a history department or in some other discipline.
- Non-Western Perspective (3) - One course from any department that deals substantially with a cultural heritage other than that of the West
Important: Similar to the McIntire School’s B.S. in Commerce, the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership is a two-year program that begins in the fall of a student’s third year. Students transferring after one year of college should apply to the College of Arts and Sciences and then apply to the Bachelor of Arts with other UVA students through the regular admissions process. Students transferring directly into the Batten School after two years should have completed at least 60 semester hours.