Transfer Credits

Transfer Credits Granted For Courses Taken After Matriculation to Otis

Students at the freshman and sophomore levels may, with prior approval, complete coursework at other *regionally accredited colleges and universities and transfer the credits earned to their record at Otis College, based on the policies and procedures listed below. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a Transfer Credit Approval Request form available on The Dashboard and receive prior approval to ensure that the course is equivalent and fitting for transfer to Otis College.

Courses taken at other regionally accredited institutions must be similar in contact hours, semester system, content, purpose and standards to Otis College courses. Specifically:

  • Community college courses will be accepted for transfer toward non-sequential studio electives, general education and lower division (freshman and sophomore level) Otis College credits only.
  • Upper division (junior and senior level) courses may be accepted for transfer only if taken at a four-year college or university at the junior or senior level (similar in content and credits conferred).
  • Only grades of C or better are transferrable.
  • Junior and senior students at Otis College may not take courses at other institiutions and apply the credits earned to their Otis College transcript and degree. All courses taken at another regionally accredited institution must be approved and completed prior to the beginning of an Otis College student’s junior year. Exceptions to this policy are warranted only in cases involving unusual or extenuating circumstances that would normally not be faced by other students and require written approval from the Registrar and the Provost.

Only credit is transferred for courses taken at other accredited institutions. Transfered course grades are not applied to the student's grade point average (GPA). Off-campus study does not become part of a student's record until the Request for Approval of Transfer Credit form, along with official transcripts, are submitted and approved by the Registrar. Otis College Extension courses taken for credit may be applied to the BFA degree with department chair approval.Only credit is transferred for courses taken at other institutions. Transferred course grades are not applied to the student’s grade point average (GPA.)

*Regional accreditation is educational accreditation of schools, colleges, and universities in the United States by one of the six regional accreditors. Please visit the website of the U.S. Department of Education for more information. International institutions must be recognized by the country’s national ministry of education.

All prospective applicants should direct their questions about transfer credits to the
Admissions Office.

Contact Us

Call or email the One Stop office for any requests or information regarding registration and records.

Monday – Friday,
8:30AM – 5PM PST
Phone: 310-665-6999

Send Email