Traditional Prior Learning

College and University Credit

Credit may be granted by HCC for coursework completed at regionally accredited colleges and universities (institutions accredited by non-regional accrediting agencies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis). Transfer credit is granted by HCC based on a student’s area of study. Per Maryland law, a grade of “C” or higher is required for College Composition. For all other requirements, a grade of “D” or higher is acceptable unless otherwise specified by the student’s area of study. Please note that courses with “D” grades may not satisfy requirements at transfer institutions; students are advised to check with prospective transfer institutions about specific grade requirements.

Selective admissions programs at HCC, including the nursing and allied health programs, may have time limitations and minimum grade requirements on prerequisite coursework required for clinical admission. All students applying to these programs are encouraged to work with an academic advisor or admissions coach to discuss transfer course applicability. While time limitations do not apply to coursework in other programs, it is each student’s responsibility to ensure that they have adequate prerequisite knowledge to be successful in the chosen degree.

International College and University Credit

Credit is awarded, as appropriate, for coursework completed at international colleges and universities; however, HCC does not evaluate international transcripts. Students seeking credit for coursework completed at international colleges and universities must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcripts. Evaluations must be completed by an accredited international credential evaluation agency in the United States which is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at the time of the student evaluation. Students must request that an official copy of the evaluation be sent directly to HCC’s RRVA office. Students who have attended international colleges and universities which hold regional accreditation are not required to have their transcripts evaluated by an international credential evaluation agency. Generally, academic credit is not awarded for English composition or literature courses taught at a college or university outside of the United States. Otherwise, the same policies and procedures that apply to coursework completed at U.S. colleges and universities are used to award transfer credit.