how do course credits work at iowa state

by Susan Haley 3 min read

All Iowa State students have 15 designated repeat credits. This means that for the first 15 credits of classes you retake, your new grade will replace your old grade in your cumulative GPA. The new grade will replace the old even if it is worse, and the old grade will always remain on your permanent record.

Full Answer

How do transfer credits work at Iowa State University?

Each of Iowa State's colleges determines which transfer credits meet requirements for its degrees. For example, a chemistry course that counts toward the graduation requirement for a chemistry major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may not fulfill a graduation requirement for majors in the College of Engineering.

How many credits do you need to graduate from Iowa State?

At least 32 credits have been earned in residence at Iowa State University, and the final 32 credits were taken at Iowa State. (Six of the last 32 credits may be transferred to Iowa State, with prior permission of their major department.)

How are grades calculated in Iowa State University?

Iowa State uses A through F grading for most courses. S, P, and NP grades are given in some courses. The standard four-point scale is used to calculate a grade point average (see table below). All courses (even if they are undergraduate courses) taken as a graduate student will be calculated into the graduate GPA.

How many easy courses are there at Iowa State University?

Whether you are a current Iowa State student or an incoming freshman, you can appreciate this list of 10 easy courses at Iowa State University. I mean, who doesn’t love an easy A?

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How many credits can you take at Iowa State?

Full-Time Student The maximum number of credits for undergraduates in the fall and spring is 18 credits; the maximum number in the summer is 12 credits (both sessions combined). Students in the honors program may take up to 21 credits. Students can petition to enroll in more than this maximum number.

How many credits is full-time at Iowa State?

During the school year, full-time status normally means a load of 12 to 18 credits. See your academic advisor for information on full-time status for summer. Iowa State's registrar rounds up 11.5 credits to 12 credits, which grants a student full-time status.

How does Iowa State transfer credit work?

Current students who have taken courses at another institution since enrolling at Iowa State need to submit an official transcript to the Office of Admissions in order to receive credit. The Admissions Office will complete a transfer credit evaluation.

How many credits do you need to graduate from Iowa State?

120-semester creditsBachelor's Degree A minimum of 120-semester credits and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in all work taken at Iowa State University is required for graduation.

Is a D+ passing at Iowa State?

Satisfactory completion of a course offered on a Satisfactory-Fail grading basis. May also be reported to indicate satisfactory performance in R (required-credit) courses, and in courses numbered 290, 490, 590, and 690....Grading System.GradeQuality PointsD+1.33D1.00D-0.67F0.008 more rows

How much is Iowa State per credit hour?

College FinderPer CreditOut-of-State$968In-State$336

What schools do Dmacc credits transfer?

DMACC Partnership ProgramsBuena Vista University. 2+2 Program (Carroll & Newton) ... Drake University. ​ ... Grand View University. Transfer Resource Initiative (TRI) ... Grinnell College. ... Iowa State University. ... Purdue University Global. ... Simpson College. ... University of Iowa.More items...

How do I send my transcripts to Iowa State University?

Transcripts should be sent to Iowa State University, Office of Admissions, Enrollment Services Center, 2433 Union Drive, Ames, IA 50011-2011. Visit the transfer admissions page or call 515 294-5836 for information regarding transferring to Iowa State.

How many credits is a masters degree?

When it comes to determining how many credits you need for a master's degree, consider the average. Most schools require about 30 credit hours with more complex and in-depth programs increasing this to as much as 40. On the other hand, a few schools require significantly less.

How do you graduate with honors at Iowa State?

Those graduating summa cum laude (with highest distinction) have earned a grade-point average of 3.90 or higher; magna cum laude (with great distinction) have a grade-point average of 3.70 to 3.89; or cum laude (with distinction) have a grade-point average 3.50 to 3.69.

How many credits is a minor Iowa State University?

15 creditsDeclaring a Minor All minors require at least 15 credits, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 300 or above taken at Iowa State University. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

How many hours of work do you need to do to get a credit?

The credit to be earned depends on the amount of work expected of the student, in accordance with the policy that some combination of teacher-student contact and outside work by the student involving at least three hours per week for the semester is required for each credit.

How many credits do you need to take 490?

Most departments offer opportunities for independent study through a 490 course listing. Usually a minimum of 6 to 10 credits of coursework in the department is required before independent study is permitted. Students who are interested in this kind of experience in a particular department should check the catalog to determine the department's prerequisites to register for 490. 490H sections are reserved for students in the University Honors Program.

What is prerequisite for a course?

A prerequisite indicates the specific academic background or general academic preparedness considered necessary for the student to be ready to undertake the course.

What is an R credit?

The R credit course is generally listed on the degree program as a requirement for a specific curriculum/major that must be completed prior to graduation. R credit courses may be graded using the A-F grading scale or the satisfactory/fail grading scale.

Where are course prerequisites listed?

Course prerequisites are listed in the Schedule of Classes as well as in the Courses and Programs section of this publication. Cross-listed Courses. A course, including its complete description, may be listed in two or more departments. The participating department or departments are noted in parentheses.

Does Iowa State University offer distance learning?

Iowa State University faculty teach distance learning courses online, by video conferencing, streaming media, and CD/DVD. Courses are the same as those offered on campus, carry residential credit, and are taught by Iowa State faculty. Credit earned becomes a part of the academic record at Iowa State University and may be used to meet degree ...

Can you take dual listed courses in the same class?

Dual-listed courses permit undergraduate and graduate students to be in the same class while receiving credit for either undergraduate or graduate level work. Credit in the graduate course is not available to students who have received credit in the corresponding undergraduate course.

How many credits do you need to graduate with distinction from Iowa State University?

Candidates for a bachelor's degree may graduate "with distinction" provided they have completed 60 semester credits of coursework at Iowa State University at the time of graduation, including a minimum of 50 graded credits.

What is the cumulative grade point average for Iowa State University?

A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 was earned in all work taken at Iowa State; and student has met all special grade point average requirements established by their college, department, or program in specified courses.

What is the grade point average for Iowa State?

To be promoted to the third- and fourth-year classes, students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 for all courses in the professional curriculum. A student, who is attending Iowa State and decides not to work toward an undergraduate degree, will be classified as a special (nondegree) student.

What is a degree audit?

Graduation evaluators in the Office of the Registrar use the degree audit during the term a student will graduate to determine if the student will meet all degree requirements upon successful completion of the courses on the student's schedule that term.

What is the second major?

Second Major (Curriculum) Completed after the Bachelor's Degree. After receiving a bachelor's degree, a person may wish to complete all requirements for another major (curriculum). Approval of the department of the second major (curriculum) is needed before study for the program is begun.

How many credits do you need to be a minor?

The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Courses taken for a minor may not be taken on a pass-not pass basis. See /collegescurricula/#minors for additional information regarding policies which govern minors.

What is a senior in Iowa State University?

Students who have a bachelor's degree and are working toward another undergraduate degree, licensure, or admission to a specific graduate or professional program, are typically classified as a senior. Transfer students without a degree are classified on the basis of credits accepted by Iowa State University.

Will Your Credits Transfer?

Taking a course from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution will normally transfer to Iowa State if they are comparable to courses offered for academic credit here or would earn academic credit if they were offered.

How Will Your Credits Transfer?

When you apply, we will review the coursework you took at another institution to determine whether it’s acceptable for transfer. You’ll receive information on how to view your Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) form in AccessPlus. The TCE will tell you which courses have been accepted for transfer.

Additional Transfer Options

If you are a current Iowa State student and you're looking to complete courses to transfer back to Iowa State, please go to the Registrar's Office website for additional information.

General Policies on Transfer Credits

It is very common for students to have taken (or plan to take) coursework at other colleges and universities. Most of the time, these courses can be applied to your degree program at Iowa State. The University has a few general guidelines on how transfer credits may be applied:

Transfer Credit Evaluation

To receive credit for courses at another institution, have that institution send the transcript to the Office of Admissions at Iowa State. It will be evaluated by the appropriate offices and eventually be available to you in AccessPlus (it is found in your Student tab under “Admissions”).

What are the requirements to get into Iowa State University?

Students who wish to enter Iowa State University directly from high school must also meet the minimum high school course requirements for admission as indicated below: Emphasizing writing, speaking, and reading, as well as an understanding and appreciation of literature.

What is the minimum RAI score for high school?

Applicants who achieve at least a 245 RAI score and who meet the minimum high school course requirements will automatically be offered admission. Applicants who achieve less than a 245 RAI score and who meet the minimum high school course requirements may also be offered admission, but their applications will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Does credit count toward graduation?

Credit does not count toward graduation, but keeps a student enrolled. No tuition is charged, may qualify for fee exception. Freshmen and sophomores are enrolled in 298, juniors and seniors in 498. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Used for F-1 visa holders (international students)

Can you get college credit for an internship?

Internships/co-ops can be paid or unpaid and the student may or may not receive academic credit for performing the internship. If your internship/co-op requires college credit or you want to maintain your student status while completing an internship, below are options for receiving credit for an internship through Career Services.

1. Sociology 134: Introduction to Sociology

Need an easy A and never have to go to class? Then this is the one for you. No attendence and easy content. This class works a little differently than others in that there is a certain amount of points to achieve to get an A.

2. JLMC 101: Mass Media and Society

I am currently taking this class and I can promise you, it’s easy. You can skip almost every single class and never take notes, and still get A’s on the test. How? The professor sends out a question pool before every test, so memorize the answers and you’re golden. Oh, and there are only a handful of assignments, sounds pretty easy right?

3. Dance 270: Dance Appreciation

A class all about appreciating dance? Sign me up! Seems like a pretty easy, and fun, way to get an A.

4. PR 220: Introduction to Public Relations

Even if you are not a public relations major, this class is an easy way to gain a few social science credits for those gen ed’s. Attendance is optional, pretty simple content, and the only assignments consist of one weekly question to answer (in only 100 words I will add).

5. HRI 383: Introduction to Wine, Beer, and Spirits

A class dedicated to learning about, oh, and then drinking alcohol. There may be some work involved, but any college course you get to drink is a good thing. Only downside is that you have to be 21. But hey, if you ever need a class to fill some credits don’t look past this one.

6. Any 100 level Kinesiology course

These courses are all introduction to sports such as soccer, tennis, bowling, swimming, and plenty more. If you enjoyed gym in high school, this is a perfect, and easy, way to gain some credits.

7. RELIG 205: Introduction to World Religions

This class may not be quite as easy as other ones on this list, but it is a good way to get rid of that pesky international diversity credit that is required of all students at Iowa State University. As long as you put in some work and show up to class (depending on the professor) an A is inevitable.

Can you work back to back semesters in college?

If a student is doing a parallel co-op (working 20 hours and taking 6 to 9 credits) they may work back-to-back semesters (with the same company). This is allowed because they are still on campus taking classes. Summer Internship Must be Full-Time.

Can you go back to college for two semesters?

Students may not be gone from campus for a year at a time. This means that students may not go out on a co-op for two semesters back to back; spring/fall or fall/spring (excluding summer). Students need to return to campus for coursework between semester work terms.

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Course Numbers

Off-Campus Courses-Residential Credit

  • Iowa State University faculty teach distance learning courses online by video conferencing and streaming media. Courses are the same as those offered on campus, carry residential credit, and are taught by Iowa State faculty. Credit earned becomes a part of the academic record at Iowa State University and may be used to meet degree requirements the ...
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Priority Enrollment

  • High demand for courses in certain areas has necessitated enrollment management for some courses. When enrollment priority is established for a course, first consideration is given to students whose curriculum/major explicitly requires the course.
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Course Fees

  • Courses for which course fees are assessed are designated in the Schedule of Classes. Course fees may be assessed for such extraordinary costs as materials fees (which may include consumable materials or equipment replacement), field trip expenses, developmental course fees, and camp fees. In some cases, course fee amounts vary from term to term. Additional informati…
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Independent Study

  • Most departments offer opportunities for independent study through a 490 course listing. Usually a minimum of 6 to 10 credits of coursework in the department is required before independent study is permitted. Students who are interested in this kind of experience in a particular department should check the catalog to determine the department's prerequisites to register for …
See more on catalog.iastate.edu