Dec 01, 2024  
ACE Catalog - Volume 51 
    
ACE Catalog - Volume 51 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Transfer Credit Policies


Prior Credit Evaluation Procedures

  1. Applicant or a current student will submit a request to have post-secondary credits from another school evaluated. The applicant or current student must submit the request at least one term (5-week term) prior to taking the potentially impacted course(s).
  2. ACE applicants or students must include, at minimum, an unofficial copy of their transcripts for a decision to be offered.
  3. The ACE applicant or student must provide an official transcript before the actual credit can be awarded in the student record.
  4. The college will evaluate the transfer request and award transfer credit using the Transfer Credit Policy
  5. The college will email the applicant or student with a decision.
  6. The college will apply the credit to the student’s record when the following occurs:
  • Official transcripts for prior credit have been received.
  • The individual has started the program, and the drop/add period has passed.

If an applicant or student does not agree with the evaluation, they can appeal via the general appeal process.

Postsecondary Transfer Credits 

As an institution dedicated to adult learners, the American College of Education (ACE) recognizes and accepts prior postsecondary education credits earned at other institutions or through previous enrollment at ACE. Transfer credits must be from an accredited postsecondary higher education institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).   

ACE will evaluate transfer credit from these institutions using a course-for-course equivalency review process. The Program Transfer Requirements and Exclusions list outlines program-specific requirements and exclusions. Typically, courses will transfer at the same level (e.g., undergraduate-level course to undergraduate-level course, master-level course to master-level course, and doctoral-level to doctoral-level). Some postsecondary courses fall into general categories that may not be eligible for transfer credits or, in some instances, may receive recognition on a restricted basis. Examples include: 

  • Remedial courses in any subject (course level below a 100-level)  
  • Repeated courses or courses with duplicate subject content  

Students with a conferred master’s degree from ACE can apply any completed ACE coursework to an “alumni elective track” for pathway or Ed.D. programs, not to exceed what has been outlined for the program.  

ACE reserves the right to deny transfer credit for courses incompatible with its programs. If a student were to leave ACE for any reason, a new evaluation of credit transfers would be needed to ensure compliance with the current college policies upon the student’s return.   

Nontraditional Transfer Credits 

ACE recognizes that students may have acquired college-level knowledge through expertise developed outside the classroom. An ACE student or applicant can request the college to review all nontraditional credits for consideration. At ACE, nontraditional credit takes many forms, including: 

  • Nontraditional credit - recognized, standardized national examinations (e.g., AP, CLEP, IB, Dantes, etc.)  
  • Nontraditional credit - evaluation of military service transcripts (JST, CCAF, etc.)  
  • Prior learning assessment (PLA) of an organization’s non-credit course, program, or certificate (e.g., ITeach, LETRS, and Teaching Channel) 
  • Prior learning assessment (PLA) of a professional certification/licensure through passing a national exam (e.g., ASBO Certification).  
  • Prior learning assessment (PLA) of a non-credit course, program, or certificate an individual student obtains.  

The Program Transfer Requirements and Exclusions list outlines program-specific requirements and exclusions. 

Program Transfer Requirements and Exclusions

Ed.D. Programs (Non-Pathway Option) 

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction 
​Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education 
Ed.D. in Instructional Technology 
Ed.D. in Leadership 
Ed.D. in Nursing Education  
Ed.D. in Public Health Education 
Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction 
Ed.D. in Special Education 
 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 21

Eligible Focus of Study courses, aligned to ACE courses, may be transferred using master’s or doctoral-level credits. Leadership, core/major, and research coursework must be completed at a doctoral level. 

Courses not eligible for transfer include: 

  • Dissertation sequence courses 
  • First Courses - Any dedicated first course in a degree program  
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  0-12 The limit is zero (0) hours.  The exception is that up to twelve (12) hours may be accepted through specific nontraditional opportunities (e.g., LETRS) defined by an ACE partnership agreement. 
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  10 years 

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.   

Doctoral-level internal transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start for the following: 

  1. All ACE courses with TECH prefix 
  2. All ACE courses with RES prefix 
  3. ACE course - ORG6213: Emerging Technology in Organizations 
  4. ACE course - HLTH6443: Systems, Policy and Leadership in Health Informatics 
  5. ACE course - LEAD6153: Policy and Governance 
  6. ACE course - HE6103: Law, Compliance, and Governance in Higher Education 
Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  29 Previously completed coursework must align with the new program. 
Total required credit hours to complete this program  64  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  43  
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  43  

Ed.D. Programs (Pathway Option) 

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction 
​Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education 
Ed.D. in Instructional Technology 
Ed.D. in Leadership 
Ed.D. in Nursing Education  
Ed.D. in Public Health Education 
Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction 
Ed.D. in Special Education 
 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 27

Out of the total 27 hours, up to 21 hours may be allocated for core/major or focus of student course transfers, while a maximum of six (6) hours can be for research courses. 

Courses not eligible for transfer include: 

  • Dissertation sequence courses 
  • First Courses - Any dedicated first course in a degree program  
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  None

Prior coursework does not expire.

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  27 Previously completed coursework must align with the new program. 
Total required credit hours to complete this program  64  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  37 Total required credit hours for the program minus transferable credits. 
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  37  

Ed.S. Programs

Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction 
​Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education 
Ed.S. in Instructional Technology 
Ed.S. in Leadership 
Ed.S. in Nursing Education  
Ed.S. in Public Health Education 
Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction 
Ed.S. in Special Education 
 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 9

All Ed.S. transfer courses should be at the doctoral level. 

Courses not eligible for transfer include: 

  • First Courses - Any dedicated first course in a degree program 
  • Capstone Courses 
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  10 years

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.   

Doctoral-level internal transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start for the following: 

  1. All ACE courses with TECH prefix 
  2. All ACE courses with RES prefix 
  3. ACE course - ORG6213: Emerging Technology in Organizations 
  4. ACE course - HLTH6443: Systems, Policy and Leadership in Health Informatics 
  5. ACE course - LEAD6153: Policy and Governance 
  6. ACE course - HE6103: Law, Compliance, and Governance in Higher Education
Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  34  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  25 Total required credit hours for the program minus transferable credits. 
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  25  

 

Master Programs (Non-Licensure)

Master of Business Administration
Master of Education in Adult Education and Training 
Master of Education in Advanced Studies 
Master of Education in Biology Education 
Master of Education in Chemistry Education 
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education 
Master of Education in Educational Business Administration 
Master of Education in Educational Technology
Master of Education in Elementary Education 
Master of Education in English Education 
Master of Education in Health and Wellness Education 
Master of Education in Higher Education 
Master of Education in History Education 
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology
Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum
Master of Education in Literacy 
Master of Education in Mathematics Education 
Master of Education in Science Education 
Master of Education in Social Science Education
Master of Education in Special Education 
Master of Education in STEM Education
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership
Master of Education in Teaching English Learners
Master of Healthcare Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Science in Health Informatics (currently not enrolling)
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Master of Science in Sustainable Management (currently not enrolling)

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 9

M.Ed. in STEM Education students must have six (6) credits transferred from the NISE certificate and are limited to only three (3) additional transfer credits. 

Courses not eligible for transfer include: 

  1. First Courses - Any dedicated first course in a degree program excluding LETRS courses (specified in an articulation agreement) 
  2. Prerequisite Courses - These include: DL5733, DL5773 
  3. Clinical/Field Experience Courses (student teaching, internship, practicum).  These include: EDTT5022, EDTT5032, EL5983, ELAZ5983, ELFL5983, ELIL5983, ELIN5983, ELOH5983, ELX5983, HLTH5693 
  4. Healthcare Administration Courses with Embedded Benchmarks and/or Lean Healthcare Modules.  These include: HLTH5603, HLTH5613, HLTH5623, HLTH5633 
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  9-12 The limit is nine (9) hours.  The exception is that up to twelve (12) hours may be accepted through specific nontraditional opportunities (e.g., LETRS) defined by an ACE partnership agreement.
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  9  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  10 years 

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.   

Master-level internal transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start for the following (excluding alumni track):  

  1. All ACE courses that start with DL prefix  
  2. All ACE courses that start with EL prefix or their equivalent  
  3. All ACE courses that start with ELX prefix or their equivalent  
  4. All ACE courses that start with ET prefix  
  5. ACE course - HLTH5443: Technology, Leadership, and Health Informatics  
  6. ACE course - LEAD5103: Law, Compliance, and Governance in Higher Education  
  7. ACE course - LIT5243: Leading Literacy Improvement  
  8. ACE course - RES5173: Research Methods for Educational Leaders  
Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  50% ACE graduates may apply no more than 50% of prior ACE coursework into a different program (including external credits). 
Total required credit hours to complete this program  25-34

Total required credits varies specific degree program:

Master of Business Administration  37
Master of Education in Adult Education and Training 31
Master of Education in Advanced Studies  34
Master of Education in Biology Education  34
Master of Education in Chemistry Education 34
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction  34
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education 31
Master of Education in Educational Business Administration  34
Master of Education in Educational Technology  34
Master of Education in Elementary Education 34
Master of Education in English Education 34
Master of Education in Health and Wellness Education 31
Master of Education in Higher Education  34
Master of Education in History Education 34
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology  31
Master of Education in Integrated Curriculum  31
Master of Education in Literacy  31
Master of Education in Mathematics Education  34
Master of Education in Science Education 34
Master of Education in Social Science Education 34
Master of Education in Special Education  34
Master of Education in STEM Education  31
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership  31
Master of Education in Teaching English Learners   31
Master of Healthcare Administration 36
Master of Public Health 33
Master of Science in Health Informatics  33
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership  34
Master of Science in Sustainable Management  31
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  Varies by Program Varies by specific degree program.  Total credit in a specific degree program minus transferable external credits. 
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  22-25 Varies by specific degree program.

Master Programs (Licensure) 

Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching
Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership  

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program Varies by Program

Transfer credits are limited to equivalent research courses RES5153 or RES5173.

Additional exceptions for programs:

  • Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching - a student currently working as a teacher to use professional experience instead of student teaching (EDTT5022 - 2 credits)
  • Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching - a student currently working as a teacher to use professional experience instead of student teaching (EDTT5032 - 2 credit course)
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  0

The limit is zero (0) credit hours. 

Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  10 years

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.  

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  50% ACE graduates may apply no more than 50% of prior ACE coursework into a different program (including external credits).
Total required credit hours to complete this program  34  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  29 Total credit in degree program minus transferable external credits.
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  31  

Master Program (BSN to MSN)

BSN to MSN ​

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 9

The first course in the BSN-MSN program is not eligible for transfer.

Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  10 years

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.  

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  31  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  22 Total credit in degree program minus transferable external credits.
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  22  

Master Program (RN to MSN) 

RN to MSN 

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 90

Transfers are not allowed for the first BSN to MSN degree program course.

Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  60  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  45  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  C or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  None

Prior coursework does not expire.  

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  145  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  61 Total credit in degree program minus transferable external credits.
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  60 100% of the program core/major coursework must be completed at ACE. 

Bachelor Programs
(Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) 

Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies  
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Leadership 
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 90

Transfers are not allowed for the first dedicated course in a degree program.

Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  60  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  45  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  C or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  None

Prior coursework does not expire.  

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  120  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  30 Total credit in degree program minus transferable external credits.
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  15 50% of the program core/major coursework must be completed at ACE.

Bachelor Program (RN to BSN) 

RN to BSN

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 90

The first course in the RN-BSN program is not eligible for transfer.

Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  60  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  45  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  No Limit

Prior coursework does not expire.  

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  120  
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  30 Total credit in degree program minus ninety (90) transferable external credits.
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  15 50% of the program core/major coursework must be completed at ACE. 

Certificate Programs (Licensure) 

Principal Preparation
Teaching English Learners
Texas Educational Leadership
Transition to Teaching (T2T) in Elementary Education Certificate
Transition to Teaching (T2T) in Secondary Education Certificate

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program Varies by Program

Transfer credits are limited to equivalent research courses RES5153 or RES5173.

Courses not eligible for transfer include any dedicated first course in a degree program.

Additional exceptions by program:

  • Principal Preparation: The limit is zero (0) hours. 
  • Teaching English Learners: The limit is zero (0) hours.   
  • Texas Educational Leadership: The limit is zero (0) hours. 
  • Transition to Teaching (T2T) in Elementary Education Certificate: A student currently working as a teacher can use professional experience instead of student teaching (EDTT5022 - 2 credits)
  • Transition to Teaching (T2T) in Secondary Education Certificate: A student currently working as a teacher to use professional experience instead of student teaching (EDTT5032 - 2 credit course).
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  0  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  0 The limit is zero (0) credit hours. 
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  N/A  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  N/A

 

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  16-24

Total required credits by program:

Principal Preparation   21
Teaching English Learners 16
Texas Educational Leadership 18
Transition to Teaching (T2T) in Elementary Education Certificate  24
Transition to Teaching (T2T) in Secondary Education Certificate  18
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  16-24 Varies by specific degree program.  In general, total credit in a specific degree program minus transferable external credits.
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  18-21  

Certificate Programs (Non-Licensure)

Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training
Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study
Certificate in Content Area Instruction
Certificate in Essential Employability Skills (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Executive Healthcare Quality and Financial Management (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Higher Education (currently not enrolling) 
Certificate in Nursing Education and Simulation (currently not enrolling) 
Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Management (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Organizational Leadership (currently not enrolling)
Certificate in Teacher Leadership 
Certificate in Virtual Instruction (currently not enrolling)

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program Varies by Program

Courses not eligible for transfer include:

  • First Courses - Any dedicated first course in a certificate program
  • Healthcare Administration Courses with Embedded Benchmarks and/or Lean Healthcare Modules. 

 

Limits by program:

  • Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study: Limit is six (6) hours.
  • Certificate in Content Area Instruction: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Essential Employability: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Executive Healthcare Quality and Financial Management: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Higher Education: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Nursing Education and Simulation: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Management: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Organizational Leadership: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Teacher Leadership: Limit is three (3) hours.
  • Certificate in Virtual Instruction: Limit is six (6) hours.
Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  Varies by Program

Subject to the maximum number of transferable external credit limits:

  • Certificate programs with 21-30 credit hours allow a maximum of six (6) transferable nontraditional credit hours
  • Certificate programs with 20 or fewer credit hours allow a maximum of three (3) transferable nontraditional credits
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  Varies by Program

Subject to the maximum number of transferable external and nontraditional credits:

  • Certificate programs with 21-30 credit hours allow a maximum of six (6) transferable PLA credits
  • Certificate programs with 20 or fewer credit hours allow a maximum of three (3) PLA credits
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  Varies by Program

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.  

Master-level internal transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start for the following (excluding alumni track): 

  1. All ACE courses that start with DL prefix 
  2. All ACE courses that start with EL prefix or their equivalent 
  3. All ACE courses that start with ELX prefix or their equivalent 
  4. All ACE courses that start with ET prefix 
  5. ACE course - HLTH5443: Technology, Leadership, and Health Informatics 
  6. ACE course - LEAD5103: Law, Compliance, and Governance in Higher Education
  7. ACE course - LIT5243: Leading Literacy Improvement 
  8. ACE course - RES5173: Research Methods for Educational Leaders  
Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  15-30

Total required credits by program:

Adult Education and Corporate Training   18
Advanced Graduate Study 30
Content Area Instruction 18
Content Area Instruction 18
Executive Healthcare Quality and Financial Management  18
Higher Education 18
Nursing Education and Simulation 15
Nursing Leadership and Management 15
Organizational Leadership 18
Teacher Leadership 18
Virtual Instruction 22
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  12-24 Varies by specific degree program.  Total credit in a specific program minus transferable external credits
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE 12-24  

Micro-Credential Programs 

Micro-Credential in Early Childhood Special Education  
Micro-Credential in Learning Behavior Specialist 1  
Micro-Credential in Public Health and Health Leadership

 

Item

Detail

Notes

Maximum number of transferable external credits (including postsecondary and nontraditional credits) for this program 3

 

Maximum number of transferable Nontraditional Credits for this program  3  
Maximum number of transferable Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Nontraditional Credits for this program  3  
Grade or GPA Requirements for post-secondary transfer credits  B or Better  
Time limit(s) for transfer credits  10 years

External transfer courses have a ten (10) year transfer limit from course end to term start at ACE.  

Maximum number of prior ACE credits that can be applied to this program  No Limit  
Total required credit hours to complete this program  9-12

Total required credits by program:

Early Childhood Special Education   12
Learning Behavior Specialist 1 12
Public Health and Health Leadership 9
Minimum number of credit hours to be completed at ACE  6-9 Varies by the specific program. Total credit in a program minus transferable external credits
Minimum number of program core/major credit hours that must be completed at ACE  6-9