Transfer Credit Policy

The Department of Chemistry grants transfer credit for chemistry courses taken at other colleges and universities upon approval of the transfer credit advisor in the department. These courses may be taken prior to matriculation at Rice, or they may be taken during the summer or during study abroad programs. Transfer credit must meet rules and procedures established in the Rice University General Announcements and as administered by the Office of the Registrar. Students should obtain pre-approval from the transfer credit advisor using the Undergraduate Request for Transfer Credit, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.

To satisfy the Department's ruling on transfer credit, a course must be one that counts toward the chemistry degree at that school. Courses for transfer credit after matriculation for General Chemistry (CHEM 121 and/or CHEM 122) and the laboratory (CHEM 123 and/or CHEM 124) must contain a laboratory component or must involve co-enrollment in associated lecture and laboratory courses. Any student who has taken CHEM 121 and/or CHEM 122 prior to matriculating at Rice must receive instructor approval to take the lab credit on the Rice campus. Transfer credit for courses at the 300-level or above is generally not permitted. Exceptions may be granted to students transferring to Rice from another institution or coursework carried out during an approved year abroad.

NOTE: We do not accept transfer credit for laboratories conducted remotely or virtually, regardless of where the course is taken.

Students should follow these steps to obtain transfer credit approval:

1. The student should seek prior approval from the transfer credit advisor before registering for a course at another institution. A conversation in person or via email is strongly advised.
2. The student should obtain a copy of the syllabus for any course they plan to take so that the content can be assessed for equivalence at Rice. A syllabus from a recent offering of the course will suffice, since syllabi are often not released far in advance. The syllabus should include the format of the course, the start and end dates of the course, and the meeting times for the course.
3. In discussing plans with the transfer credit advisor, the student should explain why they wish to obtain transfer credit. Students are advised that Rice courses are always considered in priority over courses from other institutions. Study abroad is an excellent reason to take courses away from Rice. Illnesses, disabilities, and family situations will certainly be accommodated.
4. Once a course is agreed upon with the transfer credit advisor, the student must complete an Undergraduate Request for Transfer Credit form, which is available from the Office of the Registrar. This must be submitted to Anita Walker, Chemistry Course Administrator (aawalker@rice.edu). Questions concerning transfer credit should be directed to Anita Walker at 713-348-4027 or aawalker@rice.edu.

The signed form will be delivered to you via email so that you may submit the form to the Registrar. Please allow one week for processing of the transfer credit request.