In general, most baccalaureate-oriented courses from accredited schools will transfer to Northern. Some technical and vocational courses, however, may not. There is no limit to the number of hours that can be transferred to NIU from accredited four-year colleges and universities, but no more than 66 academic credits, plus four physical education activity credits, may transfer from a community college. For more information on transferring credits, contact the Office of Registration and Records at (815) 753-1197.
All students must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit in order to earn a baccalaureate degree from NIU. The typical course load for undergraduate students is 15 to 16 hours, or five courses per semester. To be considered a full-time student, you must enroll for at least 12 semester hours. You are responsible for maintaining grade point averages standards and for meeting any special program requirements and application deadlines in effect for your college and major. Your Undergraduate Catalog is the primary source of information about these requirements.
The Transfer Evaluation of Credit (TEC) indicates a transfer student's academic starting point at NIU. The TEC, a multi-page form, lists courses from your previous school or schools for which Northern has given you credit. If you are currently enrolled in another college or university during your first semester at NIU, remember to send a transcript to the NIU Office of Registration and Records immediately after the term's completion. Also, if you list an intended major on your application for admissions, this form also lists NIU courses required for that major.
The TEC, prepared by the Office of Registration and Records, shows the university's general education requirements (divided into core competency requirements and distributive studies area requirements) as well as the requirements of your intended major, if you choose to give an intended major. This form lists core requirements in English, Oral communications, and Mathematics as well as in Humanities and the Arts, Science/Math, Social Science, and Interdisciplinary areas. A check mark will be placed next to requirements which you have met. Unfulfilled requirements will be listed under "need."
One section of the Transfer Evaluation of Credit recognizes the granting of "Compact Benefits." You may be granted compact benefits which means that you have met all university general education requirements-if you have completed an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree from an Illinois public community college. NIU must receive a final, official transcript indicating that an A.A. or A.S. degree has been earned before compact benefits can be awarded.
This page is maintained by:
Office of Orientation and Campus Information
DeKalb, IL 60115
phone: 815/753-1535
fax: 815/753-7480
e-mail:[email protected]
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