Going back to college - classes still valid?

Question

I have a computer programming AA degree but I would like to go back for political science. Obviously these are very different fields, but are the basic classes I took (i.e. composition) still valid to use in another program? I ask because my sister-in-law recently went back to college and she was told that the classes she took, because it was more than five years ago, were no longer valid and she had to take them over again. Has anyone ever heard this or encountered anything like it?

Answer 1

Hi Jen, it depends on the university that she goes to. Some universities will accept classes and transfer credits, and others won't. So when you talk to the university that you want to go to, before you sign the dotted line, make sure that your credits will transfer. When I went to a private university, I was lucky, I was able to knock out a full year so I only went 3 years instead of the full 4 because I went to a 2 year school 10 years ago and all of my credits transferred. (thank goodness!) So be sure to check with your school first. Most major universities should accept classes, especially if they are accredited classes. Good luck.

Answer 2

It depends on the university. At the college I work at the classes would still be valid if they are the same as the one's needed for the program that you are going into or they are equivalent.

The best thing that you can do is obtain transcripts from all the colleges you have previously attended - you will need these anyways when you apply for admission. Make an appointment with an Advisor at the school you wish to attend and bring the transcripts in with you - for this you can get an official transcript or unofficial. You will need an official copy for admission though. Ask the advisor to sit down and go over your transcripts and find out what will count for credit and what will not. This way you will know what you have to retake before you even begin going back to school.

Also, this will help you to figure out how much school is going to cost because you will know exactly how many credit hours you will need to take.

I have never heard of a university turning away credits that are 5 years old that are general education requirements such as composition and math, but to be safe I would make an appointment to sit down and have a transcript evaluation.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

I know that math courses are only valid for three years and english courses I think are only valid for five years. Since you already have an AA the classes you have taken in math and english should not have to be taken again. You should be able to take the next level of classes. Every college is a little different on what they accept so check out the best one for you and the one that will accept your AA.

Answer 4

It depends on the school. I recently re-enrolled and classes I took seven years ago are counted toward my degree

Answer 5

It depends on the school you want to enroll in. Check with the dean's office and the department of your intended major.

Answer 6

yes the five year limit rule is true. You will need to check with the school's admissions/academic advising/registrar's office on their policy to know for sure.

Answer 7

check w/your school's registrar and the dept that you want a degree in