Grand Canyon University Transfer Credits

At Grand Canyon University, we are committed to making the process of transferring colleges as easy as possible. To help you understand the college transfer process, we have prepared informative guides and transfer documents so that you know what you know how your credits may transfer and what degrees may complement your other degrees or credits.

Lopes Credit Evaluation

Find out how your previous college credits and military experience will transfer to GCU with our Lopes Credit Evaluation. This free service was created to help you estimate your Grand Canyon University transfer credits and how quickly you can earn your degree at GCU.

Our Lopes specialist will review all previous college transcripts to determine how those credits may transfer to your desired program. All credits evaluated must meet the requirements of the degree and satisfy specific course requirements in order to be transferred towards the degree program.

Please review these helpful tips and suggestions for completing the pre-evaluation process.

  • Be sure to list all previous institutions within the template and complete each required field.
  • Please attach transcripts from each institution attended, and make sure that each transcript is visible.
  • Make sure the unofficial transcripts include course names, as GCU cannot evaluate based off of course prefixes and numbers.
  • GCU will evaluate courses with an earned letter grade. GCU cannot evaluate pass/fail or satisfactory (S) grades. Undergraduate courses are transferable with a grade of C or better. Graduate courses are transferable with a grade of B or better.

To submit a request for a pre-evaluation, please fill out and submit the following form.

Start Lopes Evaluation

GCU Transfer Credits Policies

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If you have taken coursework from other colleges and universities, you may be able to transfer credits to the degree you are pursuing at GCU.

GCU strives to make the process of earning your undergraduate degree simple. To provide guidance and assistance, GCU has developed college transfer policies that are helpful to know and use throughout the transfer process. You may transfer a total of 30 credits from alternative transfer credit options, including national exams, GCU-approved certificates and the Lifelong Learning Assessment (LLA).

To read more about GCU's college transfer policies, browse the University Policy Handbook.

View Policy Handbook

National Exams

National exams offer you a way to demonstrate mastery of course content, without sitting through the class. You can earn up to 30 Grand Canyon University transfer credits toward your bachelor’s degree through these tests.

Advanced Placement (AP) exams offer you the ability to test your knowledge in many content areas, with the outcome of possibly earning college credit. With 34 exams to choose from, there may be a test for you!

  • The exams are listed within the University Policy Handbook.
  • Speak with your university counselor to verify that your AP exam will count toward your major or degree program.

If you are interested in taking an AP exam, visit apstudent.collegeboard.org/home for more information.

An evaluation of language proficiency from the Berlitz Institute may be accepted for credit. You can take exams for any language assessed by Berlitz. Credit will satisfy foreign language requirements.

  • Refer to the University Policy Handbook for more information.
  • Check with your university counselor to make sure that the exam you want to take covers the appropriate content areas.

Berlitz has provided GCU with a Berlitz Student Guide to help answer questions regarding the Berlitz language exam. You will be required to complete the Berlitz GCU foreign language test application to apply for this testing option. For more information, visit berlitz.us

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives you the opportunity to receive credit for knowledge you achieved through independent study, previous coursework, job training, etc.

  • Review the 33 exams within the University Policy Handbook and decide which test you are interested in taking.
  • Contact your university counselor to verify that content is needed as a program requirement.

For more information about taking a CLEP exam, visit apps.collegeboard.org/cbsearch_clep/searchCLEPTestCenter.jsp

Unlike other testing methods, some Excelsior examinations include written essays, as well as multiple choice and other alternative formats, and may help you earn upper division credit. Exams are available in arts and sciences, business, nursing and more.

  • Refer to the University Policy Handbook for a list of available exams.
  • To ensure the exam you want to take covers the appropriate content areas, speak with your university counselor.

To learn more, visit excelsior.edu.

Formerly DANTES exams, the Prometric DSST exams are an opportunity to earn college credits by demonstrating content knowledge.

  • There are 38 Prometric DSST exams you can choose from. Visit the University Policy Handbook to see a complete list of exams.
  • Work with your university counselor to ensure that the exam will help you earn credit toward your program.

Visit getcollegecredit.com/institutions/search for more information about taking an exam.

GCU-Approved Certificates

American Council on Education (ACE)

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The American Council on Education (ACE) provides a recommended list of formal courses and examinations completed outside of a traditional classroom. This allows you to gain credits for your professional learning experiences and apply them to your academic program at GCU.

You should contact ACE for a transcript of professional training if applicable. For more information, please visit the ACE website.

Undergraduate-Level Certificates

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If you hold one of the following certificates, you may qualify for undergraduate-level semester credits. Explore our various certificates for more information, and work with your university counselor to ensure your college credits transfer properly.

View Undergraduate-Level Certificates

Advanced Graduate-Level Certificates

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GCU is also pleased to offer graduate-level credits in specific areas for appropriate certificates. Browse through our list of graduate-level certificates to learn about course equivalencies and to see if your certificate may help you earn your GCU degree.

View Advanced Graduate-Level Certificates

Lifelong Learning Assessment

The Lifelong Learning Assessment (LLA) provides you with an opportunity to earn Grand Canyon University transfer credits based on work and life experiences. Learn more about the LLA and how you can earn credits.

Concurrent Enrollment Pathway in Nursing

The need for highly qualified nurses continues to rise, making it imperative that students like you who are pursuing an advanced nursing education have a direct path to their degree. GCU works with community colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) to provide students who already have a bachelor’s degree a more efficient, less costly way to obtain their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree through the Nursing Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (NCEP).

Concurrent enrollment can help you obtain your BSN or MSN, which may be attractive to hospitals and clinics that are interested in maintaining Magnet status.

This concurrent enrollment pathway helps prepare you to earn one of the following degrees:

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You are eligible for NCEP if:

  1. You are enrolled in MaricopaNursing's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree program
  2. Have a GPA of 3.0 or more in all MaricopaNursing courses
  3. You have completed all MaricopaNursing and GCU prerequisite requirements
  4. You want to earn your MSN at GCU
  5. You have a bachelor's degree in another field
  6. You have attended a NCEP information session, followed by an application session

If you are an AAS student who already has a bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in the NCEP while still completing your community college education. This gives you a more efficient pathway to your MSN degree and could save you on tuition costs.

Key Benefits of GCU's Concurrent Enrollment Pathway:

  • Obtain an in-demand degree. NCSBN states that in 2015, 42 percent of RNs had a BSN or higher degree as their initial credential, while 65 percent had obtained a baccalaureate or higher degree (in any field) as their highest level of education.1
  • Learn core competencies of a highly sought-after bachelor's-prepared nurse. 2
  • Save money! You will receive a significant tuition reduction on your MSN-bridge courses while enrolled in the concurrent enrollment pathway. Once you graduate, you will receive a MCCCD alumni tuition discount on your MSN program.
  • Save time by focusing on coursework related to BSN core competencies rather than electives and foundational courses.

Learn more about the concurrent enrollment pathway by calling 855-GCU-LOPE and asking to speak with a member of the community college team today.

1Retrieved from: https://ncsbn.org/2015ExecutiveSummary.pdf

2 Students who complete this program will NOT earn a BSN. Successful completion results in an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from MaricopaNursing, Registered Nurse license after passing the NCLEX-RN and a Master of Science in Nursing from GCU.

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