Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Alternative Credit Options/Prior Learning Assessment


The University may grant credit for prior learning, depending on the academic program, as verified by the following assessment methods:

  1. National standardized tests, including:
  2. Departmental Credit by Examination
  3. Portfolio Assessment
  4. Credit for Military Training, Military Occupational Specialties, and Other Training Programs Evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE)
  5. Credit for Other training programs

Prior learning credit does not count toward semester hour residency requirements. Regardless of credit granted for prior learning, all students must complete the minimum semester hour residency requirements. Therefore, the maximum number of prior learning credit hours is limited by these residency requirements. Please review the semester hour residency requirements before planning to use any of these options. See Degree and Certificate Requirements .

Each academic department determines the applicability of prior learning assessment to courses in the academic discipline and for the academic major and minor. Students must meet with an academic advisor in their program as well as with the Prior Learning Specialist to determine how much, if any, credit for prior learning may apply to a particular degree program. The academic department in which the course in question resides will make the final determination on any credit granted for prior learning.

Once prior learning is assessed and credit is awarded, the total number of those credits applicable to a degree will not be reduced unless the student repeats already-awarded credit at MSU Denver or interrupts MSU Denver enrollment for three or more consecutive semesters and readmits to the University under more restrictive Prior Learning Assessment evaluation policies.

For advising assistance with CLEP examinations, departmental credit by examination, and portfolio assessment, students may contact the Prior Learning Specialist, Registrar’s Office, Student Success Building Counter 3 (890 Auraria Parkway Suite 160), 303-605-5574.

Advanced Placement Examinations

Students who have performed satisfactorily in special, college-level courses while in high school, and who have passed appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) examinations conducted by the College Entrance Examination Board may have official scores submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar. This office, in consultation with the appropriate department chair, determines the amount and nature of the credit and/or advanced placement granted. Students should contact collegeboard.com or 888-225-5427 to request official AP scores; MSU Denver’s AP code is 4505.

AP scores that are equivalent to a course with the Oral Communication General Studies designation will receive Oral Communication General Studies credit.

Course Credit Awards for Advanced Placement Exams

 
Subject Area Exam Title Score Required Equivalent Course(s) Credits Awarded General Studies Requirement Satisfied GT Pathways Category
Arts Art History 3 ARTH 1600 - World Art I: Art Prior to 1400   3 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4 or 5

ARTH 1600 - World Art I: Art Prior to 1400  

ARTH 1700 - World Art II: Art 1400-1900  

6 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Computer Science Computer Science (A) 3, 4, or 5 CS 1050 - Computer Science 1   4 None None
   
Computer Sciences (AB) 3 CS 1050 - Computer Science 1   4 None None
4 or 5

CS 1050 - Computer Science 1  

CS 2050 - Computer Science 2  

8 None None
   
Computer Science Principles 3, 4, or 5 CS 1030 - Computer Science Principles   4 None None
   
English English Language and Composition 3, 4, or 5 ENG 1010 - Composing Arguments   3 Written Communication CO1
   
English Literature and Composition 3 ENG 1100 - Introduction to Literature   3 Arts and Humanities AH2
4 or 5

ENG 1010 - Composing Arguments  

ENG 1100 - Introduction to Literature  

6 Written Communication, Arts and Humanities CO1 and AH2
   
History United States History 3 HIS 1210 - American History to 1865   3 Historical HI1
4 or 5

HIS 1210 - American History to 1865  

HIS 1220 - American History since 1865  

6 Historical HI1
   
European History 3 HIS 8000 (3) 3 Historical, Global Diversity HI1
4 or 5

HIS 1045 - Europe, Renaissance to the Present 

HIS 8000 (3)

6 Historical, Global Diversity HI1
   
World History 3 HIS 1030 - World History to 1500   3 Historical, Global Diversity HI1
4 or 5

HIS 1030 - World History to 1500  

HIS 1040 - World History since 1500  

6 Historical, Global Diversity HI1
   
Languages Chinese Language and Culture 3 CHI 1020 - Elementary Chinese II   5 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

CHI 1020 - Elementary Chinese II  

CHI 8000 (3)

8 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

CHI 1020 - Elementary Chinese II  

CHI 8000 (6)

11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
French Language and Culture 3

FRE 1020 - Elementary French II  

FRE 2110 - French Reading and Conversation  

8 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

FRE 1020 - Elementary French II  

FRE 2010 - Intermediate French I  

 FRE 2110 - French Reading and Conversation  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

FRE 1020 - Elementary French II  

FRE 2010 - Intermediate French I  

 FRE 2110 - French Reading and Conversation  
14 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
French Literature and Culture 3 or 4

FRE 1020 - Elementary French II  

FRE 2010 - Intermediate French I  

 FRE 2110 - French Reading and Conversation  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

FRE 1020 - Elementary French II  

FRE 2010 - Intermediate French I  

FRE 2020 - Intermediate French II  

FRE 2110 - French Reading and Conversation  

  FRE 3010 - French as a Global Language  
17 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
German Language and Culture 3

GER 1020 - Elementary German II  

GER 2010 - Intermediate German I  

GER 2020 - Intermediate German II  

11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

GER 1020 - Elementary German II  

GER 2010 - Intermediate German I  

  GER 2020 - Intermediate German II  

GER 2110 - German Reading and Conversation  

14 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

GER 1020 - Elementary German II  

GER 2010 - Intermediate German I  

 GER 2020 - Intermediate German II  

GER 2110 - German Reading and Conversation  

 GER 2120 - German Civilization  
17 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
German Literature 3

GER 1020 - Elementary German II  

GER 2010 - Intermediate German I  

 GER 2020 - Intermediate German II  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

GER 1020 - Elementary German II  

GER 2010 - Intermediate German I  

 GER 2020 - Intermediate German II  

GER 2110 - German Reading and Conversation  

14 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

GER 1020 - Elementary German II  

GER 2010 - Intermediate German I  

 GER 2020 - Intermediate German II  

GER 2110 - German Reading and Conversation  

 GER 2120 - German Civilization  
17 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Latin 3, 4, or 5 LAS 8000 (5) 5 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Italian Language and Culture 3 ITA 1020 - Elementary Italian II   5 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

ITA 1020 - Elementary Italian II  

ITA 2010 - Intermediate Italian I  

8 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

ITA 1020 - Elementary Italian II  

ITA 2010 - Intermediate Italian I  

 ITA 2020 - Intermediate Italian II  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Japanese Language and Culture 3 JPS 1020 - Elementary Japanese II   5 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

JPS 1020 - Elementary Japanese II  

JPS 2010 - Intermediate Japanese I  

8 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

JPS 1020 - Elementary Japanese II  

JPS 2010 - Intermediate Japanese I  

JPS 2020 - Intermediate Japanese II  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Spanish Language and Culture 3

SPA 1020 - Elementary Spanish II  

SPA 2010 - Intermediate Spanish I  

 SPA 2020 - Intermediate Spanish II  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4

SPA 1020 - Elementary Spanish II  

SPA 2010 - Intermediate Spanish I  

 SPA 2020 - Intermediate Spanish II  

SPA 2110 - Spanish Reading and Communication I  

14 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
5

SPA 1020 - Elementary Spanish II  

SPA 2010 - Intermediate Spanish I  

SPA 2020 - Intermediate Spanish II  

SPA 2110 - Spanish Reading and Communication I  

 SPA 2120 - Spanish Reading and Communication II  
17 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Spanish Literature and Culture 3

SPA 1020 - Elementary Spanish II  

SPA 2010 - Intermediate Spanish I  

 SPA 2020 - Intermediate Spanish II  
11 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
4 or 5

SPA 1020 - Elementary Spanish II  

SPA 2010 - Intermediate Spanish I  

SPA 2020 - Intermediate Spanish II  

SPA 2110 - Spanish Reading and Communication I  

SPA 2120 - Spanish Reading and Communication II  

17 Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity None
   
Mathematics Calculus AB 3, 4, or 5 MTH 1410 - Calculus I   4 Quantitative Literacy MA1
   
Calculus BC 3 MTH 1410 - Calculus I   4 Quantitative Literacy MA1
Calculus BC 4 or 5

MTH 1410 - Calculus I  

MTH 2410 - Calculus II  

8 Quantitative Literacy MA1
   
Statistics 3, 4, or 5 MTH 1210 - Introduction to Statistics   4 Quantitative Literacy MA1
   
Natural and Physical Sciences Biology 3, 4, or 5

BIO 1080 - General Biology I  

BIO 1081 - General Biology II  

BIO 1090 - General Biology Laboratory I  

BIO 1091 - General Biology Laboratory II  

8 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
   
Chemistry 3

CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I  

CHE 1801 - General Chemistry I Laboratory  

5 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
4 or 5

CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I  

CHE 1801 - General Chemistry I Laboratory  

CHE 1810 - General Chemistry II  

CHE 1811 - General Chemistry II Laboratory  

10 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
   
Environmental Science 3, 4, or 5 ENV 1200 - Introduction to Environmental Science   3 Natural and Physical Sciences SC2
   
Physics B 3, 4, or 5

PHY 2010 - College Physics I  

PHY 2020 - College Physics II  

PHY 2030 - College Physics I Laboratory  

PHY 2040 - College Physics II Laboratory  

10 Natural and Physical Sciences None
   
Physics C Mechanics 3, 4, or 5

PHY 2311 - General Physics I  

PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory  

5 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
   
Physics C Electricity and Magnetism 3, 4, or 5

PHY 2331 - General Physics II  

PHY 2341 - General Physics II Laboratory  

5 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
   
Physics 1 3, 4, or 5

PHY 2010 - College Physics I  

PHY 2030 - College Physics I Laboratory  

5 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
   
Physics 2 3, 4, or 5

PHY 2020 - College Physics II  

PHY 2040 - College Physics II Laboratory  

5 Natural and Physical Sciences SC1
   
Social and Behavioral Sciences Economics: Microeconomics 3, 4, or 5 ECO 2020 - Principles of Microeconomics   3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1 and SS2
   
Economics: Macroeconomics 3, 4, or 5 ECO 2010 - Principles of Macroeconomics   3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1
   
Human Geography 3, 4, or 5 GEG 1300 - Introduction to Human Geography   3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1
   
Government and Politics: United States 3, 4, or 5 PSC 1010 - American National Government   3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1
   
Government and Politics: Comparative 3, 4, or 5 PSC 1010 - American National Government   3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1
   
Psychology 3, 4, or 5 PSY 1001 - Introductory Psychology   3 Social and Behavioral Sciences None
   
Music Music Theory 3, 4, or 5 MUS 1010 - Essential Music Theory Skills   3 None None
   
Philosophy Philosophy 3, 4, or 5 PHI 1010 - Introduction to Philosophy   3 Arts and Humanities None

 


 

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) consists of a series of national standardized examinations. They are designed to assess non-accredited, college-level knowleedge in several subject areas. Students are advised to check with their major departments for information on specific General Studies requirements that may not be met through the use of CLEP examinations.

  • Credit earned through the English composition with essay, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences/history, and college mathematics examinations may be applied only to General Studies requirements. Credit earned through the other approved examinations may be applied toward any requirements for completing the degree, unless otherwise stated.
  • CLEP examinations are recorded without reference to a letter grade and are not figured into the student’s GPA. Credit earned through CLEP examinations does not count toward semester hour residency requirements. See Degree and Certificate Requirements .
  • In order to have CLEP examination results evaluated, the student should send a copy of the official score report to: Metropolitan State University of Denver, Office of the Registrar, Campus Box 84, P.O. Box 173362, Denver, CO 80217-3362. To request an official CLEP score report, contact collegeboard.com/clep or 800-257-9558. MSU Denver’s CLEP code is 4505.
  • All CLEP examinations will be subject to the statement of policy in place at the time the scores are submitted, not the policy in place at the time the examination was taken.
  • Credit awarded through CLEP examinations at other colleges or universities will be re-evaluated at MSU Denver according to the MSU Denver policy in place at the time the test scores are submitted. Students are advised to have an official copy of their score(s) sent to the University in order to have that credit evaluated.
  • Any exception to these policies must be approved through the Petition for Degree Exception. Information about filing an appeal through the Petition for Degree Exception is available from the Dean’s Office of the College or School corresponding to the student’s major.
  • Failure to achieve the required score(s) listed will not be entered on the permanent record. However, a copy of the CLEP score report will be retained in the student’s file.

Additional information about the content and format of CLEP examinations is available through the College Board website at collegeboard.com/clep. Examinations may be taken through MSU Denver’s Office of Assessment and Testing located in the Tivoli Student Union, Room 347, 303 615-1700, msudenver.edu/testing. Other official testing centers can be found through the College Board website listed above.

CLEP EXAMINATION STANDARDS

 
Subject Area CLEP Exam Equivalent Course(s) Minimum Score for
MSU Denver Credit
MSU Denver Credit

MSU Denver
General Studies

GT Pathways Category
Business Financial Accounting ACC 2010 - Principles of Accounting I   50 3 None None  
Information Systems CIS 2010 - Foundations of Information Systems   50 3 None None
Introductory Business Law MGT 2210 - Legal Environment of Business I   50 3 None None
Principles of Management MGT 8900* 50 3 None None
Principles of Marketing MKT 8900* 50 3 None None
 
Composition and Literature American Literature ENG 2220 - American Literature: Civil War to Present   50 3 Arts and Humanities AH2
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature1 ENG 1100 - Introduction to Literature   50 3 Arts and Humanities AH2
College Composition

ENG 1010 - Composing Arguments 

ENG 1020 - Research and Argument Writing  

50 6 Written Communication CO1 and CO2
College Composition Modular ENG 1009 - Stretch Composing Arguments B   50 3 Written Communication CO1
English Literature ENG 2330 - British Literature: Late 1700s to the Present   50 3 Arts and Humanities AH2
Humanities LAS 8000 50 3 Arts and Humanities AH1
 
History and Social Sciences American Government PSC 1010 - American National Government   50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1
History of the United States I HIS 1210 - American History to 1865   50 3 Historical HI1
History of the United States II HIS 1220 - American History since 1865   50 3 Historical HI1
Human Growth and Development PSY 2210 - Psychology of Human Development   50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS3
Introduction to Educational Psychology PSY 8000 50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS3
Introductory Psychology PSY 1001 - Introductory Psychology   50 3 Social and Behavoiral Sciences SS3
Introductory Sociology SOC 1010 - Introduction to Sociology   50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS3
Principles of Macroeconomics ECO 2010 - Principles of Macroeconomics   50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS3
Principles of Microeconomics ECO 2020 - Principles of Microeconomics   50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS3
Social Science and History LAS 8000 50 3 Social and Behavioral Sciences SS1
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 HIS 8000 50 3 Historical, Global Diversity HI1
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present HIS 8000 50 3 Historical, Global Diversity HI1
 
Science and Mathematics Biology BIO 1030 - General Biology for Non-Majors   50 6 Natural and Physical Sciences SC2
Chemistry

CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I  

CHE 1810 - General Chemistry II  

50 8 Natural and Physical Sciences SC2
Natural Sciences BIO 1030 - General Biology for Non-Majors   50 6 Natural and Physical Sciences SC2
Calculus MTH 1410 - Calculus I   50 4 Quantitative Literacy MA1
College Algebra MTH 1110 - College Algebra for Calculus   50 4 Quantitative Literacy MA1
College Mathematics MTH 1080 - Mathematics for Liberal Arts   50 3 Quantitative Literacy MA1
Precalculus MTH 1400 - Precalculus Mathematics   50 4 Quantitative Literacy MA1
 
World Languages French Language

FRE 8000 (6)

FRE 8001 (4)

50-58 10 None None
French Language

FRE 8000 (6)

FRE 8001 (4)

FRE 8002 (3)

59 13 Arts and Humanities AH4
French Language

FRE 8000 (6)

FRE 8001 (4)

FRE 8002 (3)

FRE 8003 (3)

60 and up 16 Arts and Humanities AH4
German Language

GER 8000 (6)

GER 8001 (4)

50-59 10 None None
German Language

GER 8000 (6)

GER 8001 (4)

GER 8002 (3)

60 13 Arts and Humanities AH4
German Language

GER 8000 (6)

GER 8001 (4)

GER 8002 (3)

GER 8003 (3)

61 and up 16 Arts and Humanities AH4
Spanish Language

SPA 8000 (6)

SPA 8001 (4)

50-62 10 None None
Spanish Language

SPA 8000 (6)

SPA 8001 (4)

SPA 8002 (3)

63 13 Arts and Humanities AH4
Spanish Language

SPA 8000 (6)

SPA 8001 (4)

SPA 8002 (3)

SPA 8003 (3)

64 and up 16 Arts and Humanities AH4
Spanish with Writing SPA 8000 (6) 50-55 6 None None
Spanish with Writing

SPA 8000 (6)

SPA 8001 (4)

56-64 10 None None
Spanish with Writing

SPA 8000 (6)

SPA 8001 (4)

SPA 8002 (3)

65-69 13 Arts and Humanities AH4
Spanish with Writing

SPA 8000 (6)

SPA 8001 (4)

SPA 8002 (3)

SPA 8003 (3)

70 and above 16 Arts and Humanities AH4

 

Examination scores are based on standards set by NTE/ETS and in consultation with the appropriate department chairperson.

*MGT8900 is equivalent to MGT3000- Organizational Management, but counts as lower division.

*MKT8900 is equivalent to MKT3000- Principles of Marketing, but counts as lower division.

DANTES Tests (DSST)

MSU Denver awards credit for Defense Activity for Nontraditional Educational Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Credit may be awarded if the DANTES score is at the ACE (American Council on Education) minimum and the MSU Denver Academic Department approves the credit. To have a DANTES exam evaluated, a DANTES transcript or ACE transcript showing the exams taken and scores received must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. To request a copy of your DANTES scores, please go to the following website: http://getcollegecredit.com/contact/.

For information on test credit, please visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

International Baccalaureate

Students who complete the IB Diploma Program and the IB examinations are guaranteed admission to the University and are eligible to receive credit and advanced placement standing. To receive credit, a student must receive at least a score of four (4) on each IB examination and call 301-202-3025 or visit ibo.org/informationfor/alumni/transcripts to request that official scores be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the IB organization. For specific equivalencies, see the table below. Please contact the Office of the Registrar at 303-556-3991 for more information. Students should consult with the appropriate department for further advising and with their major departments about acceptance of credits toward their majors.

IB scores that are equivalent to a course with the Oral Communication General Studies designation will receive Oral Communication General Studies credit.

International Baccalaureate Transfer Credit Award

 
IB Exam Level of
Exam
Exam
Score
MSU Denver Equivalence Semester
Hours
MSU Denver General
Studies Area
Anthropology Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

ANT 1310 w/ 3 hrs elective
ANT 1310-3

6
3

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences

Art-Design A Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

ART 1101-3 w/ 3 hrs elective
ART 1101-3

6
3
 
Art-Visual Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

Art elective
Art elective

6
3
 
Biology Higher
Higher
Standard
5 thru 7
4
4 thru 7

BIO 1080-3, BIO 1090-1, BIO 1081-3, BIO 1091-1
BIO 1080-3, BIO 1090-1, BIO 1081-3, BIO 1091-1
BIO 1030-4

8
8
4

Natural and Physical Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences

Chemistry Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
CHE 1010-3, CHE 1100-4, CHE 1150-1
CHE 1010-3
8
3

Natural and Physical Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences

Computer Science Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

CIS 1010-3 w/ 3 hrs elective
CIS 1010-3

6
3
 
Dance Higher 4 thru 7

Theatre elective

3  
Economics Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
ECO 2010-3 w/ 3 hrs elective
Economics elective
6
3

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences

Environmental Systems and Societies

Standard

4 thru 7

ENV 1200-3

3

Natural and Physical Sciences

Foreign Lang (A1)
French, German,
Spanish

Higher

 


Standard

4 thru 7

 


4 thru 7

FRE 3110-3 & FRE 3320-3 or
GER 3010-3 & GER 3210-3 or
SPA 3110-3 & SPA 3250-3


FRE, GER, SPA 1010-5, 1020-5

6

 


10

 

Foreign Language (French) (B)

Standard

 

 

Higher

4
5 thru 6
7

 

4 thru 5
6 thru 7

FRE 1010-5
FRE 1010-5, FRE 1020-5
FRE 1010-5, FRE 1020-5, FRE 2010-3


FRE 1010-5, FRE 1020-5
FRE 1010-5, FRE 1020-5, FRE 2010-3

5
10
13
 

10
13

 

Foreign Language (German) (B)

Higher
Standard

4 thru 7
4 thru 7

GER 2110-3 & GER 2120-3
GER 1010-5, GER 1020-5

6
10

 

Foreign Language (Spanish) (B)

Standard
Higher

4 thru 7
4 thru 7

SPA 1010-5, SPA 1020-5
SPA 2010-3, SPA 2020-3

10
6

 

Geography Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
GEG 1300-3, GEG 1100-3
GEG 1300-3
6
3

Social and Behavioral Sciences; Natural and Physical Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences

History of Africa Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
History elective
History elective
6
3

Historical
Historical

20th Century World History

Standard

4 thru 7

HIS 1040-3

3

Historical; Global Diversity

20th Century World History-The Americas

Higher

4 thru 7

History elective

6

Historical

History of Asia

Higher
Standard

4 thru 7
4 thru 7

History elective
History elective

6
3

Historical
Historical

20th Century World History- European Higher 4 thru 7 HIS 1045-3 w/ History elective 6

Historical; Global Diversity

Japanese Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

Modern Languages elective
Modern Languages elective

6
3
 
 English: Literature Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
ENG 1100-3
ENG 1100-3
3
3

Arts and Humanities - 3
Arts and Humanities - 3

English A: Language and Literature Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
ENG 1010-3, ENG 1100-3
ENG 1010-3
6
3

Written Communication - 3; Arts and Humanities - 3
Written Communication - 3

Latin Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

Modern Languages elective
Modern Languages elective

6
3
 
Mathematics Standard 4 thru 7 MTH 1110-4 4

Quantitative Literacy

Mathematics Higher
Higher
5 thru 7
4
MTH 1410-4
MTH 1400-4
4
4
 
Quantitative Literacy
Quantitative Literacy

Further Mathematics

Higher

4 thru 7

MTH 2140-2, MTH 2410-4

6

Quantitative Literacy

Math Methods Standard
Standard
5 thru 7
4
MTH 1110-4
Mathematics elective
4
3

Quantitative Literacy
Quantitative Literacy

Math Studies Standard 4 thru 7 MTH 1080-3 3

Quantitative Literacy

Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Standard 4 thru 7 MTH 8000-3 3 Quantitative Literacy
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Higher 4 thru 7 MTH 8000-6 6 Quantitative Literacy
Mathematics Applications and Interpretation Standard 4 thru 7 MTH 8000-3 3 Quantitative Literacy
Mathematics Applications and Interpretation Higher 4 thru 7 MTH 8000-6 6 Quantitative Literacy

Music

Higher

4 thru 7

MUS 1000-3

3

Arts and Humanities

Music- Creating

Standard

4 thru 7

MUS 1000-3

3

Arts and Humanities

Music- Group Performing

Standard

4 thru 7

MUS 1000-3

3

Arts and Humanities

Music- Solo Performing

Standard

4 thru 7

MUS 1000-3

3

Arts and Humanities

Philosophy Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

PHI 1010-3
PHI 1010-3

3
3

Arts and Humanities
Arts and Humanities
Physics Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

PHY 2010-4, PHY 2020-4,
PHY 1000-4

10
4

Natural and Physical Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences

Psychology Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
PSY 1001-3 w/ 3 hrs elective
PSY 1001-3 w/ 3 hrs elective

6
6

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences

Russian Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7

Modern Languages elective
Modern Languages elective

6
3
 
Theater Higher
Standard
4 thru 7
4 thru 7
THE 2210-3
THE 2210-3
3
3

Arts and Humanities
Arts and Humanities

 

 

 

Departmental Credit by Examination

A department may grant a student credit for college courses for which the student requests and passes appropriate examinations. The non-refundable processing fee reflects actual administration costs and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Credit through departmental examination is based on knowledge equivalent to a regular course offered by the University. Omnibus-numbered courses are excluded. No record of failures on such examinations will be entered on the student’s permanent record.

The following policies apply to all courses:

  • Examinations cannot be taken to raise grades, to remove failures, or to remove notations that have no effect on the GPA.
  • Credit by examination is not applicable toward the semester hour residency requirements. See Degree and Certificate Requirements .
  • Credit by examination will not be granted for courses attended as an auditor.
  • Examinations for credit will be taken at a time specified by the department. The department may limit the number of times students can attempt to challenge a course in one semester or in total. See department for details.
  • The hours granted for credit by exam are not included as a part of the student’s semester enrollment. The credit will appear on the transcript for the semester in which the examination was taken, but the hours do not count as part of the student’s total enrollment for the purposes of financial aid or any other purpose predicated on total hours of enrollment for a given semester.
  • Any exception to these policies must be approved through the Petition for Degree Exception. Information about filing an appeal through the Petition for Degree Exception is available from the Dean’s Office of the College or School corresponding to the student’s major.

The following policies only apply to courses with a gtPathways designation:

  • MSU Denver will not grant credit for a departmental examination if, prior to the semester the exam is taken, a student has completed, was enrolled in, or is enrolled in, college courses equivalent to the subject material of the exam.
  • A grade equivalent to “C-” or higher must be attained on the examination in order to receive credit, but credit earned for the course will be recorded without a grade on the student’s permanent record and are not considered in computing university grade point averages.

The following policies only apply to courses that do not have a gtPathways designation:

  • Permission for departmental credit by examination must be obtained in advance from the instructor giving the examination, the department chair, and the appropriate dean.
  • Credit by examination cannot be obtained for a course in which a student has been enrolled at MSU Denver or at another regionally accredited college or university.
  • MSU Denver will not grant credit for a departmental examination if, prior to the semester the exam is taken, a student has completed, is enrolled in, or was enrolled in, college courses equivalent to or more advanced than the subject material of the exam. This restriction includes courses designated at a higher level (i.e., 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000) within the same subject prefix (e.g., HIS, ENG).
  • A grade equivalent to “B” or higher must be attained on the examination in order to receive credit, but credits earned for the course will be recorded without a grade on the student’s permanent record and are not considered in computing university grade point averages.

Applications for departmental credit by examination are available at the Office of the Registrar (Student Success Building, Suite 160, #3).

Portfolio Assessment

Students may apply for credit for college-level learning gained through experience by preparing and submitting a prior learning portfolio. Credit is awarded on the basis of a careful assessment of the prior learning portfolio by faculty in the department from which credit is sought. Portfolio assessment is available in many, but not all, academic departments. To earn credit, a student must be a continuing student enrolled in good standing in a degree or certificate program.

The portfolio is developed with the assistance of the Prior Learning Specialist. Portfolio assessment may be used to apply for credit for specific courses listed in the Catalog. Students may also apply for credit for omnibus courses through portfolio assessment with the permission of the appropriate academic department. Applicants for credit through portfolio assessment will be required to take

 , which is offered as a correspondence course.

Policies that govern credit for prior learning options apply to credit awarded through the portfolio process. The non-refundable processing fee reflects actual administration costs and must be paid prior to evaluation of the portfolio by faculty for academic credit.

Advising sessions about portfolio assessment and other credit for prior learning options are held on a regular basis. For assistance and further information, contact the Prior Learning Specialist at 303-605-5574 or msudenver.edu/registrar.

 

Credit for Military Training, Military Occupational Specialties, and Other Training Programs Evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE)

Military training, Military Occupational Specialties, and other educational programs that have been assessed for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) will be evaluated for transfer credit at MSU Denver for Veteran, Reserve, and Active Duty students.

In addition MSU Denver offers the following package of transfer credit and waivers:

  • Either 6 semester hours of lower division elective credit (MILR 8000) for all students who have served four years active duty in the U.S. military OR 3 semester hours of lower division elective credit (MILR 8000) for all students who have served two years active duty in the U.S. military.
  • 6 additional semester hours of upper division elective credit (MILR 9000) for students who have either served two terms of service of four years each or attained the rank of E5 or above in the U.S. military.
  • 3 credits of COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking  for all students who served at least one enlistment and achieved the rank of E5 or above in the U.S. military.
  • Waiver of the Global Diversity requirement for all students who accumulate at least 6 months of foreign service in the U.S. military.

Applicable credit and waivers will be granted upon presentation of evidence of either continued active service, transfer to the Reserve component, or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Students who have been discharged from active service should submit their form DD214 to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation.

To request a military transcript, visit jst.doded.mil. Community College of the Air Force transcripts can be requested here.

Contact Prior Learning Specialist in the Office of the Registrar at 303-605-5574 for the following:

  • Guidance in selecting a program of study and optimizing the use of prior learning assessment credit to accelerate the student’s path to degree or certificate completion in the chosen program of study.

  • Questions regarding credit awarded for military experience or other prior learning assessment options.

Credit for Other Training Programs

Non-collegiate training such as corporate and educational programs, certifications, apprenticeships, and professional licenses may be considered for transfer credit with the approval of the academic department.

 

Page Revised August 17, 2021