Course Substitution Vs Course Equivalency

Course Substitution

What it is:
● An internal college or university process that allows for swapping one required
course for another.

Why it’s used:
● When a student has taken a similar course elsewhere or completed an
alternative that meets the same learning objectives.

Process:
● Students request substitution through the department.
● The Department Chair evaluates if the proposed course adequately covers the
required material.
● If approved, the substituted course fulfills the requirement.
● Notes are made in the student’s record.
● Nothing is reflected on the student’s transcript

Example:
● Instead of taking Calculus I, a student submits a request to substitute it with
Statistics, demonstrating it covers similar mathematical concepts.

Evaluating a Credit for Course Equivalency

What it is:
● Determining if a course taken at one institution is equal to a course offered at
another.

Why it’s used:
● To recognize learning achieved elsewhere and grant credit accordingly.

Process:
● Students provide course information and syllabus from the previous institution.
● The Department Chair compares the content, objectives, and rigor of both
courses.
● If deemed equivalent, the student receives credit for the course.
● The student’s transcript is updated.

Example:
● A student transfers from a community college with a course in Introductory
Psychology. The advisor evaluates if it aligns with the university’s Introduction to
Psychology course to grant credit.

In Summary

Course Substitution:
● Replacing a required course with a similar one.
● Student asks the department, the Department Chair checks if it meets
requirements, and if approved, it fulfills the requirement.
● No changes are made to the student’s transcript.

Credit for Course Equivalency:
● Determining if a course taken elsewhere matches a course at the current
institution.
● Students provide details, the Department Chair compares, and if they’re
equivalent, credit is granted.
● Changes are made to the student’s transcript.

Key Difference

Course Substitution is about replacing a specific required course with another one that’s deemed equivalent by your institution.

Evaluating a Credit for Course Equivalency is about determining if a course taken elsewhere matches the content and standards of a course at your current institution, typically for the purpose of transferring credits or fulfilling requirements.

In simple terms, think of course substitution as swapping one class for another within your own school’s requirements, while evaluating credit for course equivalency is about making sure a class you took somewhere else counts the same as one offered at your current college.

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