Credits for WashU and Alternative Programs

Students may earn a maximum of 15 Non-WashU Credits during the course of their degree. This includes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and transfer credit. Credit from WU and Alternative study abroad programs counts as transfer credit. If students have already earned 15 credits in this category, no additional credit will be awarded.

Minors must earn all minor credits in the Sam Fox School. General electives earned abroad will not count toward distribution requirements for Writing; Humanities; Natural Sciences & Mathematics; Social and Behavioral Sciences; History of Western Art, Architecture, and Design; or Introduction to Modern Art, Architecture and Design.

Courses must be comparable in content to Sam Fox School program offerings. We look carefully at the number of contact hours per course. For example, a three-credit lecture course meets for 3 hours per week, total of 45 hours per semester. A three-credit studio course meets for 6 hours a week, total 90 hours per semester. Include this type of information in your proposal. Refer to example WU syllabi for reference in choosing your courses.

If students are pursuing credit for Art History requirements or meeting degree requirements for another department, they must include written confirmation from that department stating the course will count toward their major or minor.

All courses must be taken for a grade and you must earn a B- or better to receive credit for courses completed in WUSTL or alternative study abroad programs. While the grade is required, it will not appear on the Wash U transcript. Credits will only be awarded if the minimum grade requirement is met.

If students are eligible to earn transfer credit, each major in the Sam Fox School has limitations on which credits can be earned in alternative programs:

Minors

Students pursuing a minor must earn all of the minor credits in a Sam Fox School program, either on campus or in Florence. No credits will be awarded toward a minor from any other program.

BFA in the College of Art
  • 6 credits must be toward a non-Sam Fox School minor, second major, or art history.
  • You can earn maximum 3 Sam Fox School elective credits
  • You can earn maximum 3 AH&VC credits
  • You can earn maximum 3 Sam Fox School Design /Art Practice junior studio.
  • For Fashion majors, these credits can only be earned in the summer after sophomore or junior year.
  • Studio Art Majors only: you can also earn maximum 3 Methods + Context credits
  • No credit will be awarded without pre-approval
BA in the College of Art
  • 6 credits must be toward a non-sfs minor, second major, or art history.
  • You can earn maximum 3 Sam Fox School elective credits
  • You can earn maximum 3 AH&VC credits
  • You can earn maximum 3 Sam Fox School Design /Art Practice junior studio.
  • For Fashion majors, these credits can only be earned in the summer after sophomore or junior year.
  • Methods + Contexts must be earned on campus
  • No credit will be awarded without pre-approval
BS & BA in the College of Architecture
  • All major course work must be taken in the Sam Fox School. You can earn general electives or Sam Fox School electives.
  • 6 credits must be toward a non-Sam Fox School minor or second major program or art history.
  • Can earn maximum 3 Sam Fox School elective credits
  • No credit awarded without pre-approval
Second Major
  • Only six credits can be taken outside of the Sam Fox School.
  • In your abroad semester, 6 credits must be toward a major, minor, second major, or art history.
  • In your abroad semester, you can earn maximum 3 Sam Fox School elective credits
  • No credit will be awarded without pre-approval