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Global Engagement Office

Earning Credit for Study Abroad Courses

You will receive UM credit for all courses you pass at your host institution. UM Admissions will process your credit transfer based on your official host institution transcript, received after your program concluded. 

  • A full-time course load abroad typically equals 12-16 UM credits.

  • Credits transfer back as general elective credit, unless you take steps for major, minor, certificate, or general education approval (as outlined below).

How to Earn Credit Toward Your Major, Minor or General Education Requirements

  • Review your academic progress in Degree Works and develop a strategy to fulfill your degree requirements while abroad.

  • Identify courses you wish to take at your host university.

  • Check the for pre-approved courses.

  • Complete the Study Plan Approval Form (SPAF) for courses not already listed in the International Equivalency Table. Collect syllabi and course descriptions from the host institution (reach out to the Education Abroad team for assistance as needed).

  • Meet with your primary academic advisor to request course approvals. Your advisor will coordinate with department chairs, as needed.

For General Education Pre-Approvals

If you plan to take courses to fulfill general education requirements, please note that an advisor can review and approve your overall academic plan. However, they cannot grant official pre-approval for specific courses. Your advisor will work with UM Admissions to finalize the credit evaluation once you return.

If You Do Not Need General Education Pre-Approvals

Your advisor will upload a copy of your completed SPAF to Navigate and email copies to both you and the Education Abroad Office. To ensure your study abroad credits are transferred to your UM student record, you must request that your final transcript be sent to UM Admissions at transferevaluations@mso.umt.edu. 

Making Changes While Abroad

If your final course registration differs from your original SPAF:

  • Register for your updated courses at your host institution.

  • Review the  for pre-approved courses.

  • Email your primary advisor to discuss potential course substitutions for your major, minor, or certificate requirements. Your advisor will coordinate with department chairs to obtain the necessary approvals.

Tips and Important Notes

  • The Study Plan Approval Form is your responsibility. Be proactive in understanding your degree requirements and seek credit transfer approvals from the appropriate individuals as early as possible.

  • Transfer grades will appear on your transcript but are not calculated into your UM GPA, except in limited cases such as applications to graduate or professional programs. However, they will be included in the calculations of your overall cumulative GPA.

  • Follow your host institution's academic policies regarding course changes. If any exceptions are made, get them in writing.

  • Save syllabi, assignments, and course descriptions for future evaluations or re-evaluations. This if particularly important if you plan to request transfer course evaluation, seek re-evaluation for upper-division credit, or petition for general education credit.

  • If you are unsure about academic advice given while abroad, contact the Education Abroad Office for clarification. Your host institution cannot advise you on UM policies.

Post-Program Procedures

After you complete your program, UM Admissions will receive an official transcript either directly from your host institution or through ISEP. However, we strongly recommend confirming with your host institution that the transcript will be sent to UM Admissions, as it is required to award academic credit for your study abroad experience. Before leaving your host institution, be sure to order additional official transcripts to be sent to your home address in the United States. You may need these copies later for graduate school or professional program applications. Obtaining transcripts after returning to the U.S. can be difficult.

At some host institutions, courses may carry more credits than their UM equivalents. For example, in Wales, a Marketing and Communications course might be worth 5 credits, while the equivalent UM course is worth only 3 credits. Check with your advisor to see if any extra credits can be applied toward general education requirements or upper-level electives for your degree.

Remember that your Study Plan Approval Form is a work in progress. While abroad, you might decide to take courses that were not pre-approved—and that's okay. However, you must submit a new Study Plan Approval Form including these new courses and wait for the updated report email. You can then forward this report to your advisor or department chair to obtain pre-approval for major, minor, or certificate requirements related to the new courses. Be sure to save this emailed pre-approval or send a copy to the Education Abroad Office.

Finally, don't forget to have your advisor's email address handy while you are abroad.

Important Information for Seniors

If you are studying abroad in your senior year, you must complete a Study Plan Approval Form, even if you are only taking electives or lower-division courses.

If you have any questions about the credit transfer process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Education Abroad Office at educationabroad@mso.umt.edu.