Using International Credits for Your Degree
International Transcript Evaluation
Shoreline students who have completed university-level credits at an institution outside the United States may be able to use some of those credits towards a Shoreline degree. Only students who plan to complete a transfer degree may receive an international transcript evaluation.
If you are eligible to receive an evaluation, you should request it during your first quarter at Shoreline because the process can take a considerable amount of time. In most cases, evaluations are only done after you have enrolled at Shoreline and met with an advisor to determine your academic plans and course of study.
The following are some basic guidelines regarding the transfer of international coursework to Shoreline Community College:
- Credits will not be accepted from a school or institution that is not recognized by the local Ministry of Education (or equivalent). Credits will also not be accepted unless they are considered "university-level" within the original educational system.
- Coursework in English or ESL is not transferable unless it was completed in a country where English is considered the native language (U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada). The exception is English literature, which is generally transferable.
- Instruction in a particular religious doctrine or political ideology is not transferable in most cases (i.e. “The Teachings of Dr. Sun-Yat Sen” from a Taiwanese institution, “Christian Studies 1” from a Christian college or university). Comparative religion classes generally are transferable.
- Students intending to complete a professional/technical degree or certificate at Shoreline should be aware that very few (if any) transfer credits will apply toward that degree or certificate. [While the credits may be generally transferable and acceptable to the College, they usually will not meet the very specific course requirements of a technical program.]
- Credits will be calculated to conform to the structure of the U.S. quarter system. The definition of a "quarter" or "semester" credit in another country is not necessarily the same as the U.S. definition.
- Only original evaluation documents will be accepted.
The process for having your international credentials evaluated is as follows:
- First, have your academic records translated into English. If your records have already
been translated and notarized by a translation service in your country of origin or
in the United States, that translation is acceptable. Otherwise, the attached list
of professional translating services should assist you with this process. We cannot
accept translations that have been done by you; the translator must be a trained and
certified professional. The cost of translation is estimated to be $40.00 minimum
for 200 words or less; more than 200 words will cost an additional $25 – 35.00 per
100 words.
- Next, you will need to have a “course-by-course” evaluation done by an international
credential evaluation service. This evaluation provides Shoreline with two important
pieces of information: first, it tells us whether or not the institution is officially
recognized by the Ministry of Education or other accrediting body in your country;
and second, it tells us whether each class was considered “college-level”. The evaluation
also will indicate the value of the credits earned according to the U.S. quarter system.
Again, there is a list attached of international credential evaluation services. Evaluations
generally cost between $125-200.00 per degree being evaluated.
You should expect the process of having your records translated and evaluated to take 8-10 weeks in total. Translation generally takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the document. The course-by-course evaluation may take up to 8 weeks. - Once the course-by-course evaluation has been completed, please bring an official copy with the attached “Request For International Transfer Credit” form to Shoreline Community College’s Enrollment Services Office. The courses included in the evaluation will then be applied toward the degree requirements for your particular course of study. Once this process has been completed, a copy will be sent to you. If more information is needed during Shoreline’s evaluation process, you will be contacted. Please allow a minimum of 8 weeks for this final step in transferring your credits to Shoreline Community College.
If you are ready, fill out the form below to request an international transcript evaluation. If you have any question, please contact Cecily Sherritt: csherrit@shoreline.edu.