Academic Catalog
100224
Undergraduate Transfer Credit and Credit by Exam
- ACE Alternative Course Credit
- Prior Learning Assessment
- Credit for U.S. Military Service
- The Arizona Course Equivalency Guide (CEG)
Credit By Exam
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Cambridge International Exam (CIE)
- Challenge Exams
- College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
- DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma & Certificate Credit (IB)
Undergraduate Transfer Credit
To meet the requirements of a particular degree plan, students may use transfer credit from other institutions. Transcripts are required in the transfer credit review process to determine the number of units to be accepted and in what manner they will apply toward satisfying NAU liberal studies, diversity, major, minor, and/or certificate requirements. Course equivalencies are established based on the alignment of the most recent review of the course's learning outcomes. While NAU accepts transfer credit units, course grades are not accepted or calculated into the GPA from these courses i.e., GPA does not transfer. Students may request the review of transfer credit in the event the course changed equivalency between the time the student originally took the course and the time they requested transfer credit from NAU.
Credits submitted by students may be considered for acceptance if the institution was accredited and the accrediting body was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at the time of the student’s enrollment (See CHEA’s Directory of Recognized Organizations). Undergraduate credit, from accredited four-year institutions, will be accepted on a credit-unit-for-credit-unit basis (adjusted for semester/quarter terms, if applicable) for college-level courses with grades of "P" (credit awarded), "C," 2.0, or better. The credit accepted for transfer cannot duplicate any previously awarded credit.
Additionally, Northern Arizona University will accept up to 64 transfer credit units from a combination of accredited two-year institutions, prior learning assessment credit, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project™. These credits must be college-level with grades of "P" (credit awarded), "C," 2.0, or better. NAU has ABOR approval to accept up to 90 transfer credit hours from a combination of accredited two-year institutions, prior learning assessment credit, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project™ for specific degree programs. Program requirements and transfer policies, noted in the academic catalog, for these specific degree programs, should be reviewed carefully.
Students who transfer from Arizona higher education public institutions will follow the degree requirements in effect at the time the coursework began provided that attendance was continuous (as explained under Catalog to Use for Degree Requirements, Policy #100304).
The Arizona Course Equivalency Guide (CEG), which is part of the AZTransfer.com System, indicates how the universities accept transfer coursework (numbered 100 or above) from Arizona higher education public institutions.
Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at Northern Arizona University who have completed the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) from an Arizona public or tribal community college, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), or California State University General Education (CSUGE) from a California public community college are considered to have satisfied NAU’s Liberal Studies Distribution Blocks and Foundation requirements as well as the US Ethnic and Global Diversity requirements. However, completion of the AGEC, IGETC, or the CSUGE does not satisfy the Junior Writing and Senior Capstone requirements. Students will still need to complete these requirements as part of their undergraduate degree.
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning is a term that refers to learning and experiences an individual acquires outside of the traditional academic environment. This learning is typically not indicated on a college or university transcript and can be acquired through work experience, workshop participation, in-service training, or involvement in professional organizations.
Credit may be awarded for verifiable college-level learning gained through workforce or other training experience when credit-by-exam or challenge exam options are not available or applicable. Departments will determine the application of prior learning toward major requirements.
Additionally, Northern Arizona University also evaluates and may accept transfer credit for Prior Learning that has previously been evaluated and accepted by a CHEA recognized institution using one of the following methods: workforce training documentation, portfolio of relevant professional work, or official certification. Departments will determine the application of these credits toward major requirements.
Furthermore, Northern Arizona University also utilizes the credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE). An ACE credit recommendation represents college-level equivalencies based on a review of workforce training, military training or occupations, and other sources of learning outside the college classroom, such as national exams and certifications. Departments will determine the application of the ACE credit toward major requirements.
Credit For U.S. Military Service
A student can be awarded an additional 4 units of credit for 18 consecutive months of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces if terminated under honorable conditions, as documented on the DD214.
Furthermore, a student who has earned a commission in the U.S. Armed Forces may petition the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation for another additional 12 general elective units.
Please see Military and Veteran Admission for more information.
Credit By Exam
Students can use the credit-by-exam option to demonstrate discipline-specific proficiency and gain credit for college courses. Students can only use credit-by-exam for courses that the college or department has approved for this option. Some colleges and departments do not permit credit-by-exam, and those that do may limit the availability of course(s) to be challenged by exam.
Where exams for credit are allowed, they are governed by the general requirements that follow and by the policies of the college or department.
The following requirements apply to all exams for credit.
- Students may earn up to 60 units by exam either at NAU or transferred to NAU from another accredited institution. Credit-by-exam earned at another institution may be re-evaluated using NAU standards.
- Credit-by-exam equivalencies are based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
- The same exam may not be repeated within a year of the first attempt.
- Under no circumstances will students be permitted to take an exam for the same course more than twice.
- Credit earned by an exam must not duplicate credit already earned for the same course.
- Credit will not be given for a course that is equivalent to, more elementary than, or substantially overlaps with another course where credit has already been received.
- Courses in Progress: Students who are currently enrolled in a language course, other than English, and want credit for a more introductory course(s), must take the exam for that course before the midterm of the course currently enrolled.
- Credit earned by exam becomes part of a student’s academic record.
NAU will not accept Retrocredit, Challenge, or CLEP exam credit within the 100-200 levels in the primary language of instruction of the student’s secondary school [high school] where they graduated.
Credit By Exam
Advanced Placement (AP)
Northern Arizona University offers credit to students who have taken a qualifying College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Credit is awarded according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
*Covid-19 Update: NAU recognizes the effort that students have already made in these challenging courses and will continue to award credit for 2020 AP exams completed.
Advanced Placement - Liberal Studies/Diversity Designation Key
AHI
Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry
CU
Cultural Understanding
E
Ethnic
FNRQ
Foundation Requirement
G
Global
JLWR
Junior-Level Writing Requirement
LAB
Lab Science
SAS
Science and Applied Science
SPW
Social and Political Worlds
AP Exam Scores
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited
Units of Credit Granted
Liberal Studies/Diversity
2-D Art and Design (formerly Studio Art 2-D)
4-5
ART 150
3
AHI
3-D Art and Design (formerly Studio Art 3-D)
4-5
Art 151
3
AHI
African American Studies
3-5
ES 150
3
AHIE
Art History
3
ARH 141 OR ARH 142
3
AHI
4-5
ARH 141 & 142
6
AHI
Biology
3
BIO 100 & 100L
4
SAS (3), LAB (1)
4-5
BIO 181, 181L, 182 & 182L
8
SAS (6), LAB (2)
Calculus AB
3-5
MAT 136
4
SAS
*Calculus BC
1-2 with AB subscore of 3-5
MAT 136
4
Foundation requirement or SAS
3
MAT 136
4
Foundation requirement or SAS
4-5
MAT 136 & MAT 137
8
Foundation requirement (4), SAS (4)
*Students who take the Calculus BC exam, also receive an AB subscore. The subscore is noted on the AP Score Report.
Chemistry
4
CHM 151(4) & 151L(1)
5
SAS (4), LAB (1)
5
CHM 151, 151L, 152 & 152L
(It is recommended that Chemistry majors still take CHM 152 & 152L.)
9
SAS (7), LAB (2)
Chinese Language and Culture
Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a 4, will receive credit for CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), CHI 201 (4) & CHI 202 (4).
3
CHI 101 & CHI 102
8
CU
4
CHI 101, CHI 102, & CHI 201
12
CU
5
CHI 101, 102, 201 & 202
16
CU
Comparative Government and Politics
4-5
POS 260
3
SPW
Computer Science A
4-5
CS 126 & CS 126L
4
Computer Science Principles
3
CS 110
3
SAS
Drawing (formerly Studio Art - Drawing)
4-5
ART 135
3
*English Language and Composition
Students who took this exam prior to January 1, 2019, and scored a 5 will receive credit for ENG 105 (4 units), satisfying the English foundation requirement.
4-5
ENG Dept. Elective
Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
3
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
*English Literature and Composition
Students who took this exam prior to January 1, 2019, and scored a 5 will receive credit for ENG 105 (4 units), satisfying the English foundation requirement.
4-5
ENG Dept. Elective
Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
3
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement
*If you take both the AP English Language and Composition and the AP English Literature and Composition exams, and score a 4 or higher, you will be granted a total of 3 units of ENG Departmental Elective credit, which partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
Note: Students who took both the English-Language and Composition and the English-Literature and Composition exams prior to January 1, 2019, who scored a 5, will receive a total of 4 units for ENG 105, satisfying the English foundation requirement.
Environmental Science
4-5
ENV 101 & 101L
4
SAS (3), LAB (1)
European History
4-5
HIS 240 & 241
6
SPW
French Language and Culture
3
FRE 201 & 202
8
CU
4
FRE 201, 202 & 303
11
CU
5
FRE 201, 202, 303 & 304W
14
CU, JLWR (3)
German Language and Culture
3
GER 201 & 202
8
CU
4
GER 201, 202 & 303
11
CU
5
GER 201, 202, 303 & 304W
14
CU, JLWR (3)
Human Geography
4-5
GSP 170
3
SPW
Italian Language and Culture
3
ITA 101 & 102
8
CU
4
ITA 101, ITA 102, ITA 201
12
CU
5
ITA 101, 102, 201 & 202
16
CU
Japanese Language and Culture
3
JPN 101 & 102
8
CU
4
JPN 101, 102 & 201
12
CU
5
JPN 101, 102, 201 &, 202
16
CU
Latin
3
LAT 101 & 102
8
CU
4
LAT 101, 102 & 201
12
CU
5
LAT 101, 102, 201 & 202
16
CU
Macroeconomics
4-5- Macro
ECO 285
3
SPW
Microeconomics
4-5 - Micro
ECO 284
3
SPW
Music Theory
4 (Non-Aural)
MUS 121
2
4 (Aural)
MUS 131
2
5 (Non-Aural)
MUS 121
2
5 (Aural)
MUS 131
2
Physics I: Algebra-Based
Students who took this exam prior to Summer 2019, and scored a 5, will receive credit for PHY 111 (4) & 112 (4).
4
PHY 111
4
LAB
5
PHY 111
4
LAB
Physics II: Algebra-Based
Students who took this exam prior to Summer 2019, and scored a 5, will receive credit for PHY 111 (4) & 112 (4).
4
PHY 112
4
LAB
5
PHY 112
4
LAB
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
3-4
PHY 112
4
LAB
5
PHY 262 & PHY 262L
4
SAS
Physics C: Mechanics
3-4
PHY 111
4
LAB
5
PHY 161
4
LAB
Precalculus
3-5
MAT 125
4
FNRQ
Psychology
4-5
PSY 101
3
SPW
Research
3
Elective Credit
3
Seminar
3
Elective Credit
3
Spanish Language and Culture
3
SPA 201 & 202
8
CU
4
SPA 201, 202 & 303
11
CU
5
SPA 201, 202, 303 & 304W
14
CU, JLWR (3)
Spanish Literature and Culture
3
SPA 201 & SPA 202
8
CU
4
SPA 201, SPA 202 & 304W
11
CU (8), JLWR (3)
5
SPA 201, SPA 202, SPA 304W & SPA 321
14
CU (8), JLWR (3)
Statistics
3-5
STA 270
3
FNRQ or SAS
United States Government and Politics
4-5
POS 110
3
SPW
United States History
4-5
HIS 291 & 292
6
SPW
World History
Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4 or higher, will receive credit for both HIS 101 (3) [SPW] and HIS 102 (3) [CU, G].
4-5
HIS 102
3
CU, G
Cambridge International Exam (CIE)
Students who have completed advanced Cambridge coursework and who have taken a Cambridge International AS-Level or A-Level exam, may receive university credit. Credit will be awarded according to the Cambridge International Exam table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
Cambridge International Exam - Liberal Studies/Diversity Designation Key
AHI
Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry
CU
Cultural Understanding
E
Ethnic
FNRQ
Foundation Requirement
G
Global
LAB
Lab Science
SAS
Science and Applied Science
SPW
Social and Political Worlds
Cambridge International Exam
Scores
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited
Units of Credit Granted
Liberal Studies/Diversity
Accounting
AS-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
3
A-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
6
Applied Information & Communication Technology
AS-Level
(E or better)
CTE Dept. Elective
3
A- Level
(E or better)
CTE Dept. Elective
6
Arabic
AS-Level
(C or better)
ARB 101
4
CU
A-Level
(C or better)
ARB 101 & 102
8
CU
Art & Design
AS-Level
(E or better)
ART 135
3
A-Level
(E or better)
ART 135 & ART 150
6
AHI (3)
Biology
AS-Level
(E or better)
BIO 100 (3) & BIO 100L (1) or Dept. Elective (4)
4
SAS (3), LAB (1)
A-Level
(E or better)
BIO 181 (3) & BIO 181L (1)
4
SAS (3), LAB (1)
A-level
(D or better)
BIO 181, 181L, 182 & 182L
8
SAS (6), LAB (2)
Business
AS-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
3
A-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
6
Chemistry
AS-Level
(D or better)
CHM 130 & CHM 130L
5
SAS (4), LAB (1)
A-Level
(D or E)
CHM 130 & CHM 130L
5
SAS (4), LAB (1)
A-Level
(B or C)
CHM 151 & CHM 151L
5
SAS (4), LAB (1)
A-Level
(A)
CHM 151, CHM 151L, CHM 152 & CHM 152L
9
SAS (7), LAB (2)
Chinese, AS Level - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a C or better, will receive credit for CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), & CHI 201 (4).
AS-Level
(C or better)
CHI 101 (4)
4
CU
Chinese, A Level - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a C or better, will receive credit for CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), CHI 201 (4), & CHI 202 (4)
A-Level
(C or better)
CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4),
8
CU
Computer Science
AS-Level
(E or better)
CS 126 & CS 126L
4
A-Level
(E or better)
CS 126 & CS 126L
4
Computing
AS-Level
(E or better)
CS 126 & CS 126L
4
A-Level
(E or better)
CS 126 & CS 126L
4
Design and Textiles
AS-Level
(E or better)
MER 232
3
A-Level
(E or better)
MER 232 (3) + MER Dept. Elective (3)
6
Design Technology
AS-Level
(E or better)
CTE Dept. Elective
3
A- Level
(E or better)
CTE Dept. Elective
6
Digital Media and Design
AS-Level
(C or better)
VC Dept. Elective
3
A-Level
(E or better)
VC Dept. Elective
3
Drama
AS-Level
(C or better)
TH 101
3
AHI
A-Level
(C or better)
TH 101 (3) + TH Dept. Elective (3)
6
AHI (3)
Economics, AS-Level - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2022, and scored a D or better, will receive Elective Credit (3).
AS-Level
(E or better)
Not Accepted
0
A-level
(D or better)
ECO 284 & ECO 285
6
SPW
English Language
AS-level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
A-Level
(E or better)
ENG Dept. Elective
Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
3
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
English Language and Literature (Language and Literature in English)
AS-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
English Literature (Literature in English)
AS-level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
A-level
(E or better)
ENG Dept. Elective
Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
3
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
Environmental Management
AS-Level
(D or better)
ENV 101 (3) & ENV 101L (1)
4
SAS (3), LAB (1)
Food Studies, AS-Level - Students who took the AS-Level exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored an E or better, will receive credit for NTS 135 (3).
AS-Level
(E or better)
Not Accepted
0
Food Studies, A-Level - This exam has been discontinued. Students who took this exam in the past will receive:
A-Level
(E or better)
NTS 135 (3) & NTS Dept. Elective (3)
6
French
AS-Level
(C or better)
FRE 101
4
CU
A-Level
(C or better)
FRE 101 & FRE 102
8
CU
Geography - Students who took the AS or A- Level Geography exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored an E or better, will receive GSP departmental elective credit.
AS-Level
(C or better)
GSP Dept. Elective
3
A-Level
(C or better)
GSP Dept. Elective
6
German
AS-Level
(C or better)
GER 101
4
CU
A-Level
(C or better)
GER 101 & GER 102
8
CU
Global Perspectives and Research
AS-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
3
A-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
6
History
AS-Level
(C or better)
Elective Credit
3
A-Level
(C or better)
Elective Credit
6
Information Technology
AS-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
3
A-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
3
Japanese, AS-Level only - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a C or better, will receive credit for JPN 101 (4), JPN 102 (4), & JPN 201 (4)
AS-Level
(C or better)
JPN 101 (4)
4
CU
Languages - not offered by NAU
AS-Level
(C or better)
LAN 101
4
CU
A-Level
(C or better)
LAN 101 & LAN 102
8
CU
Marine Science
AS-Level
(D or better)
BIO 100 & BIO 100L
4
SAS (3), LAB (1)
A-Level
(D or better)
BIO 100 (3) & BIO100L(1) & BIO Dept. Elective (4)
8
SAS (3), LAB (1)
Mathematics
AS-Level
(E or better)
MAT 110
3
FNRQ
A-Level
(E or better)
MAT 125 & MAT 131
7
FNRQ (4), SAS (3)
Mathematics Further
A-Level
(E or better)
MAT 136 (4), MAT 137 (4) & STA 270 (3)
11
FNRQ (4), SAS (7)
Media Studies
AS-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
A-Level
(E or better)
CMF 122
3
Music
AS-Level
(E or better)
MUS 293
3
AHI
A-Level
(E or better)
MUS 293 (3) & MUS Dept. Elective (200-Level) (3)
6
AHI (3)
Physics
AS-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
A-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
Physical Science
AS-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
Psychology
AS-Level
(E or better)
PSY 101
3
SPW
A-Level
(E or better)
PSY 101 & PSY 299
6
SPW (3)
Sociology
AS-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
A-Level
(E or better)
Non-Transferable
0
Spanish
AS-Level
(C or better)
SPA 101
4
CU
A-Level
(C or better)
SPA 101 & 102
8
CU
Thinking Skills
AS-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
3
A-Level
(E or better)
Elective Credit
6
Travel & Tourism
AS-Level
(E or better)
HA 284
3
A-Level
(E or better)
HA 284 (3) & HA Dept. Elective (3)
6
Challenge Exams
Individual departments offer challenge exams for some courses described in the catalog. Students who believe they have knowledge about a particular subject area may take an exam rather than enroll in that course. Credit may be received in this way if the exam is available, based on the most recent iteration of the exam, and permitted by the department. Contact the department for information about eligibility, course syllabi, fees, and application forms. Departments and colleges may set limits on the number of units that may be earned through Challenge Exams.
- ACE Alternative Course Credit
- Prior Learning Assessment
- Credit for U.S. Military Service
- The Arizona Course Equivalency Guide (CEG)
Credit By Exam
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- Cambridge International Exam (CIE)
- Challenge Exams
- College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
- DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
- International Baccalaureate Diploma & Certificate Credit (IB)
Undergraduate Transfer Credit
To meet the requirements of a particular degree plan, students may use transfer credit from other institutions. Transcripts are required in the transfer credit review process to determine the number of units to be accepted and in what manner they will apply toward satisfying NAU liberal studies, diversity, major, minor, and/or certificate requirements. Course equivalencies are established based on the alignment of the most recent review of the course's learning outcomes. While NAU accepts transfer credit units, course grades are not accepted or calculated into the GPA from these courses i.e., GPA does not transfer. Students may request the review of transfer credit in the event the course changed equivalency between the time the student originally took the course and the time they requested transfer credit from NAU.
Credits submitted by students may be considered for acceptance if the institution was accredited and the accrediting body was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at the time of the student’s enrollment (See CHEA’s Directory of Recognized Organizations). Undergraduate credit, from accredited four-year institutions, will be accepted on a credit-unit-for-credit-unit basis (adjusted for semester/quarter terms, if applicable) for college-level courses with grades of "P" (credit awarded), "C," 2.0, or better. The credit accepted for transfer cannot duplicate any previously awarded credit.
Additionally, Northern Arizona University will accept up to 64 transfer credit units from a combination of accredited two-year institutions, prior learning assessment credit, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project™. These credits must be college-level with grades of "P" (credit awarded), "C," 2.0, or better. NAU has ABOR approval to accept up to 90 transfer credit hours from a combination of accredited two-year institutions, prior learning assessment credit, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project™ for specific degree programs. Program requirements and transfer policies, noted in the academic catalog, for these specific degree programs, should be reviewed carefully.
Students who transfer from Arizona higher education public institutions will follow the degree requirements in effect at the time the coursework began provided that attendance was continuous (as explained under Catalog to Use for Degree Requirements, Policy #100304).
The Arizona Course Equivalency Guide (CEG), which is part of the AZTransfer.com System, indicates how the universities accept transfer coursework (numbered 100 or above) from Arizona higher education public institutions.
Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at Northern Arizona University who have completed the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) from an Arizona public or tribal community college, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), or California State University General Education (CSUGE) from a California public community college are considered to have satisfied NAU’s Liberal Studies Distribution Blocks and Foundation requirements as well as the US Ethnic and Global Diversity requirements. However, completion of the AGEC, IGETC, or the CSUGE does not satisfy the Junior Writing and Senior Capstone requirements. Students will still need to complete these requirements as part of their undergraduate degree.
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning is a term that refers to learning and experiences an individual acquires outside of the traditional academic environment. This learning is typically not indicated on a college or university transcript and can be acquired through work experience, workshop participation, in-service training, or involvement in professional organizations.
Credit may be awarded for verifiable college-level learning gained through workforce or other training experience when credit-by-exam or challenge exam options are not available or applicable. Departments will determine the application of prior learning toward major requirements.
Additionally, Northern Arizona University also evaluates and may accept transfer credit for Prior Learning that has previously been evaluated and accepted by a CHEA recognized institution using one of the following methods: workforce training documentation, portfolio of relevant professional work, or official certification. Departments will determine the application of these credits toward major requirements.
Furthermore, Northern Arizona University also utilizes the credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE). An ACE credit recommendation represents college-level equivalencies based on a review of workforce training, military training or occupations, and other sources of learning outside the college classroom, such as national exams and certifications. Departments will determine the application of the ACE credit toward major requirements.
Credit For U.S. Military Service
A student can be awarded an additional 4 units of credit for 18 consecutive months of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces if terminated under honorable conditions, as documented on the DD214.
Furthermore, a student who has earned a commission in the U.S. Armed Forces may petition the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation for another additional 12 general elective units.
Please see Military and Veteran Admission for more information.
Credit By Exam
Students can use the credit-by-exam option to demonstrate discipline-specific proficiency and gain credit for college courses. Students can only use credit-by-exam for courses that the college or department has approved for this option. Some colleges and departments do not permit credit-by-exam, and those that do may limit the availability of course(s) to be challenged by exam.
Where exams for credit are allowed, they are governed by the general requirements that follow and by the policies of the college or department.
The following requirements apply to all exams for credit.
- Students may earn up to 60 units by exam either at NAU or transferred to NAU from another accredited institution. Credit-by-exam earned at another institution may be re-evaluated using NAU standards.
- Credit-by-exam equivalencies are based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
- The same exam may not be repeated within a year of the first attempt.
- Under no circumstances will students be permitted to take an exam for the same course more than twice.
- Credit earned by an exam must not duplicate credit already earned for the same course.
- Credit will not be given for a course that is equivalent to, more elementary than, or substantially overlaps with another course where credit has already been received.
- Courses in Progress: Students who are currently enrolled in a language course, other than English, and want credit for a more introductory course(s), must take the exam for that course before the midterm of the course currently enrolled.
- Credit earned by exam becomes part of a student’s academic record.
NAU will not accept Retrocredit, Challenge, or CLEP exam credit within the 100-200 levels in the primary language of instruction of the student’s secondary school [high school] where they graduated.
Credit By Exam
Advanced Placement (AP)
Northern Arizona University offers credit to students who have taken a qualifying College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Credit is awarded according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
*Covid-19 Update: NAU recognizes the effort that students have already made in these challenging courses and will continue to award credit for 2020 AP exams completed.
Advanced Placement - Liberal Studies/Diversity Designation Key
| AHI | Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry |
| CU | Cultural Understanding |
| E | Ethnic |
| FNRQ | Foundation Requirement |
| G | Global |
| JLWR | Junior-Level Writing Requirement |
| LAB | Lab Science |
| SAS | Science and Applied Science |
| SPW | Social and Political Worlds |
|
AP Exam Scores |
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited |
Units of Credit Granted |
Liberal Studies/Diversity |
|
2-D Art and Design (formerly Studio Art 2-D) |
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| 4-5 | ART 150 | 3 |
AHI |
|
3-D Art and Design (formerly Studio Art 3-D) |
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| 4-5 | Art 151 | 3 |
AHI |
|
African American Studies |
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|
3-5 |
ES 150 |
3 |
AHIE |
|
Art History |
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|
3 |
ARH 141 OR ARH 142 |
3 |
AHI |
|
4-5 |
ARH 141 & 142 |
6 |
AHI |
|
Biology |
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|
3 |
BIO 100 & 100L |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
4-5 |
BIO 181, 181L, 182 & 182L |
8 |
SAS (6), LAB (2) |
|
Calculus AB |
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|
3-5 |
MAT 136 |
4 |
SAS |
|
*Calculus BC |
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|
1-2 with AB subscore of 3-5 |
MAT 136 |
4 |
Foundation requirement or SAS |
|
3 |
MAT 136 |
4 |
Foundation requirement or SAS |
|
4-5 |
MAT 136 & MAT 137 |
8 |
Foundation requirement (4), SAS (4) |
|
*Students who take the Calculus BC exam, also receive an AB subscore. The subscore is noted on the AP Score Report. |
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|
Chemistry |
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|
4 |
CHM 151(4) & 151L(1) |
5 |
SAS (4), LAB (1) |
|
5 |
CHM 151, 151L, 152 & 152L |
9 |
SAS (7), LAB (2) |
|
Chinese Language and Culture Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a 4, will receive credit for CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), CHI 201 (4) & CHI 202 (4). |
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|
3 |
CHI 101 & CHI 102 |
8 |
CU |
| 4 | CHI 101, CHI 102, & CHI 201 | 12 | CU |
|
5 |
CHI 101, 102, 201 & 202 |
16 |
CU |
|
Comparative Government and Politics |
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|
4-5 |
POS 260 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Computer Science A |
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|
4-5 |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
|
|
Computer Science Principles |
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|
3 |
CS 110 |
3 |
SAS |
|
Drawing (formerly Studio Art - Drawing) |
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| 4-5 | ART 135 | 3 |
|
|
*English Language and Composition Students who took this exam prior to January 1, 2019, and scored a 5 will receive credit for ENG 105 (4 units), satisfying the English foundation requirement. |
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|
4-5 |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
|
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
|
|
*English Literature and Composition Students who took this exam prior to January 1, 2019, and scored a 5 will receive credit for ENG 105 (4 units), satisfying the English foundation requirement. |
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|
4-5 |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
|
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement |
|
*If you take both the AP English Language and Composition and the AP English Literature and Composition exams, and score a 4 or higher, you will be granted a total of 3 units of ENG Departmental Elective credit, which partially satisfies the English foundation requirement. Note: Students who took both the English-Language and Composition and the English-Literature and Composition exams prior to January 1, 2019, who scored a 5, will receive a total of 4 units for ENG 105, satisfying the English foundation requirement. |
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|
Environmental Science |
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|
4-5 |
ENV 101 & 101L |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
European History |
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|
4-5 |
HIS 240 & 241 |
6 |
SPW |
|
French Language and Culture |
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|
3 |
FRE 201 & 202 |
8 |
CU |
|
4 |
FRE 201, 202 & 303 |
11 |
CU |
|
5 |
FRE 201, 202, 303 & 304W |
14 |
CU, JLWR (3) |
|
German Language and Culture |
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|
3 |
GER 201 & 202 |
8 |
CU |
|
4 |
GER 201, 202 & 303 |
11 |
CU |
|
5 |
GER 201, 202, 303 & 304W |
14 |
CU, JLWR (3) |
|
Human Geography |
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|
4-5 |
GSP 170 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Italian Language and Culture |
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|
3 |
ITA 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
| 4 | ITA 101, ITA 102, ITA 201 | 12 | CU |
|
5 |
ITA 101, 102, 201 & 202 |
16 |
CU |
|
Japanese Language and Culture |
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|
3 |
JPN 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
4 |
JPN 101, 102 & 201 |
12 |
CU |
|
5 |
JPN 101, 102, 201 &, 202 |
16 |
CU |
|
Latin |
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|
3 |
LAT 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
4 |
LAT 101, 102 & 201 |
12 |
CU |
|
5 |
LAT 101, 102, 201 & 202 |
16 |
CU |
|
Macroeconomics |
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|
4-5- Macro |
ECO 285 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Microeconomics |
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|
4-5 - Micro |
ECO 284 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Music Theory |
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|
4 (Non-Aural) |
MUS 121 |
2 |
|
|
4 (Aural) |
MUS 131 |
2 |
|
|
5 (Non-Aural) |
MUS 121 |
2 |
|
|
5 (Aural) |
MUS 131 |
2 |
|
|
Physics I: Algebra-Based Students who took this exam prior to Summer 2019, and scored a 5, will receive credit for PHY 111 (4) & 112 (4). |
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|
4 |
PHY 111 |
4 |
LAB |
|
5 |
PHY 111 |
4 |
LAB |
|
Physics II: Algebra-Based Students who took this exam prior to Summer 2019, and scored a 5, will receive credit for PHY 111 (4) & 112 (4). |
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|
4 |
PHY 112 |
4 |
LAB |
|
5 |
PHY 112 |
4 |
LAB |
|
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
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|
3-4 |
PHY 112 |
4 |
LAB |
|
5 |
PHY 262 & PHY 262L |
4 |
SAS |
|
Physics C: Mechanics |
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|
3-4 |
PHY 111 |
4 |
LAB |
|
5 |
PHY 161 |
4 |
LAB |
|
Precalculus |
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|
3-5 |
MAT 125 |
4 | FNRQ |
|
Psychology |
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|
4-5 |
PSY 101 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Research |
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|
3 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Seminar |
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|
3 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Spanish Language and Culture |
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|
3 |
SPA 201 & 202 |
8 |
CU |
|
4 |
SPA 201, 202 & 303 |
11 |
CU |
|
5 |
SPA 201, 202, 303 & 304W |
14 |
CU, JLWR (3) |
|
Spanish Literature and Culture |
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|
3 |
SPA 201 & SPA 202 |
8 |
CU |
|
4 |
SPA 201, SPA 202 & 304W |
11 |
CU (8), JLWR (3) |
|
5 |
SPA 201, SPA 202, SPA 304W & SPA 321 | 14 | CU (8), JLWR (3) |
|
Statistics |
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|
3-5 |
STA 270 |
3 |
FNRQ or SAS |
|
United States Government and Politics |
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|
4-5 |
POS 110 |
3 |
SPW |
|
United States History |
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|
4-5 |
HIS 291 & 292 |
6 |
SPW |
|
World History Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4 or higher, will receive credit for both HIS 101 (3) [SPW] and HIS 102 (3) [CU, G]. |
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|
4-5 |
HIS 102 |
3 |
CU, G |
Cambridge International Exam (CIE)
Students who have completed advanced Cambridge coursework and who have taken a Cambridge International AS-Level or A-Level exam, may receive university credit. Credit will be awarded according to the Cambridge International Exam table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
Cambridge International Exam - Liberal Studies/Diversity Designation Key
| AHI | Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry |
| CU | Cultural Understanding |
| E | Ethnic |
| FNRQ | Foundation Requirement |
| G | Global |
| LAB | Lab Science |
| SAS | Science and Applied Science |
| SPW | Social and Political Worlds |
|
Cambridge International Exam |
Scores |
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited |
Units of Credit Granted |
Liberal Studies/Diversity |
|
Accounting |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
6 |
|
|
Applied Information & Communication Technology |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
CTE Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
A- Level |
(E or better) |
CTE Dept. Elective |
6 |
|
|
Arabic |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
ARB 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
ARB 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
Art & Design |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
ART 135 |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
ART 135 & ART 150 |
6 |
AHI (3) |
|
Biology |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
BIO 100 (3) & BIO 100L (1) or Dept. Elective (4) |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
BIO 181 (3) & BIO 181L (1) |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
A-level |
(D or better) |
BIO 181, 181L, 182 & 182L |
8 |
SAS (6), LAB (2) |
|
Business |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
6 |
|
|
Chemistry |
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|
AS-Level |
(D or better) |
CHM 130 & CHM 130L |
5 |
SAS (4), LAB (1) |
|
A-Level |
(D or E) |
CHM 130 & CHM 130L |
5 |
SAS (4), LAB (1) |
|
A-Level |
(B or C) |
CHM 151 & CHM 151L |
5 |
SAS (4), LAB (1) |
|
A-Level |
(A) |
CHM 151, CHM 151L, CHM 152 & CHM 152L |
9 |
SAS (7), LAB (2) |
|
Chinese, AS Level - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a C or better, will receive credit for CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), & CHI 201 (4). |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
CHI 101 (4) |
4 |
CU |
| Chinese, A Level - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a C or better, will receive credit for CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), CHI 201 (4), & CHI 202 (4) | ||||
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
CHI 101 (4), CHI 102 (4), |
8 |
CU |
|
Computer Science |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
|
|
Computing |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
|
| Design and Textiles | ||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
MER 232 |
3 | |
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
MER 232 (3) + MER Dept. Elective (3) |
6 |
|
|
Design Technology |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
CTE Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
A- Level |
(E or better) |
CTE Dept. Elective |
6 |
|
| Digital Media and Design | ||||
|
AS-Level |
(C or better) | VC Dept. Elective | 3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) | VC Dept. Elective | 3 |
|
| Drama | ||||
|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
TH 101 |
3 |
AHI |
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
TH 101 (3) + TH Dept. Elective (3) |
6 |
AHI (3) |
|
Economics, AS-Level - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2022, and scored a D or better, will receive Elective Credit (3). |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Not Accepted |
0 |
|
|
A-level |
(D or better) |
ECO 284 & ECO 285 |
6 |
SPW |
|
English Language |
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|
AS-level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
|
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
|
|
English Language and Literature (Language and Literature in English)
|
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
English Literature (Literature in English) |
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|
AS-level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
A-level |
(E or better) |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.
|
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
|
|
Environmental Management |
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|
AS-Level |
(D or better) |
ENV 101 (3) & ENV 101L (1) |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
Food Studies, AS-Level - Students who took the AS-Level exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored an E or better, will receive credit for NTS 135 (3). |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Not Accepted |
0 |
|
| Food Studies, A-Level - This exam has been discontinued. Students who took this exam in the past will receive: | ||||
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
NTS 135 (3) & NTS Dept. Elective (3) |
6 |
|
|
French |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
FRE 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
FRE 101 & FRE 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
Geography - Students who took the AS or A- Level Geography exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored an E or better, will receive GSP departmental elective credit. |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
GSP Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
GSP Dept. Elective |
6 |
|
|
German |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
GER 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
GER 101 & GER 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
Global Perspectives and Research |
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|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
6 |
|
|
History |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
Elective Credit |
6 |
|
|
Information Technology |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Japanese, AS-Level only - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2020, and scored a C or better, will receive credit for JPN 101 (4), JPN 102 (4), & JPN 201 (4) |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
JPN 101 (4) |
4 |
CU |
|
Languages - not offered by NAU |
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|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
LAN 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
LAN 101 & LAN 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
Marine Science |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(D or better) |
BIO 100 & BIO 100L |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
A-Level |
(D or better) |
BIO 100 (3) & BIO100L(1) & BIO Dept. Elective (4) |
8 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
Mathematics |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
MAT 110 |
3 |
FNRQ |
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
MAT 125 & MAT 131 |
7 |
FNRQ (4), SAS (3) |
|
Mathematics Further |
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|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
MAT 136 (4), MAT 137 (4) & STA 270 (3) |
11 |
FNRQ (4), SAS (7) |
|
Media Studies |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
CMF 122 |
3 |
|
|
Music |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
MUS 293 |
3 |
AHI |
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
MUS 293 (3) & MUS Dept. Elective (200-Level) (3) |
6 |
AHI (3) |
|
Physics |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
Physical Science |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
Psychology |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
PSY 101 |
3 |
SPW |
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
PSY 101 & PSY 299 |
6 |
SPW (3) |
|
Sociology |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
Spanish |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(C or better) |
SPA 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
A-Level |
(C or better) |
SPA 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
Thinking Skills |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
Elective Credit |
6 |
|
|
Travel & Tourism |
||||
|
AS-Level |
(E or better) |
HA 284 |
3 |
|
|
A-Level |
(E or better) |
HA 284 (3) & HA Dept. Elective (3) |
6 |
|
Challenge Exams
Individual departments offer challenge exams for some courses described in the catalog. Students who believe they have knowledge about a particular subject area may take an exam rather than enroll in that course. Credit may be received in this way if the exam is available, based on the most recent iteration of the exam, and permitted by the department. Contact the department for information about eligibility, course syllabi, fees, and application forms. Departments and colleges may set limits on the number of units that may be earned through Challenge Exams.
College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
Credit may be earned by successfully completing a CLEP exam according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam. Students must request CLEP scores be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions & Orientation. Northern Arizona University does not transcribe CLEP scores based on transcripts from other institutions.
CLEP - Liberal Studies/Diversity Designation Key
| AHI | Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry |
| CU | Cultural Understanding |
| E | Ethnic |
| FNRQ | Foundation Requirement |
| G | Global |
| LAB | Lab Science |
| SAS | Science and Applied Science |
| SPW | Social and Political Worlds |
CLEP Exam and Scores |
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited |
Units of Credit Granted |
Liberal Studies/Diversity |
|
Algebra, College |
|||
|
50 or higher |
MAT 110 |
3 |
FNRQ |
|
American Government |
|||
|
50 or higher |
POS 110 |
3 |
SPW |
|
American Literature |
|||
|
55 or higher |
ENG Dept. Elective |
3 |
AHI |
|
Analyzing & Interpreting Literature |
|||
|
50 or higher |
ENG Dept. Elective |
3 |
AHI |
|
Biology |
|||
|
50 or higher |
BIO 100 |
3 |
SAS |
|
Calculus |
|||
|
50 or higher |
MAT 136 |
4 |
FNRQ or SAS |
|
Chemistry |
|||
|
50 or higher |
CHM 151 & 151L |
5 |
SAS (4), LAB (1) |
|
College Composition (Note: The College Composition Modular exam is not accepted) Students who took this exam prior to January 1, 2019, and scored a 60 or higher will receive credit for ENG 105 (4 units), satisfying the English foundation requirement (FNRQ). |
|||
|
50 or higher |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205. |
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
|
|
English Literature |
|||
|
55 or higher |
ENG Dept. Elective |
3 |
AHI |
|
Financial Accounting |
|||
|
50 or higher |
ACC Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
French Language |
|||
|
50-54 |
FRE 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
55-61 |
FRE 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
62-65 |
FRE 101, 102 & 201 |
12 |
CU |
|
66-80 |
FRE 101, 102, 201 & 202 |
16 |
CU |
|
German Language |
|||
|
39-45 |
GER 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
46-50 |
GER 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
51-59 |
GER 101, 102 & 201 |
12 |
CU |
|
60-80 |
GER 101,102, 201 & 202 |
16 |
CU |
|
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 |
|||
|
56 or higher |
HIS 291 |
3 |
SPW |
|
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present |
|||
|
56 or higher |
HIS 292 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Human Growth and Development |
|||
|
50 or higher |
PSY 240 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Humanities Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 49 or higher, will receive Humanities departmental elective credit (3 units). |
|||
|
50 or higher |
Elective Credit |
3 |
AHI |
|
Information Systems |
|||
|
50 |
ISM Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
Introductory Business Law |
|||
|
50 or higher |
ACC 205 |
3 |
|
|
Macroeconomics, Principles |
|||
|
50 or higher |
ECO 285 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Microeconomics, Principles |
|||
|
50 or higher |
ECO 284 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Natural Science |
|||
|
53-55 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
SAS |
|
56 or higher |
Elective Credit |
6 |
SAS (3) |
|
Precalculus |
|||
|
50 or higher |
MAT 125 |
4 |
FNRQ |
|
Psychology, Introduction |
|||
|
50 or higher |
PSY 101 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Social Sciences and History |
|||
|
56 or higher |
Elective Credit |
3 |
SPW |
|
Sociology, Introduction |
|||
|
50 or higher |
SOC 101 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Spanish Language |
|||
|
50-54 |
SPA 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
55-65 |
SPA 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
66-67 |
SPA 101, 102 & 201 |
12 |
CU |
|
68-80 |
SPA 101, 102, 201 & 202 |
16 |
CU |
| Spanish with Writing | |||
|
50-59 |
SPA 101 & 102 | 8 | CU |
|
60 or higher |
SPA 101, 102, 201 & 202 | 16 | CU |
|
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 |
|||
|
56 or higher |
HIS 240 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present |
|||
|
56 or higher |
HIS 241 |
3 |
SPW |
DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
Credit for the DSST exam is based on the same criteria as the CLEP exam. At this time, Northern Arizona University accepts only those DSST Exams and Scores listed in the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam..
DSST - Liberal Studies/ Diversity Designation Key
| AHI | Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry |
| SAS | Science and Applied Science |
| SPW | Social and Political Worlds |
|
DSST Exam and Scores |
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited |
Units of Credit Granted |
Liberal Studies/Diversity |
|
Art of the Western World |
|||
|
400 |
ARH 141 or ARH 142 |
3 |
AHI |
|
Civil War and Reconstruction |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Criminal Justice |
|||
|
400 |
CCJ 101 |
3 |
SPW |
|
Environmental Science |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Ethics in Technology |
|||
|
400 |
CTE Dept. Elective | 3 | |
|
Foundations of Education |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Counseling |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit | 3 | |
|
Health and Human Development |
|||
|
400 |
HS 200 |
3 |
|
|
History of the Soviet Union |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
History of the Vietnam War |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Business |
|||
|
400 |
MGT 101 | 3 | |
|
Introduction to Geography |
|||
|
400 |
GSP 170 |
3 | SPW |
|
Introduction to Geology - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 400, will receive credit for GLG 100 (3 units). |
|||
|
400 |
GLG 101 | 3 | SAS |
|
Introduction to Law Enforcement |
|||
|
400 |
CCJ 220 |
3 |
|
|
Lifespan Development Psychology |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
Organizational Behavior |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit | 3 | |
|
Principles of Finance |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit | 3 | |
|
Principles of Public Speaking |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit | 3 | |
|
Technical Writing |
|||
|
400 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate Credit
Students who present an International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate may qualify for transfer credit, depending on the level of the exam and the grade received. Credit will be awarded according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam. (Please note that credit is not awarded for the English-as-a-Second-Language exam.)
IB - Liberal Studies/Diversity Designation Key
| AHI | Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry |
| CU | Cultural Understanding |
| E | Ethnic |
| FNRQ | Foundation Requirement |
| G | Global |
| LAB | Lab Science |
| SAS | Science and Applied Science |
| SPW | Social and Political Worlds |
SL = Standard Level
HL = Higher Level
|
IB Subject |
Level of Exam |
Scores |
Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited |
Units of Credit Granted |
Liberal Studies/Diversity |
|
Biology |
SL |
4 |
BIO Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
5-7 |
BIO 100 & BIO 100L |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
||
|
HL |
4-5 |
BIO 100 & BIO 100L |
4 |
SAS (3), LAB (1) |
|
|
6-7 |
BIO 181, 181L, 182 & 182L |
8 |
SAS (6), LAB (2) |
||
|
Business Management |
SL |
5-7 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
HL |
5-7 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
||
|
Chemistry |
HL |
4 |
CHM 151 & CHM 151L |
5 |
SAS (4), LAB (1) |
|
5-7 |
CHM 151, 151L, 152 & 152L |
9 |
SAS (7), LAB (2) |
||
|
Classical Languages Students who took this IB exam prior to Fall 2020, will receive the following credit for GRK or LAT: |
|||||
|
SL |
5-7 |
101 |
4 |
CU |
|
|
HL |
4 |
101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
|
|
5 |
201 & 202 |
8 |
CU |
||
|
Classical Languages Students who take this IB exam Fall 2020 and beyond, will receive the following credit for GRK or LAT: |
|||||
|
|
SL |
5-7 |
Not Accepted |
0 |
|
|
HL |
4 |
GRK 101 or LAT 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
|
5 |
GRK 101 & GRK 102 or LAT 101 & LAT 102 |
8 |
CU |
||
| 6 |
GRK or LAT 101, 102 & 201 |
12 | CU | ||
| 7 |
GRK or LAT 101, 102, 201, 202 |
16 | CU | ||
|
Computer Science |
SL |
4 |
CS 110 |
3 |
SAS |
|
5-7 |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
|||
|
HL |
5-7 |
CS 126 & CS 126L |
4 |
||
|
Dance |
SL/HL |
4-7 |
FIT Dept. Elective |
3 (max) |
|
|
Design Technology |
SL/HL |
4 |
EGR 186 |
3 |
|
|
Economics Students who took the Standard Level (SL) Economics exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 5 or higher, will receive credit for ECO 285 (3 units) [SPW]. |
|||||
|
Economics |
SL |
0-4 |
Not Accepted |
0 |
|
|
HL |
5-7 |
ECO 284 & 285 |
6 |
SPW |
|
|
Environmental Systems and Societies |
SL |
5-7 |
ENV 101 |
3 |
SAS |
|
Film Students who took the Standard Level (SL) Film exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4, will receive credit for CMF 122 (3 units). Students who took the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) Film exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 5 or higher, will receive credit for both CMF 121 (3 units) and CMF 122 (3 units). |
|||||
|
Film |
SL |
4-7 |
CMF 121 |
3 |
|
|
HL |
|||||
|
4-7 |
CMF 122 |
3 |
|||
|
Geography Students who took the Standard Level (SL) Geography exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4, will receive GSP departmental elective credit (3 units). |
|||||
| SL/HL | 4-7 | GSP 170 | 3 | SPW | |
|
Global Politics Students who took this IB exam prior to Fall 2020, will receive the following credit: |
|||||
| SL | 4-7 | POS 120 | 3 | CU | |
| HL | 4-7 | POS 120 (3) & POS Dept. Elective (3) | 6 | CU (3) | |
|
Global Politics Students who take this IB exam Fall 2020 and beyond will receive the following credit: |
|||||
|
|
SL |
4-7 |
Not Accepted |
0 |
|
|
HL |
4-7 |
POS 120 |
3 |
CU |
|
|
History
History of Africa and the Middle East |
SL |
5-7 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
HL |
4 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
||
|
5-7 |
Elective Credit |
6 |
|||
|
History of the Americas |
SL |
5-7 |
HIS 291 |
3 |
SPW |
|
HL |
4 |
HIS 291 |
3 |
SPW |
|
|
5-7 |
HIS 291 & 292 |
6 |
SPW |
||
|
History of Asia and Oceania |
HL |
4 |
HIS Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
5-7 |
HIS Dept. Elective |
6 |
|||
|
History of Europe |
HL |
4 |
HIS 240 |
3 |
SPW |
|
5-7 |
HIS 240 & 241 |
6 |
SPW |
||
|
History, Islamic |
HL |
5-7 |
HIS 230 & 231 |
6 |
CU, G |
|
Information Technology in a Global Society
|
SL |
5-7 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
|
|
HL |
4-7 |
Elective Credit |
3 |
||
|
Note: Language (English) A Exams Students who took a Higher Level (HL) Language (English) A exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4 or higher, will receive ENG departmental elective credit (3 units) |
|||||
|
Language (English) A: Language & Literature
|
SL |
0-7 | Non-Transferable | 0 | |
|
HL |
5-7 |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205. |
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement.
|
|
|
Language (English) A: Literature
|
SL |
0-7 |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
HL |
5-7 |
ENG Dept. Elective Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205. |
3 |
Partially satisfies the English foundation requirement |
|
|
Language ab initio |
SL |
0-7 |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
Language B |
SL |
5-7 |
Not Accepted |
0 | |
|
HL |
4 |
ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
|
5 |
ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU |
||
| 6 |
ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA 101, 102 & 201 |
12 | CU | ||
| 7 |
ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA 101, 102, 201 & 202 |
16 | CU | ||
|
Language B (not offered at Northern Arizona University) |
|||||
|
|
SL |
5-7 |
Not Accepted |
0 | |
|
HL |
4 |
LAN 101 |
4 |
CU |
|
|
5 |
LAN 101 & 102 |
8 |
CU | ||
| 6 | LAN 101 & 102 & LAN Dept. Elective (4) | 12 | CU | ||
| 7 | LAN 101 & 102 & LAN Dept. Elective (8) | 16 | CU | ||
|
Mathematical Studies |
SL |
0-7 |
Non-Transferable |
0 |
|
|
Mathematics |
SL |
5-7 |
MAT 114 |
3 |
FNRQ |
|
HL |
5-7 |
MAT 125 (4) & MAT 136 (4) |
8 |
FNRQ (4), SAS (4) |
|
| Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations | SL | 0-7 | Non-Transferable | 0 | |
| HL | 5-7 | MAT 114 | 3 | Satisfies the Mathematics foundation requirement (FNRQ) | |
| Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches | SL | 5-7 | MAT 114 | 3 | Satisfies the Mathematics foundation requirement (FNRQ) |
| HL | 5-7 | MAT 125 & MAT 136 | 8 | Satisfies the Mathematics foundation requirement (FNRQ) (4 units) and SAS (4 units). | |
|
Music |
SL |
5-7 |
MUS 293 |
3 |
AHI |
|
HL |
5-7 |
MUS 293 |
3 |
AHI |
|
|
Physics
|
SL |
6-7 |
PHY 111 |
4 |
LAB |
|
HL |
5 |
PHY 111 |
4 |
LAB |
|
|
6-7 |
PHY 111 & 112 |
8 |
LAB |
||
|
Psychology |
SL |
4-7 |
PSY Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
HL |
5-7 |
PSY 101 |
3 |
SPW |
|
|
Social and Cultural Anthropology |
SL |
5-7 |
ANT Dept. Elective |
3 |
|
|
HL |
4-7 |
ANT 102 |
3 |
CU, G |
|
|
Sports, Exercise and Health Science Students who took the Standard Level (SL) Sports, Exercise and Health Science exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4, will receive credit for HS 200 ( units). |
|||||
|
|
SL |
4 |
Not Accepted |
0 |
|
| SL |
5-7 |
HS 200 |
3 |
||
| HL | 4 | HS 200 | 3 | ||
| HL | 5-7 | HS 200 | 3 | ||
|
Theatre |
SL |
4-7 |
TH 101 |
3 |
AHI |
|
HL |
4-7 |
TH 101 |
3 |
AHI |
|
|
Visual Arts |
SL |
4 |
ART 150 |
3 |
AHI |
|
5-7 |
ART 135 & ART 150 |
6 |
AHI (3) |
||
|
HL |
4 |
ART 150 |
3 |
AHI |
|
|
5-7 |
ART 135 & ART 150 |
6 |
AHI (3) |
||
|
World Religions |
SL |
5-7 |
REL Dept. Elective |
3 |
|