Administrative Processes

It may be possible to transfer graduate-level course credits from other universities into the MAIS program. Here are the guidelines:

• Students can apply for external transfer credits once admitted to the MAIS program by contacting the MAIS program office
• Approval for external transfer credits is required from both the MAIS academic program head and the associate registrar
• The external transfer credit application process begins with a request form to be send to the MAIS program office, where the official transcripts will be added. The request form must include relevant course outline, which should detail the learning objectives, topics covered, reading lists and course assignments
• During the program application phase, applicants may include proposed transfer credits as part of their program schedule. However, the application for external transfer credit can only be submitted after admission to the program. Therefore, if the transfer credit application is not approved, a revised program schedule must be created
• Courses considered for external credit transfer must align with the overall academic goal of the MAIS program
• Transfer credits will be transferred as unspecified foundational/introductory (500-level) courses, regardless of the level in their original program. Note, this will impact the number of foundational-level courses you are able to takes as part of your MAIS program
• External transfer credits may not exceed the maximum allowed, as outlined in the academic regulations
• Only Master’s-level courses offered for academic credit are eligible
• Only courses completed with a grade of B or higher are eligible for transfer credit (see the regulations regarding minimum grade required for details)
• Courses completed more than seven years ago will be evaluated for currency by the academic program head and the office of the registrar
• External transfer credits will not affect the MAIS program GPA, and course titles will not be transcripted

You may be able to take a Master’s-level course for academic credit at another recognized host university while enrolled in the MAIS program, and have those credits count towards your degree. To do this, you must apply for a Letter of Permission (LoP). An LoP is a pre-approved credit transfer agreement, meaning our Registrar agrees in advance to accept the credits once you successfully complete the external course and the University receives your transcript. To apply, contact your program associate to begin the administrative process. The Registrar’s Office will issue the LoP. Below are the guidelines:

• Students must be in good academic and financial standing. While taking the external course, you must remain enrolled in the MAIS program (i.e., not be on personal or medical leave of absence).
• Applications must be submitted at least one month before the external course begins.
• External transfer credits cannot exceed the maximum allowed under academic regulations.
• Proposed courses must align with the overall academic goals of the MAIS program.
• Applications are subject to approval by the MAIS academic program head and the associate registrar.
• You are responsible for organizing the external course, including selecting the course, securing permission to enroll from the host institution, paying tuition to the host institution as required, providing a copy of the LoP to the host institution, and ensuring transcripts are sent to RRU upon course completion.
• Only courses completed with a grade of B or higher qualify for transfer credit (refer to regulations on minimum grade requirements).
• Transferred credits will count as unspecified foundational/introductory (unspecified 500-level) courses, regardless of their original level. This may affect how many foundational-level courses you can take within your MAIS program.

External transfer credits will not affect your MAIS program GPA, and the course titles will not appear on your transcript.