Transfer Student Advising

Welcome! We look forward to working with you as you embark on your newest academic journey. This journey includes seeking out an academic advisor for guidance and to aid in the enrollment process for the upcoming term. Academic advising is critical to your success, and to that end, we place great emphasis on the advising process. Our advisors care and are here to help students.

“My advisor was the first individual to personally welcome me to Pitt as a transfer student. She immediately took into account what I was interested in most, as well as my strict schedule. Together we mapped out the perfect first semester after transferring, one I did significantly well on!”

—Andrew Deleon (Computer Science)

Transfer Student Guidelines

External Transfers

Students transferring into the Dietrich School from another college or university must apply through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. After acceptance, Student Records evaluates the student’s previous coursework to see how it equates to the Dietrich School general education requirements.

A maximum of 60 credits can be accepted from accredited community colleges and two-year junior colleges. A maximum of 90 credits can be accepted from accredited four-year institutions. All students must earn their final 30 credits toward a Dietrich School degree and at least half of the credits for their majors, minors, and/or certificates while enrolled as a Dietrich School student.

Internal Transfers

Students who want to transfer to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences from other schools at the University of Pittsburgh campus should complete a Program Change form at their current school to have their records sent to Student Records. Student Records will evaluate the records and e-mail the student with a notice of admission or rejection. 

To qualify, a student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and students in the College of General Studies (CGS) must have at least 12 credits earned at CGS. In addition, the Dietrich School requires that students complete their basic skills requirements in English composition and algebra before applying.

The deadline to submit an internal transfer request is the first day of classes for the each term. If you are requesting transfer for the spring term, the deadline is the first day of spring classes, etc. This includes internal transfers and the declaring of double degrees.

After acceptance, Student Records evaluates the student’s previous coursework to see how it equates to the Dietrich School general education requirements. Students must earn their final 30 credits toward a Dietrich School degree and at least half of the credits for their major while enrolled as a Dietrich School student. Any questions regarding transferring from another undergraduate school into Dietrich can be directed to Missy Graf.

In order to transfer to another undergraduate school at the University, Dietrich School students must complete an Academic Program Change form.  Please check with the undergraduate school to which you hope to transfer to be sure you meet their admissions requirements. Questions about transferring to other undergraduate schools can be directed to Katie Frawley.

Regional Relocation

Students who wish to relocate to the Pittsburgh campus to attend the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences may apply for relocation by completing a Program Change form at the campus where they were most recently enrolled. Acceptance to the Dietrich School is guaranteed for students who meet the following requirements:

* At least 30 of the total 45 credits must be completed at the regional campus.
** Skills courses must be completed with a C- or better.

Student Records will evaluate the student’s transcript with respect to the above requirements and send an acceptance or rejection letter via email.

If you have any questions about regional relocation, please contact Missy Graf, Academic Administrator.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Transitioning to Pitt from a different college or university can be an exciting and new experience. You have worked hard in your classes, and Pitt is happy to have you. Here is the transfer credit evaluation information:

• The University of Pittsburgh generally accepts credits in which the students received a grade of C or better in college-level coursework (not remedial) that corresponds to a course in our curriculum in content and credit value.
• Pass/Fail courses may be accepted for transfer credit if it can be documented that a P grade corresponds to a grade of C or better.
• To receive a University of Pittsburgh degree, students must complete at a minimum their last 30 credits at the University of Pittsburgh.
• A maximum of 60 credits will be accepted from community colleges and two-year junior colleges.
• A maximum of 90 credits will be accepted from four-year institutions.
• At least 50 percent of the credits required in the major and official minor must be earned in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. This requirement applies to students who transfer from a University of Pittsburgh regional campus as well as those who transfer from another college or university.

Please contact the Office of Student Records in 140 Thackeray Hall (412-624-6776) with any questions about your transfer credit evaluation. All transfer credits are subject to reevaluation if you transfer from the Dietrich School to another undergraduate school within the University of Pittsburgh.

Advising and Course Enrollment

All transfer students in the Dietrich School will meet with an academic advisor in our Academic Advising Center. Follow the steps below to prepare for and complete your initial meeting with an academic advisor. Please follow the steps below to get started, and you can always reach out to us at advcentr@pitt.edu or (412) 624-6444 with any questions!

Step 1: Complete our pre-advising survey.

Our staff reaches out through your University email address to all new transfer students who have paid their enrollment deposits and have been processed by our Office of Student Records. Once you receive that message from us, be sure to complete the pre-advising survey.

Step 2: Schedule your initial advising meeting.

Once we receive your pre-advising survey, we will invite you to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. Check your Pitt email regularly for an invitation from our Pathways system to schedule your initial meeting. Be sure to check the "Other" section of your inbox! Once your meeting is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with Zoom meeting information.

Step 3: Make sure you can login to myPitt and Zoom with your University credentials.

You can login to myPitt with your University username and password via the "Sign in" link at the top-right of the page.

Set up your Zoom account by following these instructions from Pitt IT. Be sure to click on the link included in your appointment confirmation email to initiate the Zoom meeting just prior to your scheduled appointment time. You will be entered into the waiting room, and your advisor will admit you when it is time to begin.

Step 4: Review the information on transfer credits that you receive from the Office of Student Records.

Your academic advisor will discuss this with you in detail, but please review the information you receive from the Office of Student Records regarding which transfer credits you received and how they apply to the Dietrich School's general education requirements.

Step 5: Complete any necessary placement exams.

Follow the placement guidelines and complete any assessments that apply to you. Placement assessments are required for some courses offered in the biological sciences, English composition, mathematics, music theory, and second languages.

Step 6: Explore the academic programs that interest you.

Review the major/minor/certificate requirements for the programs you are interested in exploring, either within or outside of the Dietrich School. Be sure to note any programs or courses you would like to discuss with your academic advisor!

Step 7: Familiarize yourself with PeopleSoft/Highpoint CX.

Try adding your anticipated courses to your enrollment shopping cart in PeopleSoft/Highpoint CX. Information on how to do this is in the Academics module of the online orientation, and you can also use the information on our Enrollment Resources page.

Academic and Career Planning Courses

CGS/ARTSC 0092 - UNIVERSITY SEMINAR

University Seminar (CGS/ARTSC 0092) provides new and/or transfer students with the skills necessary to maximize their potential for academic success at the University of Pittsburgh. During this course students will be exposed to various University resources; explore educational and career planning; gain academic confidence; and will become familiar with and utilize cognitive science research-based skills necessary for college success.

• Minimum Credits: 1
• Maximum Credits: 1
• Academic Career: Undergraduate
• Course Component: Lecture
• Grade Component: Satisfactory/No Credit
• Flexible Format: online with in-person or synchronous meetings
• Offered: Fall & Spring
• Instructor: Sean O'Connell, spo15@pitt.edu