Transferring Credits | Whatcom Community College

** We currently have a high volume of transfer credit evaluation requests. The current evaluation processing time is 8-10 weeks. If you are a graduating this fall or winter term and have transfer credits that have not been evaluated, include a note with your request stating your graduation term so we can prioritize properly.

Credits earned from another institution could apply toward a degree or certificate at Whatcom Community College (WCC).

Note: Student applying to any of the following programs, should follow the program procedures for transferring credit. PTA, Nursing, and all BAS programs.

How to request a transfer credit evaluation.

Request official transcripts from your previous colleges(s) to be sent to:
Whatcom Community College
237 West Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226

or graduation@whatcom.edu
Submit a Transfer Credit Evaluation Request form in person to Orca Central, or email to graduation office Graduation@whatcom.edu

Note: Transcripts from previous colleges are not automatically evaluated when received. Evaluations are started only after all transcripts listed on the request have been received and you have enrolled in classes.

Official vs. Unofficial transcript

Official Transcript: hard copy sealed in original envelope, or digital document sent from school or third-party transcript company.

See your transfer school's website for how to order transcripts from them.

Unofficial Transcript: any hard copy not in sealed original envelope, printed by student, or digital document sent by student.

Unofficial copies of transcript can be requested from the transfer college, or you may be able to print one from the college’s website.

When will my evaluation be finished?

Placement or prerequisite courses

You don't have to wait until your transcript(s) have been evaluated before seeking help with placement, academic planning, or selecting courses for your schedule.

You can use unofficial copies of your transcript(s) to work with your advisor. They can sign off on prerequisites and get you started on your degree plan.

To make an appointment with an advisor call 360-383-3080 or schedule an appointment through Starfish.

Unofficial copies of transcript can be requested from the transfer college, or you may be able to print one from the college’s website.

Will WCC accept my credits?

WCC reserves the right to determine which courses are acceptable for transfer from other institutions, but every attempt will be made to grant credit for equivalent courses. There are some limitations:

Course credits must usually be earned from an institution accredited by one of the following agencies:

Higher Learning Commission
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
New England Commission of Higher Education
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
WASC Senior College and University Commission
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Courses from institutions with other types of accreditations are rarely eligible but may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Only college-level courses for which credit has been granted with a grade of D (1.0 Grade Point) or higher by the sending institution will be considered.

Credit for sectarian religious studies cannot be accepted.

Students with non-U.S. transcripts must first request an evaluation from a professional service for evaluating foreign credentials. See the WCC website for details.

I'm not getting a degree/certificate from WCC.

AP, CLEP, IB

Students who earned credit through AP, CLEP, and IB can also be granted credit toward a degree or certificate at WCC if they meet the subject and score criteria. A Transfer Credit Evaluation Request form is required, follow the steps list above.

To see score and equivalencies go to the Credit for Prior Learning page.

Advanced Placement (AP) - The Advanced Placement program consists of college-level courses and exams for high school students.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – The College Level Examination Program is a nationally standardized general and subject exams program that are scored for college credit.

International Baccalaureate (IB) - The International Baccalaureate program consists of college-level courses and exams for high school students.

Military Credit Evaluation (MCE)

Military Training Courses – Students with military training can earn credit for military courses and/or experiences. For further information go to the Veteran Services page for more information.

Credit for Prior Learning

In some instances, learning acquired through significant college level experience in employment, self-study, training, volunteering and travel can be evaluated for credit. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Reciprocity Agreement for Transferring Credits

If you have fulfilled a specific course requirement or entire area of a degree requirement at another Washington State Community or Technical College, then you might meet those same degree requirements at WCC.

To initiate a review process, you need to provide all necessary documentation demonstrating you completed a specific degree requirement at another Washington State community college to Whatcom. The course review is subject to WCC’s catalog agreement, and you must complete the minimum number of credits required to earn a WCC degree.

If you think you might have courses that qualify, ask your advisor to assist you with this process.