120 Academic Credits

All university classes carry from 0 to 4 credits. Most classes carry 3 credits.

Exercise activities credits (courses identified as EXSA such as swimming, aerobics, yoga, etc.) appear on the transcript, but are deducted at graduation. They are not included in the 120 counted toward graduation. Students are encourages to take these courses, which can promote health and relieve stress, but should remember to subtract the credits from their academic total.

Professional credits are credits taken in another school at GW, such as the Elliott School, the School of Business, the School of Engineering, and the School of Public Health. CCAS students may include only 18 professional credits toward the 120 needed for graduation.

Transfer credits are credits from schools other than GW. Credits are awarded for classes with grades of C- or better from accredited colleges and universities. To receive transfer credit, students must complete a Petition to Transfer Credit, available in Phillips 107, and have a transcript sent to the Admissions Office.

AP and IB credits are awarded for scores of 4 or 5. For the correct distribution of AP and IB credits, go to (LINK)

Residency refers to the fact that students must complete some of their 120 academic credits at certain times and in a certain order. The final 45 credits must be completed in residence, that is, while a student is enrolled in the Columbian College and in GW classes. Of the final 15 credits, 9 must be completed in residence.