Upcoming Changes in Transfer Credit Policies for Mathematics Courses

Starting in Fall 2027, a new policy will affect 6 mathematics courses: MATH 105, 115, 116, 214, 215, 216

• Matriculated University of Michigan (U-M) students will be expected to complete these courses at U-M.
• Students who transfer to U-M will receive transfer credit for these courses under a new suite of course numbers (MATH 102, 111, 112, 213, 211, 212) indicating the courses were taken elsewhere if the course meets U-M’s minimum content requirements. This is similar to the way AP credit is handled for mathematics courses. Some programs or majors may require the U-M-taught version of these courses. In those cases, the Mathematics Department will offer a proctored proficiency test option so transfer students can earn credit for the U-M course; this option will include additional advising and academic support for students.

Our goal is to support student success! Recent institutional analyses conducted by several independent teams at U-M discovered that, on average, students who completed early mathematics requirements at U-M were better prepared for their programs than those who completed similar coursework elsewhere. 

The change in transfer credit policy is intended to create a more equitable and consistent experience for U-M students while supporting their long-term success. Differences in online assessment practices, emerging AI tools, and variation across institutions make it increasingly difficult to guarantee that external courses provide the same level of preparation as those at U-M. Unfortunately, they often do not. By encouraging completion of math requirements here at U-M, we ensure all U-M students benefit from the same high-quality instruction and extensive support resources offered at U-M. 

The new policy aligns course credit with preparation and supports better advising and placement. 

Taking mathematics at U-M prepares students for a data-driven and competitive future where strong math skills are a major advantage. See Why Take Math at the University of Michigan.

The new policy does not apply to:

• Math coursework students completed at any institution before Fall 2027
• Math courses completed at U-M

• Beginning in Fall 2027, transfer credit will generally not be given for mathematics courses taken outside U-M.
• Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis (e.g., study abroad, health conditions, or the need to stay on track for a program).

• Beginning in Fall 2027, students who transfer to U-M may continue to transfer mathematics coursework they completed before they arrived at U-M. 
• For courses taken during or after Fall 2027, the course numbers for which students receive credit will be different than before, to indicate that the course was taught elsewhere.
• Some programs will allow students to use these transferred courses to satisfy mathematics requirements, but others will still require a U-M-taught MATH course number. It is important that students talk to advisors in the specific school/college/program to which they are transferring.
• In order to get a transferred course updated to the U-M course number, students will need to take a proctored proficiency test run by the Department of Mathematics in order to earn credit for that specific U-M course. 
• Students electing the proctored proficiency test option will receive additional advising and support as needed.

After Fall 2027, transferred courses that cover the minimum content requirements of an introductory U-M MATH course will receive a new course number, indicating the course was taken elsewhere.

The Department of Mathematics will offer proctored exams to earn credit for the U-M MATH course number if students need or would like to earn that credit for their programs.

Example: An engineering student transfers from a different university and already took a Calculus I course at their first school. They receive subject elective credit for MATH 111, but the College of Engineering requires students to have credit for MATH 115. The student may request a proctored exam to demonstrate MATH 115 proficiency from the mathematics department and, if they pass, MATH 111 will change to MATH 115 on their transcript.

For students who need credit for a U-M MATH course number but do not pass the proficiency test, a 1-credit pass/fail support course will be offered; students in this support course will work with peers under the guidance of an instructor in order to gain fluency in the math skills they need. With successful completion of this support course, students will be invited to retake the proficiency test.

Contact the Department of Mathematics at math-transfer-credit@umich.edu for questions or guidance.