Transfer Information

There are many ways for students to bring credit to MCC. You can transfer credit from a regionally accredited college, you can be awarded credit for Advanced Placement, (CLEP, DSST, ACE) or through prior learning. Send an official transcript to the Enrollment Management Center and we will evaluate your transcript for credit. Credits accepted for transfer become part of the student’s permanent academic record. Please contact an academic counselor in the Academic, Career & Transfer Center for further assistance.

Middlesex Community College’s transfer policy is consistent with the Massachusetts Community College Transfer Principles. 

Credits are accepted by transfer from other regionally accredited schools or colleges with requisite transcript documents. A maximum of 45 credits earned at other institutions may be applied to academic programs in addition to formal coursework taken at Middlesex Community College. A minimum of 15 credits toward an associate degree from MCC must be earned through formal coursework at Middlesex, and a minimum of nine credits must be completed in the field of specialization. A mimimum of 9 credits towards a certificate from MCC must be earned through final coursework at Middlesex.

(Note: Acceptability vs. Applicability: Although students may transfer in up to 45 credits, it may be possible that not all 45 credits can be applied to their major/program. Sometimes the transfer course is not applicable to a particular major/program and cannot fulfill degree requirements.)

Students registering for a course at MCC are responsible for meeting all course prerequisites. When the prerequisite(s) has been taken at another college or university the student must submit proof that the prerequisite has been met to an advisor or to the Enrollment Management Center. The first time a student registers for a course with a prerequisite met from another college or university, he/she may register using an unofficial transcript.All unofficial and official transcripts used to evaluate prerequisite courses must include the name of the student, name of college or university, and the name of the course being used for the prerequisite.

Transfer credit will be awarded when a grade of “C” or better is earned for a course from a regionally accredited college or university.*  Courses should be comparable to those offered and taught at MCC. All transferred courses must meet any program and/or prerequisite course grade requirements in order to be utilized to meet a program and/or prerequisite course requirement. Students are encouraged to contact an academic advisor or the Registrar’s office to clarify any questions about transfer credits.

If there is a question regarding transfer credit awarded, the following steps shall be taken:

• The academic advisor will refer the issue to the Registrar, who will confer with the appropriate division dean. Students may email questions to the Registrar at REGISTRAR@middlesex.mass.edu
• If the issue is not resolved at the division dean-level, it will be referred to the Vice President and Provost for resolution.
• The Registrar will inform the student of the final decision of the Provost.

*Note: Students transferring to MCC may have completed the certified Mass Transfer General Ed Foundation Block. See MassTransfer for more information.

Before enrolling in courses at another college, students should obtain approval from the Academic Career & Transfer Center to ensure that this coursework is applicable to their degree program and therefore acceptable as transfer credit at Middlesex Community College. Credit for coursework completed at nonaccredited institutions may be considered on a provisional basis.

Prior Learning Assessment

Students with training, work or life experience that is equivalent to eligible MCC courses can earn credit toward their Middlesex degree or certificate programs. Credit is earned through a variety of methods, such as departmental exams, portfolio evaluations and documentation of training or professional certification. Credits awarded through this program are generally not transferable to other institutions unless they are part of a completed and corresponding MassTransfer degree program at a state institution. Applicants for prior learning assessment credit must be currently enrolled Middlesex students. There are nonrefundable fees for the evaluation process. Participation in the process and eligibility of courses varies by college department and program, and may be restricted by law or external accreditation boards. For more information, contact the Prior Learning Program Assessment Coordinator at 781-280-3852 or kaulfussr@middlesex.mass.edu.

MCC is affiliated with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and LearningCounts.org.  MCC does not administer CLEP tests but generally accepts CLEP test results.

CLEP Exams

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is made up of a series of examinations in a variety of subject areas. The exams are prepared and offered by the College Board (a national organization) and may be taken at several local colleges. Middlesex accepts the general and subject examinations. To find out what areas are covered, and where and how to take CLEP exams, see the CLEP website at www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html. To find out how CLEP exam results might be applied for credit in MCC programs, contact the Academic, Career & Transfer Center at 1-800-818-3434.

MCC’s VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy

 In accordance with the VALOR Act, students may have their military experience, coursework or training reviewed to determine whether their training or actual job duties are commensurate with the content of courses offered at Middlesex Community College.   MCC uses multiple methods for evaluating military occupation, training, experience and coursework for academic credit, including the ACE Guide to the evaluation of education experiences, CLEP, DANTES (DSST), and portfolio review. All military transcripts, including SMART, ACE, AARTS, and CCAR, are reviewed for transferability of credit in accordance with our college-wide policy. A maximum of 45 credits can be applied to a degree at MCC. Credits for military experience, training and coursework that are treated as transfer credits are listed as military credit on a student’s transcript. As deemed appropriate, these transfer credits may be applied toward the Mass Transfer Agreement.  Students are aware of the VALOR Act credit evaluation policy through our website, catalog, standard practices for admissions and academic counseling processes.  Contacts:  Ivette Caletz, Academic Counselor-Lowell, 978-656-3214; Michael Rideout, Academic Counselor-Bedford, 781-280-3587.

 Note: Due to state regulations, credit for experiential learning, CLEP and military service cannot be awarded to students in the Criminal Justice program.

In accordance with the goals of the federally legislated Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act, MCC is committed to preparing individuals to qualify for skilled and rewarding occupations. This effort includes relationships with technical, vocational and comprehensive high schools that provide a cost-effective and smooth transition from high school to college.

Middlesex has several articulation agreements with local high schools which allow qualified students to earn college credit for selected high school coursework.  Students who apply to an articulated program at Middlesex must perform at an advanced level in their junior and senior years to receive college credit. Among the MCC programs included in these agreements are: Biotechnology Technician; Business Administration; Computer Applications; Computer, Software & Networking Technology; Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technology; Culinary Arts; Dental Assisting; Early Childhood Education; Hospitality Management; and Information Technology. A complete list of current high school articulation agreements is available on the Middlesex website https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/admissions/hsartic.aspx

Middlesex Community College has developed articulation agreements with other post-secondary institutions. With Minuteman Career & Technical High School, MCC offers a joint associate degree in Automotive Technology. National Aviation Academy  offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology program, which, combined with courses at Middlesex, also leads to an associate degree. The college also has entered into an agreement with the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy providing firefighters the opportunity to earn college credit for a variety of training programs.

Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses who have been accepted into MCC’s Nursing program may challenge NUR 101 (Fundamentals of Nursing), and NUR 102 (Nursing Practicum). Upon completion of the challenge process, students may be awarded credit for these courses and may enroll in NUR 155 (Intergenerational Nursing) on a space-available basis. Detailed information concerning the challenge process may be obtained in the Student Information Center. (See Nursing program information for LPN enrollment options.)

Middlesex Community College has articulation agreements with Greater Lowell Regional Technical School, Assabet Valley Vocational Technical School, and Shawsheen Vocational School post-secondary licensed practical nursing programs. Recent graduates of these programs (within the last five years) who are admitted into MCC’s associate degree Nursing program may be eligible to receive credit for NUR 101, NUR 155, and concurrent clinical practicum courses. Further information is available at the Student Information Center. (See Nursing program information for LPN enrollment options.)

Planning to earn a Bachelor Degree? Middlesex Community College provides an economical way to begin achieving your goal. Our academic counselors as well as our Coordinator of Transfer Affairs, have the resources and expertise to assist students to make informed choices regarding their academic plans and next steps. Middlesex Community College is dedicated to providing services to help you to make a smooth transition. https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/transfer/

Transfer Advising Appointments

Our Coordinator of Transfer Affairs, Academic and Faculty Advisors along with other professional staff are here to support you and answer questions regarding your transfer planning.

To schedule an appointment with Jane Fain, Coordinator of Transfer Affairs please call  1-800-818-3434 or stop by the Student Information Center on either campus.

If your assigned academic advisor is located in one of the Academic Advising Centers, you can schedule an appointment with them by using the following link: appointment online using E-SARS (student login required) or call 1-800-818-3434 for an appointment.

If your assigned academic advisor is a faculty member or professional staff, please either send an email or call their office to arrange an appointment.

Events and Services

Upcoming transfer events can be found on our Transfer Events Calendar https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/transfer

Transfer Fairs

Transfer Fairs are held on both campuses in the fall and spring semesters, where students have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives to learn more about these institutions and about the requirements for transferring once studies are completed at Middlesex. The fall semester Transfer Fair typically hosts more than 55 colleges and universities on each campus. The smaller State Fair is held during the spring semester and is attended by our Massachusetts Universities and UMass Campuses.

Other Transfer Events

Each semester admissions representatives visit our campuses to meet with students, either individually by appointment or in group presentations. Students can also speak with admissions representatives in a more casual drop-in setting in the Lowell Cowan Center Lobby or the Bedford Campus Center, Main Street.

Transfer Workshops            

Transfer Workshops are available to students, faculty and other campus groups to provide an overview of the transfer process, MassTransfer and related topics.

Transfer Fairs

Transfer Fairs are held on both campuses in the fall and spring semesters, where students have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives to learn more about these institutions and about the requirements for transferring once studies are completed at Middlesex. The fall semester Transfer Fair typically hosts more than 55 colleges and universities on each campus. The smaller State Fair is held during the spring semester and is attended by our Massachusetts Universities and UMass Campuses.

MassTransfer is a collaboration between the Commonwealth’s community colleges, state universities and the University of Massachusetts. System-wide resources and policies allow for students to transfer seamlessly, stay on track and minimize the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree.

MassTransfer consists of the following:

General Education Foundation

MassTransfer provides any student in the Massachusetts public higher education system who completes the General Education Foundation (Formerly MassTransfer Block) with the benefit of satisfying the general education/distribution/core requirements at any other public higher education institution (with the receiving institution able to add no more than six additional credits or two courses).

A2B Degree (Associate to Bachelor’s) Mapped & Linked Programs

Students who complete approved associate degrees at Massachusetts community colleges before they enroll in linked bachelor’s programs at Massachusetts state universities or University of Massachusetts campuses can receive additional benefits. Not only does MassTransfer guarantee full transfer of a minimum of 60 credits but, depending on their final GPA and/or prerequisite coursework, students who complete A2B Degrees (Associate to Bachelor’s) may also receive guaranteed admission and tuition discounts.

Students will receive the following benefits based upon their final GPA.

• Transfer with GPA 2.0+ and have guaranteed transfer of credits, no application fee, no application essay
• Transfer with GPA 2.5+ and have guaranteed university admission. Check with four-year institution for specific GPA requirements for program of interest)
• Transfer with GPA 3.0+ and have MassTransfer 100% Tuition Credit
• Transfer with GPA 3.0+ and have *MassTransfer 100% Tuition Credit        (*Must transfer into a day program within one year of receiving the associate degree.)

A2B Degree Plus Commonwealth Commitment 

A2B Degree students who attend full-time and earn a 3.00 GPA or higher also have the opportunity to participate in the Commonwealth Commitment. The Commonwealth Commitment (available in “A2B Mapped” majors only) further rewards students with a freeze on tuition & fees for all four years, and 10% end-of-semester rebates.

Students Commit To:

• Begin at one of Massachusetts’ Community Colleges and Enroll before 15 college credits
• Complete associate degree within 2.5 years
• Transfer to one of Massachusetts’ State Universities or UMass campuses
• Complete bachelor’s degree within 2 more years
• Maintain full-time, continuous enrollment and a cumulative 3.00 GPA

Some community college programs that do not contain the MassTransfer Block can also qualify for MassTransfer benefits.

These Additional Transfer Agreements (ATA) ensure that a minimum of 60 credits will be transferred and applied to the corresponding linked baccalaureate program. With the appropriate GPA, students may qualify for guaranteed admission and/or the tuition waiver. Additional Transfer Agreement programs do not include the MassTransfer Block and therefore do not qualify for that benefit.

Middlesex Community College continues to develop articulation agreements with both public and private institutions, locally, nationally and abroad. These agreements are designed to ease the transfer process, allowing a student to specifically plan a curriculum that will fit a chosen bachelor degree program at a selected college or university. For more information and to view our current agreements, visit: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/transfer/transartic.aspx

Middlesex Community College students may be eligible for scholarships when they transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. Students should check with a transfer counselor and visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/financialaid/transfer.aspx for more information.