VanderCook College of Music
Transfer Students
acceptance of theory, aural skills and techniques courses is contingent upon the placement exam results the student takes during the application process and in the first 2 weeks of the semester.
- earned from an accredited college or university.
- comparable to courses offered at VanderCook.
- completed within 10 years (three years for technology courses) prior to enrollment.
- grade earned was a C or better in the transferable course.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Candidates enrolled at VanderCook may wish to enroll in courses at other institutions and apply earned transfer credits toward their degree at VanderCook. Written permission must be obtained from the appropriate dean before registering at another institution. Only classes taken at VanderCook are factored into the VanderCook cumulative GPA.
Candidates may obtain credit for areas in which they are competent. However, no more than 18 alternate credit hours may be applied toward the bachelor’s degree. All requests for alternate credit are subject to approval by the undergraduate dean. Candidates may apply the following sources of alternate credit toward their degree:
Advanced Placement Credit
VanderCook participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB), allowing both college credit and placement for courses completed successfully by secondary school students. CEEB scores of 4 and 5, as reported by the College Board, with review and approval by the appropriate dean, will entitle the secondary school graduate to apply the credit awarded for a similar course offered on campus. Successful completion of Advanced International Certificate of Education courses may also be evaluated by the dean for credit.
International Baccalaureate Credit (IB)
Candidates who have graduated from a secondary school and participated in International Baccalaureate coursework may take the corresponding exam and have it accepted toward the relevant course provided a candidate has taken a Standard or High Level test and earned a 4, 5, 6 or 7.
Internal Placement Examination
Undergraduate candidates take a placement test in written theory during the admissions process to ensure placement at the appropriate level. At the discretion of the appropriate dean, college credit may be awarded for coursework in which a candidate demonstrates that they are proficient with the subject matter. This may include proof of successful classroom teaching experience, paraprofessional experience, satisfactory completion of an in-depth workshop, performance experience, or participation in lessons and other degree related activities. Candidates may be required to demonstrate proficiency through musical performance, written work, or completion of an assessment. Credits may be accepted toward licensure and/or degree completion.
Undergraduate students must enroll in the course(s) for which they are seeking credit and attend the course until proficiency is established through means described above and approved by the course professor. When applicable, undergraduate candidates must submit a written appeal outlining their subject-matter proficiency to the undergraduate dean.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
VanderCook gives credit for successful completion of the CLEP exam sponsored by the College Board. Exams must be cleared by the undergraduate dean.
Articulation Agreements
VanderCook College of Music has articulation agreements with the following institutions:
Illinois Institute of Technology – shared campus
- Reciprocal agreement for IIT students to study a minor in music or participate in classes and ensembles
- Reciprocal agreement for VanderCook students may take general education coursework at IIT
Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Heights, IL 60465
Southwestern Michigan College, 58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac, MI 49047
- Agreement accepts degree specific general education coursework, applied studies, class piano, and music theory courses. Music theory and class piano placement accepted after completion of VCM placement exams. No more than 78 credits will be accepted in transfer for the BMEd, BM(pre-cert), or the BMped degrees.
* Transfer students may have to pass a theory and piano proficiency exam.
