Transfer Students
We welcome students who choose to complete their bachelor's degree after attending a community college, as well as those who wish to transfer to MCLA from a four-year institution.
Applying for Transfer Admission
If you have completed 12 or more college-level credits at an accredited college or university, you should apply for admission as a transfer.
Transfer Admission Standards
Admission to MCLA is based on completed credits, transferable credits and cumulative GPA. In order to be considered for admission as a transfer student to MCLA, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- 12 to 23 transferable college credits and a minimum 2.5 college GPA
- Up to 23 transferable college credits, a minimum 2.0 college GPA and high school grades that meet first-year admission standards
- 24 or more transferable college credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA
Note: Unless enrolled in a specific “early college program,” students with Dual Enrollment course credit are considered first-year applicants and must meet first-year admission requirements.
Definitions
Completed Credits: non-remedial credits taken and a grade or Pass/Fail was received. This does not include
classes that you have withdrawn from or classes taken while in high school
Transferable Credit: non-remedial, college-level credits taken at an accredited college or university
with a grade of C- or higher or Pass was received
Cumulative GPA: the overall GPA of all coursework you have attempted/completed at each college
Sending School: the institution you most recently earned credits at and attended
Per Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Admission Standards we are unable
to accept anyone with under a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Additional Documentation
Additional Documents may be requested by your admission counselor. Admission for transfer students operates on a rolling admission basis for the fall semester. We encourage you to apply before March 1 for priority consideration for academic scholarships and financial aid. Applicants for the spring term should apply by December 1.
Transfer Programs
MCLA has developed many transfer pathway programs with community colleges across the state as well as from the New England and New York region. These agreements facilitate the transfer process for students and ensure the transfer of courses to MCLA. Present agreements exist between MCLA and Berkshire Community College and Hudson Valley Community College (NY), and many others are in the process.
Berkshire Community College
- Biology
- Business
- Computer Science, Business Information Systems
- Computer Science, Information Technology
- Computer Science, Software Development
- Early Childhood Education
- Environmental Studies
- Sociology
Hudson Valley Community College
- Honors Program
Community Colleges of Rhode Island
As a student enrolled in a Massachusetts State Community College, MCLA honors all levels of the MassTransfer Program. Students who complete associate degrees under Masstransfer may be eligible for:
- Guaranteed Admission (based on final transcript)
- Full transfer of up to 75 credits
- 100% tuition waiver (based on final GPA and completed pathway)
- Will take in courses 100 level or higher with a D or better
Waiver of Core Requirements
Transfer students enrolling at MCLA with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a public community college from New York state with a 2.5 GPA will satisfy all core requirements at MCLA with the exception of Tier III CCAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
admissions@mcla.edu
OR
MCLA Office of Admission
375 Church Street
North Adams, MA 01247
An official electronic transcript is sent directly by your previous college to MCLA.
An official paper transcript is in a sealed envelope from your previous college.
If the transcript is sent by the student or is taken out of the envelope from your college, it becomes unofficial.
Up to 75 transferable credits will be accepted at MCLA
Once you are admitted and have submitted your official college transcript, a degree audit will be created for you. This will show how your courses transfer to MCLA and how they apply to your specific major.
A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.
Yes, we need transcripts from every institution you have previously attended.
All classes at MCLA are taught in person. We do not offer online or fully remote courses. This in-person learning model allows transfer students to engage directly with faculty, collaborate closely with classmates, and take full advantage of campus resources.
Except for students applying to Nursing and Radiologic Technology, students are admitted directly to the major program of their choice.
Class registration for incoming transfer student begins once current MCLA student class registration has ended. An advisor will reach out to you to discuss classes options and assist you in registration.
Students must submit their enrollment deposit prior to registering for classes.
We're Here To Help!
413-662-5410
admissions@mcla.edu
MCLA Office of Admission
375 Church St.
North Adams, MA