Curriculum for Transfer Students

Goucher expects all of its students to pursue a common set of learning experiences. In this pursuit, students enter into a space of inquiry with other students and faculty, known as the Goucher Commons. Ultimately, students will gain an integrative learning experience and develop proficiency in areas that will prepare them for careers of the future.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

One hundred twenty (120) credit hours are required for the degree. A student must achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a minimum grade of C- in each course that is counted toward fulfilling the requirements of the major. Credit hours at Goucher are defined on a semester basis. 

Incoming transfer students are exempt from taking the First-Year Seminar, FYS 100.

First-Year Experience, FYE 134, while not required is highly recommended for transfer students. FYE continues the orientation process and connects the learning that occurs for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to build community, develop relationships with peers, and discover their sense of place at Goucher. 

College Writing Portfolio

College Writing Portfolio (CWP) is a requirement for graduation from Goucher College. The achievement of CWP signifies that students can craft a sophisticated argument, conduct modern scholarly research and write clearly.

  • Transfer students will submit a portfolio of previous academic writing for review
  • The portfolio will be evaluated by faculty who will determine placement in the writing curriculum
  • Portfolios will be submitted and evaluated prior to the start of their first semester at Goucher

Study Abroad

Students are required to participate in a study abroad experience before graduation

  • Options to fulfill the requirement include:  a semester program or a three-week intensive course abroad (ICA)
  • Transfer students who have a prior study abroad experience may be considered for approval if it was a minimum of three weeks and awarded at least three credits 

Data Analytics

All Goucher students must take a two course sequence in data analytics. Transfer students who have already completed an approved course in statistics will have fulfilled the first foundation-level course.

Foreign Language

Transfer students are required to complete 4-10 credits (one to three courses) of foreign language. Placement will be determined upon completion of a language placement test prior to registering for courses.

Race, Power, & Perspective

The Race, Power, and Perspective Requirement integrates Goucher College’s values of diversity, social justice, and global citizenship by asking students not only to recognize differences but to explore the power structures behind those differences. Transfer students who have already completed an approved course that explores different cultures, races will have fulfilled the course requirement. View a list of approved courses from Maryland Community Colleges.

Environmental Sustainability

Students must demonstrate knowledge of scientific, policy, social, cultural, and/or historical dimensions of human relationship to the environment. Transfer students who have already completed an approved course in environmental studies are exempt from this requirement. View a list of approved courses that fulfill the Environmental Sustainability requirement from Maryland Community Colleges.

Complex Problem Exploration Courses (CPE)

To produce graduates capable of solving complex problems as part of diverse teams, Goucher has created Complex Problem Exploration courses. These courses are interdisciplinary, centered around a contemporary issue, and require students to work in sustained collaboration in a student-directed research or creative project. 

  • Transfer students who have earned an Associate’s Degree are exempt from the CPE requirement
  • Students transferring to Goucher without an Associate's Degree but with at least 30 credits, will complete one CPE course. 
  • Students matriculating with less than 30 credits will complete two CPE courses

More Information