PhD Student Handbook

Courses Taken Outside Penn

Credit for courses taken outside the University of Pennsylvania may be approved by the Graduate Group Chair provided that the following criteria are satisfied:

1. No comparable course is available to students at the University of Pennsylvania.
2. The content does not lend itself to a structured independent study.
3. The proposed course is of sufficient quality and rigor to warrant doctoral credit.
4. The proposed course is taken for elective credit.
5. The student prepares a brief statement of justification outlining the special need to take this course outside of the University.
6. The student's advisor approves the designated course as appropriate for inclusion in the student's educational plan.
7. Prior written permission to register for the course has been granted by the Graduate Group Chair.

Under no circumstances will transfer credit be given to students for courses taken outside of the University of Pennsylvania without the prior approval of both the student's advisor and the Graduate Group Chair.