Santa Clara University

Students may challenge certain courses that satisfy specific degree requirements. Challenged courses count toward a student’s total units passed but do not count toward a student’s graduation requirements. In order to maintain the integrity of a Santa Clara University degree, students are not allowed to challenge more than three courses. A successfully challenged course is appropriately acknowledged on the student’s transcript.

To challenge a course, students must (1) have completed at least 15 units at Santa Clara (unless an exception is granted by the department chairperson in writing); (2) have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2; and (3) have permission from the instructor, chairperson, and executive directors to proceed with the challenge. The instructor must complete a written description of the proposed challenge process, to be approved by the department chairperson.

Challenge examinations may be either oral or written, as determined by the instructor. Challenged courses may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis. There is a $100 fee for challenging a course.  Challenge forms are available in the Graduate Services Office.

Certain classes within the School cannot be challenged, including any counseling psychology practicum/internship courses and any field lab courses. Classes that include a high experiential component are unavailable for challenge.