Santa Clara University

Course Approval Procedure

If you can't find your course in the database, it does not mean you can't take it. You can still get it approved by following the easy steps. It is crucial that you follow this procedure to guarantee courses taken abroad will fulfill specific major, minor, core, or elective requirements at Santa Clara. It is always the student’s responsibility to ensure accuracy of information and to complete the course approval procedure. Incomplete information may result in misappropriation of credits to your records at the Registrar’s Office thus delaying your graduation.

1. Download the study abroad Course Approval Form (pdf)
   
   
2. Search the online database of Pre-Approved Courses to determine if a course you plan to take abroad is listed there as fulfilling the proper SCU equivalence. If it is, then you can simply write “Pre-Approved” in lieu of the Department Chair’s signature.
   
   
3. If a course is not pre-approved, then print out all supporting documentation for the course including course description and syllabus (found on a program provider's website).
4. Take the Course Approval Form and all supporting documents to the appropriate Department Chairs for their review and approval. If approved, make sure the Chair sign off on the appropriate line on the Form.
5. Be sure to read very carefully all the respective approval guidelines for each department.
   
6. Submit the completed Course Approval Form along with all the supporting documents to Lori Johnson at the Drahmann Center (2nd floor, Benson) for filing.

Helpful Tips:

• Having a course approved for SCU crediting does not guarantee that you will get into a class abroad.
• It is always recommended to get as many courses approved as you can so you have some back ups in case a course abroad closes or get cancelled.
• You do NOT have to take the courses on your Course Approval Form, but if you do at least you know they are approved for certain SCU equivalence.
• The completed Course Approval Form will be used by Lori Johnson to appropriately transfer grades/credits to Santa Clara when your transcript arrives on campus at the end of your study abroad program. It is very important that the form is legible to avoid misappropriation of your credits.