Military Transfer Credits

SMSU awards credit for military training based on ACE recommendations. Find out more about how military credit transfers to colleges or universities in the MnSCU VETS System.

Your military training may be considered for college credit! It's a good idea to submit your military transcript(s) for evaluation as soon as possible. Click HERE to order your Military Transcripts.

 Military Transfer Procedures:

1. All Veterans must submit a copy of their DD 214 (Discharge Papers), this will allow for the transfer specialist to transfer in 4 total credits from your Basic Training experience. One credit will go towards your PE Fitness requirement while the other three will count as elective credit. All active members must submit the DD 295.
2. Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) may grant credit for military course completion after review of each applicant’s military service experience. The American Council on Education's Guide (ACE) to the Evaluation Experience in the Armed Forces will be used to evaluate military experience.
3. Southwest Minnesota State University grants credit for Military educational courses and University Course Work. In order to transfer your educational courses it is best to submit your Military Transcripts.
4. SMSU does not currently grant credit for Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), position responsibilities, or on the job training activities.
5. Military credit is entered onto a student’s record lower division elective credit on a “pass” (no letter grade) basis. Military credits are considered non-resident credit for purposes of graduation.
6. SMSU does not limit the number of credits which can be obtained through military service experience.
7. Students have the right  to petition to academic departments for course equivalency if there is an SMSU course that would equate to the military course.
8. To determine direct equivalences to SMSU courses the student must petition through the Academic departments.