College Credit Transfer Requirements
Save Time and Money—Transfer Your College Credits to CIA
You’ve come to the right place to get the best education available. CIA offers one-of-a-kind experiences and opportunities for students interested in the food industry. Transferring your credits to get your CIA degree is easier than you think—and may even save you money!
Will My College Credits Transfer?
There are three ways you can learn if your college credits can be used toward a CIA degree:
- Apply now to CIA—when you apply online be sure to indicate on your application that you wish to “fast track” your education. Your transcript will automatically be reviewed for transfer credits. It’s that easy!
- Schedule a personalized assessment of your transfer credits. You may be the perfect candidate for our degree completion or turbo programs! Meet with our transfer credit expert, Lindsey Delvecchio, to review your transcripts and walk through the application process. Schedule a meeting with Lindsey.
- Take a sneak peek of pre-approved transfer credits by viewing the CIA’s online database.
Please note this database is an unofficial resource and is for informational purposes only. Since this list is incomplete, we encourage students to apply or meet with Lindsey to receive a full credit assessment.
Transfer Credit Policy
Applicable transfer credits may include those for specific majors as well as exam results, work experience, military courses, and life achievement courses.
Due to the highly specialized nature of CIA’s culinary education, only business management and liberal arts courses will be considered for transfer credit approval. We do not accept transfer credits for culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, or hospitality and service management (restaurant) courses.
To review our full transfer credit policy, visit CIA’s online Academic Catalog at catalog.ciachef.edu.
Articulation Credit Agreements
CIA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer process with other educational organizations, including high schools and national student organizations, as well as Orange County Community College and Rockland Community College in New York. A complete list of our articulation agreement partners can be found online. (PDF)
FAQs—Got Questions?
Check our FAQs for Transfer Students. Remember you can always reach out to CIA’s Enrollment Team with any questions at [email protected] or 1-800-CULINARY.
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What should I know before transferring to CIA?
Start with your CIA major! Knowing your major will help give you a more accurate count of your transfer credits. If you’re not sure, check out our Major in a Minute video series. Hear what current CIA students have to say about their major—in just sixty seconds!
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What credits does CIA accept?
CIA accepts general education and business management courses but how the credits will be applied depends on the major you select.
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How long will it take me to graduate with my transfer credits?
It depends on the number of courses you transfer and the major selected. You could reduce your time at the CIA by a semester when transferring in a minimum of 12 credits that meet degree requirements. Or more if you qualify for our Turbo Option or Degree Completion Program. Apply now to find out if your college credits can be used toward a CIA degree!
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Do you accept culinary/baking credits?
Your passion for food is tailor-made for a CIA degree program. The unique learning, teamwork, and food-focused academics you’ll experience every day will help you grow and fully discover this exciting profession. Therefore, due to the highly specialized nature of a CIA education we do not accept culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, or hospitality and service management (restaurant) courses.
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What AP (Advanced Placement) scores transfer into CIA?
CIA requires a minimum score of 4 for AP general education exams and a score of 3 for AP math exams.
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Can I test out of a class? If so, how?
Yes. CIA offers students the Math Challenge Exam for CIA’s Math Foundations course. Once you have been accepted and make your deposit, you’ll have the opportunity to take the exam. CIA also accepts other exams like CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), IB (Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate), and the NYU Foreign Language Exam. Students must receive qualifying scores as determined by grading authority.
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Is there a minimum grade requirement to transfer a class?
Yes, students must have completed the courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better for undergraduate courses. Transferred courses are not calculated into a student’s overall grade point average.
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Am I eligible for CIA’s Degree Completion Program?
CIA requires 30 transfer credits to be eligible for Degree Completion program. Please speak with Admissions Counselor Lindsey Delvecchio who will be able to assist you in determining your eligibility for the program.
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What are the most general courses I could take at a community college before attending CIA?
- Micro/Macro Economics
- Foreign Language 1 and 2
- Two 3.0 credit History courses
- College Writing
- Literature and Composition
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Can I take college courses elsewhere while attending CIA?
No, all requests for transfer credit must be submitted by the end of your first semester of your program. Once you’re enrolled in a degree program, you’re expected to complete the remainder of the degree requirements (after transfer credit has been awarded) at CIA.
Also in This Section
CIA Turbo Option
Earn your CIA degree in as little as 15 months with this accelerated culinary or baking degree program option.
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program
You’ve realized that a career in the food world is what you really want.
Visit Our Campuses
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Student Life
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Meet the Admissions Team
CIA’s Admissions Team is excited to work with you during this important time of your life.
How to Apply
Take hold of your future. If food is your passion, get the best hands-on education here at CIA—whether your aspiration is to be a chef, entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or food innovator.
Tuition and Financial Aid
More than 90 percent of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid. We’re ready to help you find the most affordable way to pay for your CIA education.
Contact Us
Lindsey Delvecchio
Admissions Counselor
Specializes in assisting transfer students
Amanda Stevens
Assistant Director—International Admissions
Specializes in assisting international students
