Transfer policy

Transfer policy for introductory computer science courses

DCS Course Enrollment Guidance

Guidance for evaluating placement and credit are below. Students who are deemed to have proficiency equivalent to DCS 109 should not enroll in DCS 109.  If students would like an introductory course experience before moving to DCS 211 or 229, students should consider one of the other 100-level DCS courses offered. 

Courses or other non-Bates Credit experiences

Note that the following transfer policies are subject also to Bates College policies.

AP

A 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science A will earn one unspecified 100-level DCS credit. Qualifying AP CS A exam will serve as an alternate prerequisite pathway for courses which require 109X even if credits have not been applied to the major or to graduation. Students without experience with the python programming language will be expected to self-study python in order to enter these upper-level courses. 

A 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science Principles will earn unspecified 100-level DCS credit.

IB

Credit for International Baccalaureate follows Bates Policy. A 5 on IB Computer Science HL will earn one unspecified 100-level DCS credit and a 6 or above will earn two unspecified DCS credits. A 6 or above on IB Computer Science SL will earn one unspecified 100-level DCS credit.  IB credit will serve as an alternate prerequisite pathway for courses which require 109X even if credits have not been applied to the major or to graduation. Students without experience with the python programming language will be expected to self-study python in order to enter these upper-level courses. 

A-Levels

Credit for International Baccalaureate follows Bates Policy. Earning a grade of A or B on A-Level Computer Science A will earn two unspecified 100-level DCS credit and a grade of C will earn one unspecified DCS credit. A-Level credit will serve as an alternate prerequisite pathway for courses which require 109X even if credits have not been applied to the major or to graduation. Students without experience with the python programming language will be expected to self-study python in order to enter these upper-level courses. 

Transfer students and students with dual-enrollment courses

Transcripts for transfer students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for whether 1) satisfies the Bates College requirements for transfer and 2) it meets learning outcomes equivalent to a 109X course. 

Other experience

Students who believe they have met the proficiency equivalent to 109X from other sources (independent study, job experience, etc.) should contact the faculty person in charge of evaluating non-credit experiences to schedule a 1-1 evaluation interview (Dr. Andy Ricci). Students who successfully demonstrate proficiency will be able to move into courses which require 109X as a prerequisite.

Transfer limits

The following rules govern transferring off-campus credit towards digital and computational studies curricular requirements:

  1. A maximum of three courses may be applied towards the DCS Major.
  2. A maximum of three courses may be applied towards the DCS Minor.
  3. A maximum of one course may be applied towards the DCS Concentration.
  4. No credit will be given for courses taken exclusively online after matriculating at Bates, unless the courses are offered through a Bates College partner, such as the Roux.

This policy applies to all non-Bates courses, including all of the following:

  • Study abroad courses
  • Summer courses
  • Dual-enrollment courses while in high school
  • Courses taken during the academic year at another institution, including the Roux

For the DCS Major

Any student who has placed out of 109X should complete a petition for course substitution and should plan to take both DCS 211 and 229 to satisfy the introductory and 200-level computer science requirement. Students who take both DCS 211 and 229 will also satisfy the DSA requirement.