Study Abroad Course Reviews, Course Maps, and Credits and Grades

Courses and Course Equivalencies

Study abroad courses are reviewed for Penn State course equivalencies. Approved equivalencies are listed on the program’s Historical Course List. Students may submit Course Equivalency Requests after starting their study abroad application.

Courses designated *99 or *97 are not exact course equivalents but may be eligible to fulfill an Engineering major requirement, elective, or General Education (Gen Ed) requirement through a course substitution request.

Course Substitution Requests

A course substitution request asks to use an assigned Penn State course equivalency to fulfill a specific degree requirement. The study abroad course must have an assigned Penn State course number (*99 or *97 courses may qualify).

Requests may be submitted before or after studying abroad. Approval is not guaranteed.

How to Submit a Request

1. Create a new course substitution request at, coursesub.psu.edu
2. For Request Type, select Study Abroad Review.
3. Select the appropriate option based on the requirement you want to fulfill

• A specific course that is required – To substitute the study abroad course for a specific required course in your major.
• An elective for my program – To have the course count toward an elective requirement in your major, such as an Engineering Elective or Technical Elective.
• Something else – To request a General Education (Gen Ed) requirement substitution

1. Indicate whether you have already taken the course or plan to take it in the future.
2. If requesting approval for a future course, select “I would like to substitute a PSU course that I have not yet enrolled in.” Include the listed Penn State course equivalency (e.g., ME 399).
3. Obtain a course syllabus to support your request.

Required Justification Information

Copy and complete the following fields in the justification table. Incomplete requests may be denied.

• Abroad Course Number:
• Abroad Course Title:
• Study Abroad Location:
• Semester Taken (or planned):
• Penn State Approved Course Number:
• Justification:

Your justification must explain how the study abroad course fulfills the specific degree requirement.

Additional Guidance by Request Type

General Education (Gen Ed)

Explain why the course meets the requested Gen Ed domain using the Penn State Bulletin's General Education learning criteria. Address at least three of the five learning criteria for the applicable domain.

Example: “I believe this ARTH *99 course should be substituted for a GA requirement because it focuses on [specific content] and addresses [relevant learning criteria].”

Engineering and Technical Electives

Identify the specific elective requirement (e.g., Engineering Elective or General Technical Elective). Explain how the course aligns with that requirement using your major handbook.

Example: “I believe this ME *99 course should be substituted for my Technical Elective because it covers [specific topics] that align with my major's elective requirements."

Course Mapping

Here are a few course maps that outline the specific courses that have already been reviewed as an equivalent for a specific major and program. These are only to be used as a guide since courses can change each semester. You should always consult with the historical course list for the most updated information for your chosen program. View course maps »

Course Equivalency Process

Before the Education Abroad office can post grades from your time abroad, we must have a Penn State course number established for each course you took. Please visit the Academics section of the Education Abroad website for information on the course equivalency process.

The only courses that do not need to be submitted via a course equivalency form are courses taught by Penn State faculty or are courses that have already been reviewed and are listed on the historical course list. All other courses that have been taken or will be taken on a program abroad should be reviewed through this process.

Credit & Grades

Penn State students earn equivalent Penn State course credits, not transfer credits. These courses must be graded and will be added to your transcript. Additional information can be found on the Global Penn State website.