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DePauw Off Campus Study Policies

Credit & Preparation

Course Credit

While off campus students can receive credit for the following categories:

  • Major: up to two course credits per approval of the department chair
  • Minor: up to one course credit per approval of the department chair
  • Electives: course credits that will apply towards the 31 credits required to graduate
  • Winter Term: One Winter Term credit for the given academic year

Not all courses in the field of study will count toward the major or minor. Prior to applying, students are strongly urged to discuss their course plan and seek their academic advisor's and department chair’s advice on whether courses they have chosen will count in the areas they expect. 

All coursework taken off campus for credit must have the prior approval of the Off-Campus Study Program, the major and minor department chairs (where major and minor credit is sought), and, whenever possible, be assigned to a DePauw academic department.  Ultimately, only the department chair approves credit for courses toward the major or minor.  The Registrar's Office approves courses for general education requirements (electives). Students will complete a course credit form detailing potential course enrollments and signatures from approving department chairs as needed. Students will review their approved program's website for listing of possible courses for their approved semester.

The Office of the Registrar makes final credit evaluation for study off campus after the student has returned to campus.  The recording of credit is based on the official academic transcript available from the off-campus program, the foreign school or the international study program.  On all programs, letter grades are recorded on the DePauw transcript but not calculated in the GPA. Since credit systems vary, one course on an off-campus program will not necessarily equal one DePauw credit. It is important to determine actual credit per individual course prior to enrolling.  The Off-Campus Study Program or the Registrar’s Office can help determine this.

In off-campus courses where grades are not available, the courses are recorded on a credit-only basis.  In such cases, credit determination is made upon the recommendation of the appropriate academic department and the approval of the Office of the Registrar.  Where applicable, students receive grades of S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) for any internship component of off-campus programs.  Consult the department chair in your major or minor department or the director of your Program of Distinction about how much internship credit you may apply towards your major, minor or Program of Distinction.

Students should take care to have 19 courses outside their major subject; students in dual-subject departments must have 19 courses outside the major subject and 16 courses outside the department.  A maximum of 10 courses may be earned in off-campus programs.  Four and one-half courses is the maximum number a student may bring back to campus without having to pay additional tuition fees.   Summer courses taken abroad, which are not part of the regular program, are not included in this limitation.

Pre-departure Orientation

Off campus study is an investment in time, money, and energy.  Approval to study off campus signifies that the University has faith that the student will be a good ambassador of DePauw University.  This can be accomplished best if the student has some expectations of how to adapt to the new environment.  Once approved for off-campus study, students are required to attend all orientation sessions led by the Off Campus Study Program.  If a student misses a session, approval to study off campus will be rescinded.  Orientation sessions will address such things as course-credit expectations, billing, how to register for classes while off campus, and techniques that will be helpful in adapting well to the new environment and dealing with culture shock.  They will also cover logistical topics, such as money, travel, and health and safety, as well as some site-specific information.

Students are also required to complete an online pre-departure program through Moodle. All approved students will automatically be enrolled in this online orientation and expected to review and save a copy of the Off Campus Study Handbook, complete quizzes, and access videos about health & safety. Failure to complete the online orientation will result in a rescinding of off campus study approval, and the student would be subject to all withdrawal policies as stated by DePauw University and the host off campus study program.

Changing Programs

If a student decides to change programs due to a change in circumstances (e.g., financial aid, change of major, change in the program), the student must re-apply for a different program. The student is required to submit the portions of the off-campus study application relating to program choice and program requirements, as well as an explanation of why the new program better meets the student’s needs given the current circumstances.  Approval to participate in the first program does not guarantee approval for a change in programs.  The International Education Committee's decision on the change in program will be made within two weeks.  Note that changing programs for the fall semester may be difficult, as program deadlines for the fall semester often fall in early- or mid-March. 

Disabilities and Accomodations

DePauw University is committed to providing equal access to University programs to otherwise qualified students with disabilities.  Not all off-campus programs have equal accommodations to that of DePauw for students with disabilities.  The Off-Campus Study Program is confident that there is an appropriate program for every student and will work with the student to find that program. Students are encouraged to self-disclose any disabilities so that the off-campus study advisor can assist in finding a program with appropriate accommodations.