Transfer Students
Thank you for your interest in IDEA! We are a consortium of 20 renowned public universities from across the United States, offering a range of online programs in human sciences and agriculture. Each of our member universities holds regional accreditation, ensuring you receive a high-quality online education.
Anytime, Anywhere Online Learning
Achieve your personal and professional goals through convenient, high-quality online coursework you can complete anytime, anywhere. All courses are offered entirely online, fitting seamlessly within your schedule.
Learn why you should choose IDEA
Transferring Credits
Already have some classes under your belt? IDEA member universities provide a pathway for you to receive credit from past coursework, allowing you to save on tuition and shorten your time to program completion.
Once admitted to a university, you can petition to have credits transferred to your home university through an approval process. Most universities limit the number of transfer credits for a program, including those taken as a non-degree student.
If you’d like to talk about transferring credits with someone at the university before applying there, we recommend you get in touch with the campus coordinator at the university where you wish to apply. Our campus coordinators are here to offer guidance on course availability and enrollment details, direct you to university resources and offices, and communicate important deadlines throughout the semester.
"I made the decision to switch specializations in my master’s program mid-way through my degree. This change took me from the traditional on-campus experience to the IDEA online experience. The switch seemed intimidating to me but it ended up being an incredible experience that I would not have gotten if I'd taken all classes at one university. Getting to dive into courses offered at schools all over the country was beneficial as it opened pathways for communication and sharing of knowledge with students and faculty I would not normally have interacted with."
Macy Burgess, Family & Community Services Graduate Student
Find Your Program & Choose Your University
Learn what to expect and how you can benefit from an online degree or certificate through IDEA.
Once you’ve determined which program is right for you, you need to choose which university you’d like to call home. You’ll find a list of participating universities on the program’s webpage. That list will connect you to each university so you can learn more about how the program is facilitated there.
Not sure which university to choose as your home university? Consider the following as you research your options:
- Requirements and timelines for admissions and graduation
- Requirements for a culminating experience such as a final exam, master’s report, thesis, practicum, or project
- Faculty research interest that might influence your decision
- The degree title printed on your diploma as determined by the home university rather than the IDEA program
- Any policy for students who stop-out due to unexpected life events but plan to return to the program after a semester or two
Application Requirements
You apply for admission at one university, which becomes your home university. Most universities require you to complete an application, pay a fee, and submit transcripts of previous college credits. Additional requirements may include GRE scores, a resume, a statement of objectives, and letters of recommendation.
Directory of Application Information
At many universities, the application process will look mostly the same for everyone. If you have trouble finding the information you’re looking for, contact the campus coordinator at the university where you wish to apply.
Financing Your Degree
Through IDEA, students pay one common price per credit hour for graduate courses or undergraduate courses at all member universities regardless of the program or whether the student is in-state or out-of-state.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are several ways to get help with financing your degree. Eligible students have access to a range of funding options through financial aid and scholarships.
Financial Aid
Students seeking federal financial aid assistance must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine eligibility for aid. Member university financial aid offices are available to answer specific financial aid questions about individual student needs.
Scholarships
Your home university likely has scholarship resources on its website, or your campus coordinator can direct you to scholarship information at your home university. We have numerous resources and tips.
Military Aid Resources
If you have active Veterans Affairs (VA) or other applicable military benefits, the cost of your classes may be covered. Consult your home university's military aid office for clarification of your eligibility and using benefits.
Finish What You Started
Through IDEA, you have access to numerous universities that want to help you transfer with confidence so you can achieve your career and educational goals.
