A course-by-course evaluation is a detailed assessment of your academic credentials, breaking down each course you've taken and determining its equivalent in the U.S. educational system.
This type of evaluation goes beyond simply verifying your degree; it delves into the specifics of your coursework, providing a comprehensive analysis that includes:
- Course Title: The exact name of the course as it appears on your transcript.
- Credits/Hours: The number of credits or hours assigned to each course.
- Grade: The grade you received in each course.
- U.S. Equivalent: The equivalent U.S. course title, level (e.g., freshman, sophomore), and credit hours.
Why is a Course-by-Course Evaluation Important?
This type of evaluation is often required for:
- Higher Education Admissions: U.S. colleges and universities require this to assess the transferability of credits earned at foreign institutions. They use the evaluation to determine if your previous coursework meets their prerequisites and to decide how many credits will transfer.
- Professional Licensing: Many professional licensing boards in the U.S. require course-by-course evaluations to determine if your education meets the requirements for licensure in your field (e.g., medicine, engineering, accounting).
- Immigration: Some immigration pathways require a credential evaluation to demonstrate that your foreign education is equivalent to a U.S. degree. A course-by-course evaluation can be beneficial in these cases.
- Employment: Some employers, especially in specialized fields, might request a course-by-course evaluation to better understand the content and rigor of your foreign education.
Example of a Course-by-Course Evaluation:
| Home Country Course Title | Credits | Grade | U.S. Equivalent Course Title | U.S. Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus I | 4 | A | Calculus I | 4 |
| Linear Algebra | 3 | B | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Introduction to Computer Science | 3 | A | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
Where to Obtain a Course-by-Course Evaluation:
You must obtain a course-by-course evaluation from a recognized credential evaluation agency. Look for agencies that are members of organizations such as NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators). These organizations set standards for credential evaluation services.
In summary, a course-by-course evaluation offers a detailed comparison of your foreign coursework to the U.S. educational system, facilitating academic, professional, and immigration-related processes.
