How to Find and Transfer Prerequisite Courses to Ohio State: A Step-by-Step Guide 

When exploring online degree programs, you may find that some require specific prerequisite courses for admission. Completing these courses efficiently can save you both time and money in the long run. If you’re planning to apply to an online program at The Ohio State University and need to fulfill prerequisite requirements, you might be wondering: 

• Can I take these courses at my current school? 

• What if my school doesn’t offer the courses I need? 

• How do I know if a course will transfer to Ohio State? 

This guide will help you answer those questions and strategically plan your coursework — whether you’re currently enrolled today or looking to take courses at another college or university.  

Here are resources you should use as you prepare for your next steps. 

• Enrollment Advisors: At Ohio State Online, you have access to Enrollment Advisors to get personalized support throughout the entire process of your application to ensure you have everything you need. They are here to answer any questions you may have about a program you are interested in applying to. To get in touch with an Enrollment Advisor, simply submit your contact information indicating your program of interest and term, and someone will connect with you directly. 

• School Websites: Visit the websites of the schools you are interested in earning credit from for detailed information on their non-degree and visiting student application processes. More information on non-degree and visiting students is below. 

• Transferology: Transferology is a free tool to see how courses from other schools may transfer to your current or future degree program at a college or university. Below is a transfer guide on how to use Transferology for OSU based on your situation to find courses and schools that offer what you need for prerequisites. 

• Ohio State’s Transfer Course Equivalency Information:  Before enrolling, confirm that the course will apply to your intended major or degree plan using Transferology, outlined below, or Ohio State’s Transfer Course Equivalency Information. Select the first dropdown menu labeled “Current Transfer Credit Equivalencies.” From there, use the spreadsheet to look up your courses by the institution name and course number. 

• If you are currently attending a school in Ohio, another resource you can use is the Prerequisite Coursework Evaluation site: 

• • Select the department your intended program is a part of.  For example, the MLT to MLS, Bachelor of Science program is under Medical Laboratory Science. 

• • Select your current school from the list. 

• • Each school will have a list of prerequisites for admission and the course equivalent at your school 

How do I apply to schools as a non-degree or visiting student?

Steps to take if you wish to take a course at another school to meet prerequisite requirements 

Applying to schools as a non-degree or visiting student can be a great way to take specific courses without committing to a full degree program and is useful for fulfilling prerequisite requirements. First, you will need to understand the difference between the two enrollment types so you can identify the right application process for the school you intend to apply to for earning credit. 

What is the difference between a non-degree student and a visiting student?

Non-Degree Student 

A non-degree student is someone who is not currently enrolled at another college or university and wants to take courses at a school without pursuing a degree there. Non-degree credentials do not result in an academic degree like an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. These programs can include for-credit options, like online certificates, as well as non-credit options, like individual courses or bootcamps.  

Use case example: You have graduated with your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Laboratory Science and want to apply to Ohio State’s online MLT to MLS, Bachelor of Science program. You discover that your associate program didn’t include all the required prerequisites to meet admission requirements. You can apply as a non-degree student at another college to take these courses and transfer them to Ohio State to meet the admission requirements. Use the steps above to identify which schools offer equivalent courses for the prerequisite(s). 

Visiting (Transient) Student 

A visiting student is currently enrolled in a degree program at one college or university and wants to temporarily take courses at another school. The goal is to transfer those credits to a school of your choice. 

Schools may not require an official transcript for admission as a visiting student, but they do require verification that you are in good standing at your current school before admission.  

You can take advantage of this enrollment for specific courses not offered at your current school and are looking to earn prerequisite credit for the intended school you plan to apply to for a degree-seeking program. 

Use case example: You’re currently enrolled in an AAS Medical Laboratory Science program and plan to apply to Ohio State’s MLT to MLS, Bachelor of Science program after graduation. After checking your course catalog and using Transferology, you realize your school doesn’t offer one or more of the required prerequisites. You can apply as a visiting student at another college to take that course and transfer the credit to Ohio State. 

How to Apply as a Visiting or Non-Degree Student

• Research schools and programs: Using the Transferology steps above identify the schools that offer the courses you are interested in. Look for schools that have flexible non-degree or visiting student options. 

• Tip: Finding the right application can be done using a Google search: “non-degree/visiting student application for [intended school]” or “[intended school] non-degree/visiting student admission” 

• Check admission requirements: Each school will have its own set of requirements. Common requirements may include a completed application form, proof of any previous education, and possibly a statement of purpose. 

• Prepare your application materials: Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, identification, and any required forms. Some schools may also require letters of recommendation, Letter of Good Standing (visiting students) or a resume. 

• Submit your application: Follow the application instructions provided by the school. This may involve submitting an online application or mailing documents. 

• Pay application fees – if applicable: Be prepared to pay any application fees that may be required. These fees will vary by school. 

• Await admission decision: Once you have submitted your application, wait for the school to review your materials and make a decision. This process can vary by school. 

• Register for courses: If you are accepted, follow the school’s instructions for registering for the specific courses you want to take. This may involve meeting with an academic advisor or completing an online registration process. 

Navigating prerequisite coursework can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to ensure your credits will transfer to The Ohio State University. Fortunately, tools like Transferology and support from Enrollment Advisors make the process much easier. Whether you’re checking if past courses will transfer, planning future ones, or exploring options as a non-degree or visiting student, this guide gives you the steps to move forward with confidence. Taking the time to research and confirm your course choices now can save you time, money, and frustration later, and bring you one step closer to your academic goals at Ohio State.