Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity (BACS): Transfer Credit Process
Learn how transfer credits work for the SANS.edu bachelor's degree program.
Bring Your Credits. Build Your Future.
Your path to a SANS.edu bachelor’s degree starts with 70 transferable credits. Whether you already have them or need to complete more, we provide clear requirements and flexible options to help you move forward. You’ll receive a transfer credit evaluation with your admissions decision, so you can plan your next steps with confidence.
Credits Required from Outside SANS.edu
To earn a bachelor’s degree from SANS.edu, you'll need to bring 70 transferable college credits from any other accredited institution(s) or approved alternative credit sources, including Sophia Learning, CLEP, and Advanced Placement (AP). Of the 70 required credits, 31 credits must fulfill Maryland's general education requirements (detailed below), and 39 can be any other accredited courses.
General Education Requirements (31 credits)
- Arts & Humanities, e.g., Art, Music, Theatre, Literature, Philosophy, History (3 credits)
- English Composition. e.g., Literature, Writing, Language Arts (3 credits)
- Social & Behavioral Sciences, e.g., Economics, Government, Psychology, Sociology (3 credits)
- Math, e.g., Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics (3 credits)
- Biological & Physical Sciences, e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Astronomy (3 credits)
- Choose any combination of General Education courses from the categories above to meet the additional 16-credit requirement (16 credits)
Other Transfer Credits (39 credits)
In addition to the 31 required general education credits outlined above, students need to bring 39 more credits from any accredited courses into the SANS.edu bachelor’s degree program. These can include general or non-general education classes, such as computer science or physical education.
Need Credits? Here Are Options.
If you don’t have the required prior credits to start one of our undergraduate programs, don’t worry. You can earn them through several affordable options beyond community colleges or universities.
- Take low-cost Sophia Learning courses to earn general education credits 100% online. Through Sophia, you can complete some or all of your required transfer credits. Learn more.
- Earn CLEP credits by testing out of subjects you already know. Learn more.
- Submit AP exam scores for eligible credit. Learn more.
Success Stories
- Slide 1 of 4
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My SANS certifications have taken me to places I never knew I could reach. They have significantly boosted my career and opened doors to opportunities I didn't think were possible.”
Fritz VillanuevaThreat Hunter, ScotiabankRead Fritz's Story - Slide 2 of 4
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I explored cyber bachelor’s degree programs at a few different universities. SANS’ GIAC certifications really set the program apart. This industry is competitive, and I wanted to ensure that I would have an edge over others when seeking a job.”
Kaela MangerConsultant, JRPC InfoSecRead Kaela's Story - Slide 3 of 4
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When evaluating SANS.edu alongside other comparable degree programs, I found its quality to be unmatched. The availability of on-demand courses and rolling admissions offered the flexibility I required. Moreover, the curriculum and instructors at SANS are truly exceptional.”
Keegan HamlinCyber Warfare Operator, US Air ForceRead Keegan's Story - Slide 4 of 4
“
SANS.edu is one of the best investments I've ever made. When I look at my career trajectory since joining SANS, I can confidently say that the bachelor’s degree program has already paid for itself.”
Rachel DownsPrincipal Consultant, BridewellRead Rachel's Story
Join Us For a Free Online Info Session
SANS.edu offers a career-focused cybersecurity education with a lot more flexibility and personalized support than you'll find in a "traditional" college. Join a free online info session to learn how our world-class programs can help you meet your cybersecurity career goals.
Admission Requirements and Pathways
Fully Confirmed and Provisional Admission
If you’re admitted, you’ll be notified whether your admission is fully confirmed or provisional.
- Fully confirmed admission means you’ve completed at least 60 of the 70 required transfer credits, so you can start your program right away while finishing any remaining credits.
- Provisional admission means you have fewer than 60 of the required credits, but you can still secure your spot. If admitted provisionally, you’ll have up to two years to complete your remaining credits before beginning your coursework at the SANS Technology Institute.
Please refer to your application portal for your admission offer letter and for specific details regarding your credit evaluation.
Full Admits with Missing Credits
Receiving full admission means you can begin your studies with us, but it doesn't confirm that all 70 prerequisite credits are fulfilled. You'll be required to complete any outstanding credits prior to graduation.
You have several options for completing these credits:
- Defer your start date and complete credits before beginning your program
- Earn credits alongside your SANS.edu courses or during breaks between courses
- Finish remaining credits just before your graduation date
To create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and ensure the courses you choose meet our program requirements, please consult with your student advisor.
Start Sooner with the Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS) Program
If you were admitted to our Bachelor’s Degree program but need more transfer credits to start the program, consider joining the Undergraduate Applied Cybersecurity Certificate (ACS) program first.
- The ACS program requires just 24 accredited college credits in any subject to begin, enabling you to get started on your SANS.edu courses while you complete your BACS prerequisite requirements.
- The ACS program includes four courses and four GIAC certifications that would transfer directly into the Bachelor’s Degree program.
- If you move from the ACS program into the bachelor’s degree program, you’ll receive a tuition credit when you complete your degree.
For more information, reach out to the Admissions team at info@sans.edu.
Want to Appeal Your Evaluation?
If you believe that your transcript evaluation is incomplete or contains errors, you may file an appeal. Be sure to review your evaluation carefully to confirm all relevant coursework is accurately represented. To file an appeal, use this appeal form.
You will need to provide a course name, description and syllabus or the equivalent. Each course should be submitted on a separate form.
The appeal process may take time, so we encourage you to submit your appeal as soon as possible. For additional support, reach out to our transcript team at transcripts@sans.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Self-Assessment of Your General Education Credits
The examples below can help you determine if your general education and other transfer credits meet the requirements to begin our bachelor’s program.
Please note this is for reference only. A formal evaluation will be completed by our admissions team after we receive your official transcripts and will be included with your admissions decision.
SANS.edu Prerequisite Course Categories
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