Admissions Procedures
Admissions Policies
Enrollment Requirement - All Admitted Students
All admissions are ultimately contingent upon successful completion and submission of final, official transcripts reflecting academic achievement similar to assessment at the time of admission. Students are expected to continue to prepare at a similar level of academic rigor, and with similar or better results as the enrollment date approaches. If final transcripts/documents are received that reflect information different from the admission assessment, Colorado School of Mines reserves the right to review the admission offer again, and to take appropriate action. This may include a change in conditions or terms of admission, or a rescission of the admission offer. An individual who receives a dismissal has the right to appeal the decision to the committee on academic policy and procedure, whose decision will be final.
Admission Decisions
All admission decisions are final, with one exception. If your admission to the Colorado School of Mines is denied based on the information you provided regarding your criminal history, pending criminal charges, or disciplinary history at another academic institution, you have the right to an appeal. Appeals must be in writing and should be submitted to the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management at admissions@mines.edu within 14 days of receipt of the admissions decisions. Appeals should include all relevant information you would like the Associate Provost to consider. You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal within 14 days of receipt.
Please refer to our website for current undergraduate admissions policies, deadlines and processes.
Fraudulent Applications
Individuals who withhold or provide fraudulent information on applications for undergraduate admissions or readmissions are subject to immediate dismissal from the university. The decision for immediate dismissal will be made by the Associate Provost of Enrollment Management and/or the Executive Director of Admissions. This decision will be made after a complete and thorough review of the situation and an individual conference with the student involved. The individual dismissed has the right to appeal the decision to the committee on academic policy and procedure, whose decision will be final.
Students Use of English
All Mines students are expected to show professional facility in the use of the English language.
English skills are emphasized, but not taught explicitly. Students are required to write reports, make oral presentations, and generally demonstrate their facility in the English language while enrolled in their courses.
International students should refer to the Exchange and International Student sections for language requirements.
Transfer Students
Transfer Students
Transfer students may receive credit for a course taken at another institution upon receipt of a certified copy of the student’s official transcript from the host institution. Courses may be subject to review by the appropriate Mines department head or designee to ensure course equivalency. Course materials, such as syllabi, exams, and notes may be requested for evaluation. Credits earned more than 10 years in advance of admission may not transfer. Mines offers a variety of transfer agreements with other institutions. Please refer to the Mines transfer website for the most up-to-date information.
Transfer Credit
In all cases, requests for transfer credit are processed by the Registrar. Credits must be submitted on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution or if the institution is international, credit is only considered from institutions that are recognized by the Ministry of Education or other official accrediting or recognition body in the country of origin. Credits must be academic in nature.
Only courses completed with grades of "C" or better will be considered for acceptance. Credit that is recorded as “pass” “satisfactory” or “credit” at institutions that do not equate this classification to a C or better grade will not transfer. Colorado School of Mines evaluates prior learning credit on a case-by-case basis.
Departments may stipulate a higher minimum grade.
Credit Conversion
Quarter credits are converted to semester credits upon transfer. This is done by multiplying the quarter credits by 0.67 (i.e. 4 quarter credits x 0.67 = 2.6 semester credits).
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits are converted to semester credits by multiplying ECTS credits by 0.5 (i.e. 2 ECTS x 0.5 = 1 semester credit),
Other international credits are converted to the U.S. semester based system according to national standards set by AACRAO International Education Services.
continuing & returning students
Transfer Credit for Continuing Students
Students who are currently enrolled at or returning to Mines may transfer credit for required courses. Courses are evaluated after the Registrar’s Office receives an official transcript. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain departmental approval before enrolling in a course at another institution. A list of pre‑approved courses is available on the Registrar’s website.
Exchange & International Students
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For purposes of admission, international applicants are students in a non-immigrant status who are not U.S. citizens or do not have approved and finalized U.S. permanent residence, refugee status or political asylum. International students usually need an F1 or J1 visa to study in the United States.
Learn more about international transfer admissions and requirements, including language proficiency.
Undergraduate Non-Degree Seeking Students
Our undergraduate non-degree option is designed for students who are interested in taking courses at Mines but do not plan on pursuing a degree at that time. Undergraduate non-degree applicants include individuals who have not completed a Bachelor's degree or higher. Individuals who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Ph.D. or Doctoral level degree, must submit a Graduate non-degree application. Registration in the requested courses is based on availability (after all current students have registered for their courses), completion of the non-degree application, and proof of prerequisites, through the submission of official transcripts and/or test scores. A non-degree student is one who has not applied to pursue a degree program at Mines but wishes to take courses regularly offered on campus. Non-degree students pay all applicable tuition and student fees. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid. Applicants for admission to undergraduate programs who do not meet admissions requirements may not fulfill deficiencies as a non-degree student. Please refer to our website to learn more about non-degree seeking for undergraduate students.