International Baccalaureate
All exams with the exception of foreign languages, must be taken at the higher level. Students who pass the higher level International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination(s) in subjects included in the St. Thomas curriculum with a score of 4 or higher will ordinarily receive 4 credits toward graduation. The specific courses for which credit would be awarded will be determined by the appropriate academic department.
Following is a list of guidelines according to which credit may be obtained through the higher level IB exam in specific departments.
Credit awarded will be assigned an “S” grade (satisfactory).
Biology – A score of 5 or higher (non-Biology majors) equals BIOL 101. Students intending to major in Biology or related programs who earn a score of 5 equals BIOL 101. BIOL 101 fulfills a core Natural Science requirement, but will not fulfill a major field requirement in Biology or related programs. Students intending to major in Biology or related programs who earn a score of 6-7 equals BIOL 243 and fulfills 4 credits towards the Biology major.
Chemistry – A score of 4 or higher usually equals CHEM 111. Students with scores of 5 or above should consult with the department chair Students should consult with department chair if they intend to major in science, especially chemistry.
Economics – A score of 5 or higher on the Higher Level examination equals ECON 251 (fulfills the Social Scientific Analysis requirement).
English – A score of 4 or higher equals ENGL 121 (fulfills 4 credits toward the English requirement).
Foreign Language – Foreign language credit is dependent on the results of the St. Thomas departmental language placement exam typically administered during freshman orientation. Once a language placement exam result is known, IB credit will be granted with a score of 4 or higher.
| UST Exam Result | IB Credit Earned |
|---|---|
| 300 | 212 (fulfills Language & Culture) |
| 212 | 211 (fulfills Language & Culture) |
| 211 | 112 |
| 112 | 111 |
| 111 | 199 (elective) |
History – A score of 4 or higher in European History equals HIST 199 (with the discretion of the department chair, may fulfill Historical Analysis requirement.) A score of 4 or higher in History of Americas equals HIST 100 (fulfills the Historical Analysis requirement.) A score of 4 or higher in History: Africa equals HIST 100 (fulfills the Historical Analysis requirement.)
Mathematics – A score of 3 or 4 will allow MATH 113 to be waived as a prerequisite (but no course credit will be given). Students are encouraged to take the departmental examination to receive credit for MATH 113. A score of 5 or higher gives credit for Math 113. Students are encouraged to take the departmental examination to receive credit for MATH 114.
Physics – A score of 4 or higher will be considered for the awarding of credit on a case by case basis.
Theater – A score of 4 or higher equals THTR 111 (fulfills the Fine Arts requirement).