International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational framework designed to develop knowledgeable, curious, and internationally minded students. Founded in 1968, the IB offers programs that emphasize academic rigor, critical thinking, and global engagement. One of its most well‑known offerings is the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which is designed for students ages 16–19 and is taught in IB World Schools across countries worldwide.

IB Credit at John Jay

John Jay awards IB credit based on official IB examination results, not on high school coursework. Credits may be applied toward general education, major, or elective requirements, depending on the exam and its John Jay course equivalency.

Eligibility for IB Credit

Students may earn credit in one of the following ways:

IB Diploma

  • Students who have earned the IB Diploma with a total score of 30 or higher will be awarded 30 credits.
  • Students who completed the diploma with a score of 29 or lower will not receive the blanket 30 credits but may still earn credit for qualifying Higher Level exams.

IB Higher Level (HL) Exams

  • Students who did not earn the IB Diploma, or who earned a diploma score of 29 or less, may receive credit for Higher Level (HL) IB exams with a score of 5 or higher.
  • Credit is not awarded for Standard Level (SL) exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Course Equivalency Tables

The tables below outline how International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL) examinations are evaluated for college credit at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Each table lists the IB subject, the minimum qualifying score, the equivalent John Jay course(s), and the number of credits awarded. Credit is granted in accordance with CUNY policy and is based on official IB examination results. Standard Level (SL) exams are not eligible for credit.

Language, Literature, and Acquisition
IB Exam (Higher Level) Min. Score John Jay Equivalent Credits
Language A: Literature 5 LIT 230 & LIT Blanket 6
Language A: Language & Literature 5 ENG 101 & ENG 201 6
Classical Languages 5 FLN 101 & FLN 102 (or equiv.) 6
Language B 5 FLN 101 & FLN 102 (or equiv.) 6
Individuals and Society
IB Exam (Higher Level) Min. Score John Jay Equivalent Credits
Economics 5 ECO 101 Intro to Economics 3
Global Politics 5 POL 257 Comparative Politics 3
Philosophy 5 PHI 231 Big Questions 3
Psychology 5 PSY 101 Intro to Psychology 3
Social & Cultural Anthropology 5 ANT 101 Intro to Anthropology 3
Business Management 5 Business Blanket 3
Geography 5 SSC Blanket 3
History 5 HIS Blanket 3
Info Tech in a Global Society 5 CSCI 101 3
Science and Mathematics
IB Exam (Higher Level) Min. Score John Jay Equivalent Credits
Biology 5 BIO 103 & BIO 104 9
Chemistry 5 CHE 103 & CHE 104 9
Physics 5 PHY 203 & PHY 204 8
Computer Science 5 CSCI Elective 3
Design Technology 5 Elective 3
Mathematics / Further Math 5 MAT Blanket 3
The Arts
IB Exam (Higher Level) Min. Score John Jay Equivalent Credits
Film 5 LIT 106 Intro to Film 3
Music 5 MUS 101 Intro to Music 3
Theatre 5 DRA 110 Intro to Theatre 3
Visual Arts 5 ART 112 Design Foundations 3
Dance 5 DRA Blanket 3