Most undergraduate adult learners have earned some college credit along their journey. At Liberty University Online, most of our undergraduate learners come to us with 50 plus credit hours usually from up to two institutions. However, many of these students are not aware of other opportunities that might earn them additional college credit. In the coming weeks, I will touch on some of these in more detail but today I just want to present a high-level overview of some of these options:
1. Credit For Professional Training
In some cases credit may be awarded directly for job training based on the precedent that has been established by the online college or university. Credit could also be awarded to individuals with certificates or licenses in the following areas: aviation, law enforcement, insurance, real estate, Emergency Medical Technician.
2. Credit Recommended By The American Council On Education (ACE)
If an online learner has been awarded with a certificate or license that is recognized by ACE (e.g. Dale Carnegie), depending on the institution, he or she may be eligible for credit .
3. Credit For Life Experience
There are a number of accredited and reputable online institutions that have a definitive program designed to reward students who have accumulated years of experience in a particular area. Normally there is a portfolio process that the student must go through that demonstrates his/her proficiency in that area of study.
4. Credit For Military Training
Undergraduate credit may be awarded for courses completed by military service schools if this credit is recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Forces (ACE). The ACE Guide is used to determine the equivalency of military training to college credit.
5. Credit By Examination
CLEP (College Level Examination Program) offers a unique opportunity to gain college credit for the knowledge a student has acquired. CLEP is comprised of thirty-four tests covering a variety of subjects. Formal study, private reading, on-the-job experience, non-credit courses, business training, television/radio courses, travel, and superior high school courses are just a few ways knowledge is acquired that may be applied within CLEP testing.
The DSST program (Dantes Subject Standardized Tests) provides the opportunity to earn college credit based on what a student learns outside of the traditional classroom. Approved by ACE, the DSST program enables students to use knowledge they have acquired to accomplish their educational and professional goals