Up to 30% of undergraduate program credits and 6 masters program credits may be earned through evaluation of learning outside the classroom. Earning credit for prior college-level learning (CPL) saves time and money. These webpages provide procedural guidance on the five approaches to CPL, reflecting Andrews University undergraduate and graduate prior learning policies.
Advanced Standing
Up to 32 credits may be awarded to countries following European or equivalent advanced high school curriculum.
Advanced Placement
Qualifying scores on the following national/international examinations will be articulated as transfer credit.
Completing a national or standardized exam listed as assessing outcomes for a particular college or university course is an efficient way to earn college credit for what you have learned through personal study, work or life experience. Other national or international exams may also qualify.
Steps to Taking Exams and Getting Credit Recorded:
A limited amount of credit may be earned through departmentally constructed written, oral or skill assessments, or nationally formed professional examinations administered by the department. For example, modern language proficiency and biblical knowledge may be assessed to earn credits or waive a general education requirement.
Some program requirements may be waived or credit awarded in recognition of prior learning through credentials, documented professional development, unaccredited college transcripts or training program certification. Validation is the process by which a faculty evaluator reviews appropriate and substantive evidence, including interview or observation of skill performance to determine whether outcomes for a class have been met in alternate learning modes. Contact the Prior Learning Director or department chair to learn more or present documentation for prior learning validation.
Andrews University may also recognize college-level learning through professional development and training which led to certification, classes or testing recognized by entities such as:Students may apply for prior learning assessment of personal achievements and professional expertise where no standardized or departmental examination is available.
Personal and professional development is assessed externally through advanced placement or standardized exams most commonly. Internal assessments are possible through departmental challenge exams, validation or proficiency assessments, and through course-specific portfolio assessment.
Are prior learning credits transferable? As the decision to accept credit for prior college-level learning is determined by each college or university in the context of a specific program of study, be aware that any internally evaluated CPL credits (departmental challenge exams, validations, portfolio assessments) on your Andrews University record may not transfer. Externally evaluated credits earned through advanced placement and standardized exams, while still subject to each institution's CPL policies, are more readily transferable.