Credit for Prior Learning & Experience
Albany State University strives to help students accelerate obtaining a college degree by awarding credit for prior learning (CPL), which is learning that has occurred outside of a traditional higher education setting. ASU accepts many forms of prior learning, including CLEP exams, AP credit, DANTES, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), and military credit, according to the American Council on Education’s recommendations. Credit for prior learning minimum scores (CLEP, AP, etc.) and the evaluation of credit for individual courses are reviewed and approved by the ASU faculty. For more information about CPL, contact the Director of Military and Adult Education.
Advanced Placement (AP) Credit
The University grants credits for acceptable performance on the College Board-administered AP Examination. Official test scores must be sent directly to ASU to receive credit.
Credit by Exam
Prior Learning Assessment opportunities allow students to accelerate their studies by earning college credit through examination. Some exams are completed in high school, and CLEP and DSST can be taken during your studies at ASU, which can allow you to complete some of your degree requirements.
In order to receive credit, official test scores must be sent directly to ASU.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
The University accepts certain courses that have been passed on the IB examination. Students must submit a copy of the IB transcript to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. If the scores meet the University's requirements, credit will be placed on the student's Albany State University transcript.
Military Credit
Veterans and active duty personnel are eligible for academic credit due to their military training and experience. In recognition of the contributions made by persons serving in the military and the extensive training in which they have engaged, the University grants the following academic exemptions to veterans:
- A maximum of two (2) semester hours of credit for the health and physical education courses in the "Above the Core" category is awarded to all veterans and active duty military personnel.
- A maximum of six (6) semester hours of credit in social science is awarded to enlisted persons in grades E-1 through E-6. This credit may be used to fulfill six (6) semester hours of the social science requirements.
- Commissioned and Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers in grades E-7 through E-9 are awarded an additional three (3) semester hours of credit in social sciences, as determined by the student's declared program of study, plus three (3) semester hours in public speaking.
Albany State University follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE), subject to faculty review, to award credit for military training where appropriate. Students are encouraged to request their military transcripts for review as part of the admission process.
Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard
Joint Service Transcript Request
Air Force and Space Force
Prior Learning Assessment
- Albany State University values the life experiences of our students, and you can accelerate your degree through our Prior Learning Assessment option.
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process through which students identify areas of relevant learning from their past experiences, demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation, and submit their materials to be assessed and possibly awarded academic credit relative to specific course objectives. Students can earn appropriate credit in their work towards a degree for verifiable college-level learning acquired through life or work experience, not for the experience itself.
- Students should recognize that while many prior learning experiences are meaningful, they are often not equal to the quality of knowledge learned in the college classroom. Therefore, students seeking academic credit for prior learning must clearly demonstrate and document that their experiences are equal in quality to the knowledge they would gain in the classroom. Credit for prior learning is awarded only for comparable courses required of the student's academic major.
Maximum Hours
The maximum number of hours a student can receive credit for based on the combination of transfer credit and credit for prior learning is governed by our Degree & Graduation Residency Requirements policy.