Through Stevenson University’s Credit for Prior Learning Program, undergraduate students can earn credit for what they have learned through their previous work and life experiences.

Students are eligible to:

  • Earn up to 30 credits toward degree requirements
  • Use credits to fulfill core, program, and elective requirements
  • Benefit from significant savings on the total cost of earning your degree
  • Reduce the amount of time required to graduate

Stevenson University Online offers several options for assessing and awarding college credit for prior learning. Once accepted into a Stevenson University program, you will be assigned a Student Success Coach who will advise you on which credit options might work best for you.

Credit for Prior Learning Options

American Council on Education (ACE)

ACE provides universities with credit recommendations for students based on military transcripts. In addition, ACE supplies official transcripts to students who successfully complete a course, examination, or certification with an ACE recommendation. The transcript reviews are then conducted by Stevenson faculty or academic administrators for final approval. Visit ACE's website for more information. Please note that not all ACE-approved credits are guaranteed to transfer to Stevenson. Students are encouraged to contact their assigned Enrollment Counselor or Student Success Coach to determine transferability of ACE credits.

College-Level Examination Process (CLEP)

CLEP is a nationally standardized credit-by-examination program that offers 33 exams in five subject areas, covering content typically taught in lower-level courses. By passing a CLEP exam, students are eligible to earn credits. Click here to review the CLEP equivalences at Stevenson University. For further information, visit CLEP's website.

DSST

DSST is a nationally standardized credit-by-examination program that offers 30 exams as an effective method of providing universities with evidence of prior learning. Adult learners and military veterans are eligible to earn lower and upper-level credits through DSST. The first attempt on any DSST exam by an active duty, guard, or reserve military member is funded by DANTES and some veterans are eligible to be reimbursed for the exams. Click here to review the DSST equivalences at Stevenson University. For further information, visit DSST's website.

Departmental Assessment

Departmental Assessments allow students to earn credits for courses by demonstrating they have previously gained the necessary knowledge to complete the courses. These exams may include any or all of the following: a comprehensive exam, project, or research paper. Assessments are administered by the course’s department coordinator or chair. 

Prior Learning Portfolio

A portfolio is an assessment of the knowledge a student has gained from work and other life experiences outside of the traditional classroom. Using guidelines provided by Stevenson University Online, students create their prior learning portfolios following an academic model. To earn credit, students are required to write a narrative and to include documentation supporting the experiential learning presented within the portfolio. 

StraighterLine

StraighterLine provides adult undergraduate students an affordable and convenient path to completing their bachelor’s degrees at Stevenson University Online. Through StraighterLine, students are able to complete their general education courses online. Every course students take within their degree plan is guaranteed to count for credit towards their Stevenson University Online bachelor’s degree. Please note, taking courses with StraighterLine is only available to adult undergraduate students enrolled in Stevenson University Online. Click here to review StraighterLine’s course equivalency at Stevenson University. For further information, visit StraighterLine’s website.

If you have questions about the Credit for Prior Learning options, please feel free to contact us at suo-inquiry@stevenson.edu or call 1-877-531-7118.