Credit by Prior Learning Assessment

The MTSU College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning has developed an organized system using nationally recognized and accepted methods to quantify and measure prior learning and assign university level credit for it.  This system is called the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Many students and employers find this program extremely attractive because it provides a means to potentially earn college credit for learning from OJT, certificate programs, seminars, corporate training systems, and other non-traditional courses. It is a customized program so individual results will vary. For more information on the Prior Learning Assessment visit Frequently Asked Questions about Prior Learning Assessments.

Credit-by-Examination

Students may earn college credit for acceptable scores on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Foreign Language Tests, the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) of the College Entrance Examination Board, the American College Testing Program (ACT), the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) (www.ibo.org), and the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST). Examinations are administered by Testing Services, 327 Keathley University Center. Additional information can be obtained by calling (615) 898-2863.

A student may receive no more than 60 semester hours of credit by means of credit-by-examinations, credit for service-related experience, and flight training. Applicants must not have notation of the course on the official transcript for which credit is recommended. (This includes both MTSU and transfer records.)

Credit by Special Examination (Undergraduate)

Any student enrolled in the University who receives departmental approval is eligible to receive credit by special examination for certain MTSU courses. Competence gained through study and/or experience may provide background for students who wish to attempt such examinations.

NOTE: A nonrefundable fee of $20.00 will be charged for each semester hour of credit. Scores must be submitted to Admissions for posting no later than 2 weeks prior to graduation. Students seeking credit by examination should, on forms provided by the Admissions Office, request approval from the chair of the department or director of the school in which the course is offered. No student will be allowed to repeat a special examination in a given course within one year.

Service Credits

Students with experience in the Reserves, National Guard, or other Armed Forces may be eligible for certain college credit.

Additional information about Credit-by-Examination and Service Credits may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

For more information about our Adult Degree Completion Program please call our office at 615-898-2177 or fill out the contact form and we'll call you. We want to do everything we can to help you get to a degree as quickly as possible.