Student Services: Ways to Earn Credit for Prior Learning

UMM provides official recognition for prior college level learning that has counterparts in the UMM curriculum. Methods of evaluation include testing, papers, projects, presentations, or any combination that supplies the information needed to assess a student's background.

CLEP General Examinations

You may earn up to 32 semester credits by achieving satisfactory scores on nationally standardized general examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The general examinations test your knowledge in Social Science, Natural Science, Mathematics and Humanities. The maximum of 8 semester credits per examination is reduced by any previously completed credits in that area. For example, if you have already completed 8 credits in an Science, there is no point in taking the CLEP Natural Science examination.

CLEP Subject Examination

You may earn credit by achieving satisfactory scores on 26 nationally standardized CLEP subject examinations. Study booklets to help you prepare for the examinations are available in the UMM Student Counseling Office.

UMM Subject Challenge Examinations

If you believe you have knowledge equal to that of others who have successfully completed a course, you can apply to take a special examination to test out of the course for credit. The examination may be a typical final course examination, an oral test, written paper or projects, or any other combination of work which will show that you have achieved the objectives of the course. To challenge a course, meet with the coordinator of the Scholastic Committee in 223 Community Services. Call 320-589-6011 for an appointment. If your request is approved, a signed request form is sent to the faculty instructor through the division chair.

Credit for Organizationally Sponsored Instruction

Credit may be granted for formal educational programs and courses sponsored by non-collegiate organizations, if they have substantial liberal education counterparts in the UMM curriculum. To obtain credit, you must verify successful completion of the work for which credit is requested. Contact the coordinator of the Scholastic Committee, 223 Community Services, 320-589-6011.

Credit for Military Service School Experience

Upon petition, the Scholastic Committee will grant credit for military service school experience, when formal training courses have substantial liberal education content and have counterparts in the liberal arts curriculum. You must verify successful completion of the work for which credit is requested. Contact the coordinator of the Scholastic Committee, 320-589-6011, or the Registrar, 320-589-6029.

Prior Learning Directed Study (IS 3893 1-4 cr)

With faculty approval, students may design an individualized learning project which combines their prior learning with new learning directed by the faculty. Academic credit will be awarded for the combined old and new learning. When content is discipline-related, the discipline designation will appear on the transcript and credit may count toward the appropriate general education requirement category. Students new to the campus should contact Continuing Education for an adviser, 320-589-6450.

Prior Learning Internship (Semester # IS 3896 1-16 cr)

This is an educational experience in a work environment that provides field application for the student's theoretical learning experiences. The prior learning internship, such as in social service or business settings, occured prior to the student's matriculation. The prior learning is documented and combined with faculty-directed new learning, with credit awarded for both. Talk with faculty in the related discipline, if you know how to proceed. For information about the process, contact Continuing Education for an adviser, 320-589-6450.