Credit by Learning Contract
Contract learning, where you design your own curriculum or learning contract, is used in many distance degree programs. The learning contract enables students who cannot attend traditional programs offered by colleges and universities to prepare a contract to attain the equivalent knowledge. Under faculty guidance, students design contracts that detail the subjects to be studied, assignments, projects or tasks to be fulfilled, resources used, and the methods for knowledge assessment, as well as the time frame for completion.

Transfer Credit
In devising an academic plan, be sure that any course you take at another school will transfer to the institution you want to issue your degree (this must be in writing). Be certain that each course also applies to the school's degree requirements for graduation. When transferring credit, there is no hard and fast rule as every college or university has its own policy on accepting transfer credits from other schools. Schools with regional accreditation are known to not accept credits from colleges accredited by other accrediting agencies.

It is important to remember that while different colleges and universities will have specific requirements to earn a degree, they typically require that 30-45 of these units must be residency units (units earned from the graduating college). Some colleges and universities also have limits on the number of credits that can be transferred and applied toward a degree. There are exceptions, however (see Credit Banking, above.) You can also receive a degree from a prestigious school just by taking the final 30 hours at that institution.

Importance in School Selection
How important is it to find a college or university that grants credit for prior learning or experience? According to the American Council on Education, when colleges and universities were asked how they evaulate prior learning of adult students, nearly half (48 percent) said credit was given through examination, 36 percent used portfolio review, and about 34 percent followed ACE credit recommendations. Unfortunately, 37 percent of respondents did not provide any assessment for prior learning. Be sure to ask about a school's policy before enrolling.

Helpful Resources:

The ACE Transcript Service, or the American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service*, is accepted by most colleges and universities. Locate your completed training or certification (i.e., Microsoft Office Certification) and its college credit equivalency. You can also check coursework, CEU's or examinations evaluated by ACE, and use the ACE Credit Transcript System to keep a record of ACE reviewed training or order an official transcript.

National PONSI is a college credit recommendation service accepted by more than 1,500 colleges. Locate coursework, business or professional training for its PONSI evaluation. See also DANTES for military and subject examination credit.

Turn Your Life Experience Into College Credit.
Learn how your knowledge and life experience may help you earn college credit in six dynamic lessons (self-paced course). See also Are You a Candidate for Life Experience Credit?

College Credit Without Classes, How to Obtain Academic Credit for What You Already Know, James L. Carroll

Getting a College Degree Fast, Testing Out & Other Accredited Shortcuts, Joanne Aber, Ph.D.

One Year to a College Degree, Lynette Long and Eileen Hershberger