Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is evaluated by different criteria from the various academic programs. Each facility of higher education has a policy about the acceptance or rejection of life experience for class credits. One common type of external examination is the CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) used to determine adequate knowledge to receive credit without taking the class. Most colleges allow for a specified number of hours to be acquired by CLEP or some other course challenge.

Another way that experiential learning is evaluated is with a departmental examination. The student may be given a comprehensive examination to determine the level of proficiency in an academic course. If adequate knowledge is observed, the student may be given the appropriate class credit. Generally, the chair of a department must approve any experiential learning credit.

Experiential Learning Counts

Experiential learning credits are typically not given as a letter grade but rather as a "P" for pass. This compares with the acceptance of transfer credits from another college or university. Grading systems are not always the same and they will not transfer the same from one school to another. Grades from a school on a four-point system will not translate the same in a school on a three-point grade system.

Experiential learning is only accepted for a portion of the required credits if you are enrolling in an accredited college or university. The only way you can get a degree from some facilities is to complete the final credits from the college. The amount required varies from one institution to the next. If you desire a degree but feel you can never achieve one, take a look at your experiences and see what you have to contribute to getting an online degree.