This document discusses how adults can earn a college degree through credit for self-directed learning and work experiences. It outlines several ways to earn college credit, such as through standardized exams, military training evaluations, online courses, and prior learning assessments. It also provides information on accreditation and resources adults can use to earn credit and complete their degree in a cost-effective manner. The goal is to help adults optimize their career opportunities and earnings potential through obtaining a college degree.
1. A College Degree: Closer Than You Think
How to Earn College Credit for Self-directed and Workplace Learning
Jack M. Kenner
Senior Partner
Adult Continuing Education & Career Advancement Resource Network
Phone: 443-364-9134
jackkenner@acecarnetwork.org
2. You Will Learn:
Why A College Degree: What’s In It For Me?
About the many ways you can earn college credit
To use flexible credit recognition opportunities to help you
more quickly complete a degree
How to use your earned credit to help you get a legitimate, accredited
academic degree
What is Regional and National Accreditation?
About resources and tools that will help you take next steps to completing
your degree in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
3. A College Degree: What’s In It For Me?
College graduates earn an
average of 98% more income
Those with an advanced
degree earn 177% more, and
the gap is widening
Optimizes your employability
value
Increases your career
advancement opportunities
“Completes” YOU
Education pays in higher earnings and lower unemployment rates
http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
4. Ways to Earn College Credit
Self-directed and Workplace Learning
Credit By Examination
Lifelong or Experiential Learning
Military
Colleges and Universities
Course articulation agreements
5. Ways to Earn College Credit
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Credit-by-exam Evaluation Portfolio College-
Assessment Sponsored
College/Department Licenses
Challenge Exams Military Training Internship
Business Training Field wok
Nationwide Exams Professional Training Co-op
ACE College Credit Practicum
Recommendation
Svc
6. American Council on Education
The American Council on Education's
College Credit Recommendation Service
(CREDIT) connects self-directed and
workplace learning with colleges and
universities by helping adults gain access to
academic credit for formal courses and
examinations taken outside the traditional
classroom.
7. American Council on Education’s
College Credit Recommendation Service
The ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce
Training contains ACE credit recommendations for formal
courses or examinations offered by various organizations, from
businesses and unions to the government and military.
The ACE CREDIT College and University Network are
institutions that use ACE college credit recommendations for
courses, apprenticeship programs, and examinations.
8. StraighterLine
( ACE CREDIT Approved Courses)
Example ACE Courses ACE Credit Recommendations
3 SH LD
Accounting I (ACC101) 3 SH LD
Accounting II (ACC102) 3 SH LD
Business Statistics (MAT150) 3 SH LD
College Algebra (MAT101) 3 SH LD
Economics I: Macroeconomics 3 SH LD
(ECON101) 3 SH LD
Economics II: Microeconomics 3 SH LD
(ECON102) 3 SH LD
English Composition I (ENG101) 3 SH LD
English Composition II (ENG102)
Pre-Calculus (MAT201)
9. ACE Military Evaluations
Evaluates formal training
Recommends college credit
Endorses and supports Military Transcript
services
Publishes ACE Military Guide
http://www.militaryguides.acenet.edu
Examples
Navy: Basic Electronics Rate Training
Marine Corps: Engineer Equipment Chief
10. Types of Colleges and
Universities
Two- and four-year
accredited institutions
Adult-centered institutions
Distance learning
External degrees
Weekend colleges
11. Generally Accepted Accreditation Principles
(GAAP) Criteria
For schools based in the U.S.:
accreditation by an accrediting agency
recognized either by the U.S. Dept of
Education (www.ed.gov) and/or by the
Council on Higher Education
Accreditation (www.CHEA.ORG)
http://www.chea.org/heta
The agencies that recognize accrediting agencies.
12. Credit by Examination
Nationally Standardized Examinations
Offered for a variety of subjects
Minimum scores can result in 3-6 credits
Saves the adult learner time and money
Saves the agency money
Course or Department Challenge Exams
Take the final examination in lieu of the course
Saves the adult learner time and money
Saves the agency money
13. Some Widely Recognized Exams
College-Level Examination Program
(CLEP) http://www.collegeboard.org
Chauncey Group International - DSST
http://www.getcollegecredit.com
Excelsior College Examinations
http://www.excelsior.edu
14. Questions? Advice? Contact …
Jack M. Kenner, Senior Partner
ACECAR Network
4920 Water Grove Lane
Ellicott City, MD 21043
jackkenner@acecarnetwork.org
1-443-364-9134