Ways to Earn Undergraduate Credits Prior to Admission
All of our partners offer online courses, many of which count toward an undergraduate degree at UMass Global. The ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training provides ACE credit recommendations for formal courses or examinations offered by various organizations, from businesses and unions to the government and military, and may count for classes and University of Massachusetts Global accepts ACE recommendations.
Alternative Credit Project
The Alternative Credit Project (ACP) provides a pool of online courses that University of Massachusetts Global will accept towards your degree. A national program of the American Council on Education, supported by a generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the ACP is designed to help adults finish what they started - a two- or four-year degree, or a post-secondary certificate.
Distance Learning Systems
Distance Learning Systems offers a high-quality, low-cost path for students to earn their degrees. Courses are completed 100% online and provide college-level courses that allow students to earn transferable college credits. ASIC accredits Distance Learning Systems, and courses are recognized by ACE®, The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service. For more information, visit www.dlsii.com or call (888) 955-3276.
NOTE: The decision to accept specific credit recommendations is at the sole discretion of each college or university.
Other ACE Institutions
The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends credit for formal courses or examinations offered by various organizations. University of Massachusetts Global accepts ACE recommendations for awarding academic credit. The recommendation includes level and discipline, is subject to residency requirements, and may have other limitations as outlined in specific degree programs. For the latest information on courses that have been evaluated, click on the recommendations link below or contact the UMass Global Admissions department.
Note, courses may have been updated since listing.
View all ACE-approved organizations & credit recommendations
Outlier.org
Outlier.org courses are 100% online and Zoom-free, offering a cinematic, interactive learning experience. Built by game designers to be engaging, entertaining, and flexible to fit the active lives of modern students. From the co-founder of MasterClass, Outlier.org has hand-picked the world’s best instructors and uses evidence-based teaching tools to give you an entirely new way to master foundational knowledge before starting your graduate degree programs.
Outlier is building the future of online education and is designed to complement students’ busy lives, with on-demand lectures, week-long exam windows, and a choice of 14-week or 7-week intensive courses.
Saylor Academy
Saylor’s mission is to enable a fast-track to the future with on-demand education that is flexible and convenient. Created by credentialed educators, Saylor offers tuition-free courses that are ready when and where you are. Saylor partners with colleges, universities, and businesses to make affordable credentials a reality.
Sophia Learning
Sophia partners with University of Massachusetts Global to offer self-paced, online courses you can complete on your own schedule and apply toward your degree at UMass Global. With a monthly membership and flexible subscription options, Sophia is designed for busy adult learners who want predictable pricing as they work through approved general education and other requirements. After you complete your Sophia courses, your transcript is automatically sent to University of Massachusetts Global at no additional charge, helping you stay on track toward graduation.
StraighterLine
StraighterLine partners with University of Massachusetts Global to offer flexible, self-paced online courses you can complete on your own schedule and apply toward your degree at UMass Global. With a membership-based model and multiple subscription options, StraighterLine is designed for busy adult learners who want predictable pricing while they work through general education and other foundational requirements. After you pass your StraighterLine courses, you simply request an official transcript and StraighterLine will send your credits to University of Massachusetts Global at no extra cost, helping you stay on track toward graduation.
Study.com
Study.com partners with University of Massachusetts Global to offer more than 220 online courses—both lower- and upper-division—that can transfer toward your degree at UMass Global. With a simple monthly membership, you can move through engaging video lessons, quick quizzes, and a final exam on your schedule, from home or on the go using their mobile app. When you finish a course, you request a transcript in just a few clicks and Study.com sends your earned credits directly to University of Massachusetts Global, helping you save on tuition and reduce time to graduation. Eligible Study.com students who matriculate to UMass Global may also qualify for a 10%–20% tuition discount, making your path to a degree even more affordable.