Build on Learning From Work, Service, and Experience

Learning does not only happen in a college classroom. You may have gained college-level knowledge through military service, professional training, certifications, exams, or other structured learning experiences. UMass Global offers several ways to review eligible prior learning. The option that fits you depends on the learning you completed and the program you want to pursue.

ACE-Recommended Learning

Have training, military learning, exams, or approved alternative coursework? ACE recommendations may help you identify credit that may be reviewed.

Explore ACE Learning

Program-Specific Credit Opportunities

Some programs recognize eligible certifications, credentials, training, and prior learning for course credit or substitutions.

Find Programs With Credit Opportunities

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ACE-Recommended Learning

The American Council on Education, or ACE, reviews certain learning completed outside a traditional college classroom. UMass Global accepts eligible ACE credit recommendations, subject to program requirements and other academic policies. ACE may include recommendations for:

  • Military courses, training, and occupations
  • Employer and workforce training
  • Professional and technical learning
  • Approved alternative courses
  • Some examinations

Use the ACE National Guide to search for your course, training, credential, or exam. Then apply to UMass Global and submit documentation for review.

Search the ACE National Guide 

ACE recommendations can help you understand what may be reviewed. UMass Global determines how eligible credit applies toward your selected degree.

Continue Your Education With Sophia or Study.com

Have you completed courses through Sophia or Study.com? Eligible coursework may help you make progress toward a UMass Global degree. Eligible students may also receive a 10-20% tuition discount, depending on their program.

Explore Sophia Options
Explore Study.com Options

Credit by Exam

You may be able to earn credit for knowledge you have already demonstrated. UMass Global accepts eligible scores from:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Defense Language Proficiency Examinations (DLAT/DLPT)
  • Subject matter specific exams from institutionally accredited providers 
  • Selected UMass Global credit-by-exam opportunities

Credit depends on the exam, your score, and current UMass Global requirements. In some cases, eligible credit may meet general education, major, or elective requirements. Credits are typically lower division unless specified as equivalent to an upper division course.

View College Level Exam Programs in the Catalog

Credit for Military Training and Experience

Your military service, coursework, training, and experience may help you make progress toward a UMass Global degree. For undergraduate programs, UMass Global reviews military learning using ACE credit evaluation guidelines.

Undergraduate military students receive 6 credits for military service. Additional credit may be awarded based on ACE recommendations.

For graduate programs, military coursework may be considered by programs that accept it. Requirements vary by program.

What you may need:

  • Military education or training records
  • Joint Services Transcript, if applicable
  • Previous college transcripts
  • Your intended UMass Global program

Explore the ACE Military Guide

See How Your Training or Certification May Shorten Your Program

Some UMass Global programs recognize eligible certifications, credentials, training, and professional learning for credit or course substitutions. Choose the option that best matches your experience.

Eligible current certifications from providers such as CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, CIW, and others may help you complete fewer requirements in a BS in Information Technology program.

Review current eligible certifications and course-credit details for the instructor-led program. Explore the Instructor-Led BSIT

Review current eligible certifications and course-credit details for the self-paced MyPath program. Explore the Self-Paced BSIT

Students with eligible credentials, induction experience, or authorizations may be able to apply prior learning toward select UMass Global education programs. Choose the option that best matches your experience and career goal.

Completing UMass Global’s CTEL Authorization or any Bilingual Authorization program may satisfy 6 credits. Explore the MA in Bilingual Education

Eligible CTC-approved Teacher Induction, PASC completion, or a valid U.S. state-issued teaching credential may qualify students for 12 credits. Explore the MA in Education

A valid California Preliminary or Clear teaching credential may fulfill 30 credits in the matching Master of Arts in Teaching program. Select the program that matches your credential area.

HR credentials—including PHR, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP—may reduce required coursework in the Master of Science in Human Resources.  Explore the MS in Human Resources

Eligible students may receive 15 lower-division general elective credits toward the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. These credits do not apply directly to the Criminal Justice major. Explore the BA in Criminal Justice

Students who complete four eligible International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute courses may receive 12 undergraduate credits toward the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Explore the BA in Organizational Leadership

Eligible current certifications from providers such as CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, CIW, and others may help you complete fewer requirements in a BS in Information Technology program.

Review current eligible certifications and course-credit details for the instructor-led program. Explore the Instructor-Led BSIT

Review current eligible certifications and course-credit details for the self-paced MyPath program. Explore the Self-Paced BSIT

Students with eligible credentials, induction experience, or authorizations may be able to apply prior learning toward select UMass Global education programs. Choose the option that best matches your experience and career goal.

Completing UMass Global’s CTEL Authorization or any Bilingual Authorization program may satisfy 6 credits. Explore the MA in Bilingual Education

Eligible CTC-approved Teacher Induction, PASC completion, or a valid U.S. state-issued teaching credential may qualify students for 12 credits. Explore the MA in Education

A valid California Preliminary or Clear teaching credential may fulfill 30 credits in the matching Master of Arts in Teaching program. Select the program that matches your credential area.

HR credentials—including PHR, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP—may reduce required coursework in the Master of Science in Human Resources.  Explore the MS in Human Resources

Eligible students may receive 15 lower-division general elective credits toward the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. These credits do not apply directly to the Criminal Justice major. Explore the BA in Criminal Justice

Students who complete four eligible International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute courses may receive 12 undergraduate credits toward the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Explore the BA in Organizational Leadership