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.

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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 Partnership
Explore Study.com Partnership

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.

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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.

Your teaching credential, induction experience, or authorization may help you complete fewer requirements in select UMass Global education programs. Choose the option that matches your experience and career goal.

Complete UMass Global’s CTEL Authorization or any Bilingual Authorization program and you may have 6 credits satisfied in the Master of Arts in Bilingual Education. Explore the MA in Bilingual Education

Eligible students with a valid U.S. state-issued teaching credential or license may receive 12 credits toward the Master of Arts in Education. California teachers who completed a CTC-approved Teacher Induction or PASC Program may also qualify. Explore the Master of Arts 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.

Multiple Subject Credential: Complete your remaining 12 credits in the MAT in Elementary Education

Single Subject Credential: Complete your remaining 12 credits in the MAT in Secondary Education

Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential: Continue into the MAT with MMSN Ed Specialist Credential

Eligible current or recently recertified HR credentials—including PHR, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP—may reduce required coursework in the Master of Science in Human Resources. Certification or recertification must be within the past three years. Explore the MS in Human Resources

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

Your California Basic POST Certificate may count for 15 lower-division general elective credits toward the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. These credits count toward your total degree requirements, but not directly toward the Criminal Justice major. Explore the BA in Criminal Justice

Your teaching credential, induction experience, or authorization may help you complete fewer requirements in select UMass Global education programs. Choose the option that matches your experience and career goal.

Complete UMass Global’s CTEL Authorization or any Bilingual Authorization program and you may have 6 credits satisfied in the Master of Arts in Bilingual Education. Explore the MA in Bilingual Education

Eligible students with a valid U.S. state-issued teaching credential or license may receive 12 credits toward the Master of Arts in Education. California teachers who completed a CTC-approved Teacher Induction or PASC Program may also qualify. Explore the Master of Arts 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.

Multiple Subject Credential: Complete your remaining 12 credits in the MAT in Elementary Education

Single Subject Credential: Complete your remaining 12 credits in the MAT in Secondary Education

Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential: Continue into the MAT with MMSN Ed Specialist Credential

Eligible current or recently recertified HR credentials—including PHR, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP—may reduce required coursework in the Master of Science in Human Resources. Certification or recertification must be within the past three years. Explore the MS in Human Resources

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

Your California Basic POST Certificate may count for 15 lower-division general elective credits toward the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. These credits count toward your total degree requirements, but not directly toward the Criminal Justice major. Explore the BA in Criminal Justice

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) by Portfolio

Some undergraduate students may be able to earn credit for learning gained through work, life, or other noncollege experiences. Through a portfolio, you can show how your learning meets the objectives of a UMass Global course.

Portfolio credit is awarded for demonstrated learning—not for a job title or years of experience. A separate portfolio is required for each 3-credit course, and a maximum of 30 credits may be awarded through portfolio assessment.

For more information, review the Prior Learning Assessment by Portfolio Policy or speak with an enrollment coach.

Apply and have your prior learning reviewed

Apply to UMass Global—it’s free. After you apply, UMass Global will evaluate your transcripts and supporting documents to determine how eligible credit may apply to your degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit for Prior Learning may help you earn credit for learning completed outside a traditional college course. This may include military training, professional certifications, workforce training, qualifying exams, ACE-recommended learning, or a prior learning portfolio. 

UMass Global reviews your documentation to determine whether credit may apply to your program.

What you submit depends on the type of learning you want reviewed. You may need transcripts, exam scores, certification records, training documents, military records, or a Joint Services Transcript. 

Apply to UMass Global and send any available documents. Your enrollment coach can help you understand what to submit.

No. Credit depends on your documentation, your program requirements, and current UMass Global policies. Eligible credit may apply to general education, major, or elective requirements, depending on the review.