Advanced Credits

MSU recognizes that learning takes place in many forms...in and outside of the classroom. That's why we offer adult students a variety of ways to earn college credit from your prior college, training and life/work experiences.

Standardized Testing

College-level credit is available for successful completion of various national standardized examinations. Available examination programs include the computerized College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Standardized Subject Tests (DSST), and the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) examination.

The University also provides its own challenge examinations, which are developed specifically to meet University and degree requirements. These exams are equivalent to the comprehensive final examinations in traditional courses; you can earn credit for a course by passing the challenge exam for that course.

Contact the MSU Testing Center for additional information on standardized testing.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Mountain State University allows students to receive academic credit for the learning associated with experience gained through work, military service, professional training, hobbies, recreation, and other meaningful activities. These experiences are evaluated for their equivalency to specific MSU courses and their ability to satisfy institutional and degree requirements. Mountain State University's prior learning assessment (PLA) option follows the academic and administrative standards established by the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). When possible, American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations are used in evaluating military and corporate training programs.

Credit for Training and Certifications

Certifications, licenses, corporate training programs, and other documentation of learning that has taken place outside a traditional learning environment can be evaluated for potential academic credit. For individual students, this evaluation is done on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the University's prior learning assessment process.

Credit for Military Training

Mountain State University grants undergraduate college credit at no cost to the student for the learning associated with documented qualifying military courses and occupational training. When evaluating military courses and occupational training, MSU uses the credit and content recommendations found in The American Council on Education's Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.

Mountain State University is an institutional member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium of approximately 1,900 colleges and universities. MSU holds an affiliate membership in the SOCAD 2-year Associate Degree Network System. MSU is also a member of SOCAD's Army Career Degrees (ACD) program.

Prior College Transfer Credits

Mountain State University welcomes applications from students who wish to transfer from other institutions of higher learning. To have credit evaluated for possible transfer and application toward your degree plan, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.

Credit for courses completed with a grade of C or better is considered for equivalence to Mountain State courses and applicability to University and program requirements. If you are transferring from a program or an institution that maintains an articulation agreement with MSU, evaluation of transfer credit will follow the protocols established in the agreement.

Transfer Credit from Institutions without Regional Accreditation

Unless it is covered by an established articulation agreement, transfer credit from any institution that does not hold regional accreditation is evaluated following the transfer credit practices guidelines of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Coursework that is not transferable under these guidelines may still be eligible for recognition through prior learning assessment.

International Transfer Credit

Transfer credit from any institution outside the United States must be translated into English if necessary and submitted for evaluation by an approved agency.