Prior Learning Experience
Students may receive undergraduate academic credit for learning acquired outside the collegiate classroom, called prior learning experience. Texas Wesleyan recognizes that learning may result from work experience, work-related training, special interests, and travel in addition to enrollment at an academic institution for academic credit; however, credit will be awarded only for college-level learning, not for experience alone. It will not be awarded for vocational or technical experience, and eligible students must possess a minimum of four years of significant work experience.
Two options for seeking undergraduate academic credit for non-collegiate learning are preparing a portfolio or taking challenge examinations (see below). Additional opportunities for seeking academic credit are through correspondence courses, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and educational activities listed in the guides of the American Council on Education or the Military Guide to Service Schools. Thirty (30) hours is the maximum number of academic credit hours allowed when using one or more of these options, and this credit may not be applied to the 45 credit hour residency required for graduation. No more than one-fourth of the required hours for a major subject may be fulfilled by prior learning experience credit or challenge exams. (See Graduation Degree Requirements section).
Students should possess adequate writing and critical thinking skills that will enable them to develop a portfolio of sufficient depth and quality. The dean of the major program in which she/he expects to enroll should be consulted for assistance in identifying and verifying the types of skills and learning to be assessed for college-level credit.
Students may attempt challenge exams for specific undergraduate credit with the approval of the Dean of their school. However, these exams may not be available in all areas. Challenge exams may be provided to students who have attained knowledge equivalent to University courses through life experiences and to students who attended schools with limited or no transferability. Exam scores required for credit will be determined by the individual school. Thirty (30) hours is the maximum number of undergraduate academic credit hours allowed through challenge exams or any other prior learning experience credit.
Students may transfer in challenge exams from other 4-year universities to Texas Wesleyan University. Credit for this exam must be reflected on the student's official university transcript from where the exam was taken. Credit must be approved by the Office of Student Records.