Ways to Earn Credit

Student Perspective

When I decided to go back to school, I saw myself as a customer. I visited three colleges. Only Bethel told me, 'You can do it!' Then an advisor laid out a plan and helped me see how implementing that plan translated into credits. Between credits earned through DANTES tests and elective courses, I'm ready to begin my CAPS major."
—Karen Kaplan, CAPS student

Completing your degree may be closer than you think.

Wherever you are on the credit ladder, Bethel offers FREE educational planning and five efficient credit-earning options to keep you moving toward your bachelor's degree.

Take a step to change your future. An advisor will work with you to develop an individual educational plan that will map out efficient options for earning all the credit you need to graduate.

Don't be surprised that some of your previous life learning and experience may translate into credits to apply to your degree.

Options for Earning Credit

Option 1: Credit from Regionally Accredited Institutions, including Bethel

Immediately order official transcripts from the regionally accredited institutions you have attended. Your transcripts will be promptly reviewed to determine the credits Bethel will accept in transfer.

You may earn additional credit through the College of Adult and Professional Studies by successfully completing accelerated individual courses for adult students.
Accelerated Individual courses meet Saturdays and/or evenings.

Option 2: Selected Military Training

You may receive credit through military training if the American Council on Education (ACE) has recommended credit.Your official transcripts will be reviewed to determine the number of credits Bethel will accept. An AARTS, CCAF, or SMART transcript is required. (A copy of DD form 214 or DD form 295 is sufficient in certain cases.)

Army: http://www.leavenworth.army.mil
Navy, Marines: http://www.navycollege.navy.mil/transcript.html
Air Force: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/

Option 3: Standardized Subject Examinations

You may earn credit through DANTES and CLEP standardized examinations, which are equivalent to college courses. A limit of 30 semester credits may be earned through examinations.

DANTES: More than 35 DANTES examinations are offered at Bethel.

DANTES Brochure: Registration information, exam descriptions, list of study resources

DANTES Exam Registration: Online registration form for an exam

CLEP: More than 35 CLEP examinations are available on a variety of academic subjects. Examinations are administered at testing sites in the Twin Cities. Go to www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html for more information about CLEP exam titles, study materials, and testing sites.

Option 4: Selected Professional Training/Examinations *

Professional Training: Extended workplace training seminars may qualify for credit if the American Council on Education has recommended credit (e.g., courses from the U.S. Postal Service and professional certificates for nurses such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support may meet requirements).
Professional Examinations: Professional examinations may qualify for college credit if the American Council on Education has recommended credit (e.g., LOMA, PSI, or the National Court Reporters Association examinations may meet requirements).

Option 5: Documented Prior Learning (DPL) *

College-level learning obtained through work or life experience may be demonstrated through the documented prior learning (DPL) essay process. Based on an evaluation of your essay, Bethel University faculty will determine if credit will be awarded. This process requires the following steps:

Complete GENS111: Orientation to Prior Learning, a one-credit course required before students may submit DPL essays to be evaluated for credit.
Submit an academic essay that combines college-level knowledge of theory with practical experience, including information from several published sources. Add copies of relevant documents, such as certificates from related training.

*Note: Total combined credit from Option 4 and Option 5 may not exceed 30 semester credits.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Attend an information session or schedule an individual appointment.

Step 2: Request that official copies of your transcripts be sent to Bethel for a FREE evaluation.

Step 3: Meet with your admissions advisor, if needed, to develop your individual education plan.

Step 4: Determine to accomplish a month-by-month list of goals.

Step 5: Celebrate that you're on your way to earning your degree!

Frequently asked questions about earning credit

Q: Do other colleges offer prior learning credit?
A: Bethel University is one of more than 900 American colleges and universities listed in the directory of the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction that offer credit and follow the national standards set for prior learning established by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

Q: How can I be sure that I will receive credit for a course I plan to take?
A: Request approval from Bethel's academic services manager or the prior learning assessment advisor to make sure you haven't already received credit for the same course before proceeding.

Q: How will I know if a course I plan to take will meet a particular requirement?
A: Check with the academic services manager or your academic advisor to ensure the course meets specific requirements.