Ways To Earn Credit

Ways to earn credit

Certain national proficiency tests including CLEP http://www.collegeboard.com/, DSST (DANTES) http://www.getcollegecredit.com/ , and Excelsior https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/Excelsior_College_Examinations are accepted at Eastern. Before pursuing any of these avenues, check with an advisor to verify that the exam you are considering is not duplication of previously completed coursework, and for confirmation that the exam credit can be applied toward your remaining degree requirements.

Students can also earn credit through departmental proficiency exams. Consult the EIU general catalog for information about departmental proficiency tests for credit. http://catalog.eiu.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=644#cred_by_prof_exam

 

Prior Learning Assessment

What is it?
A prior learning portfolio is not a requirement of the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies Degree Program. It is an opportunity to have assessed any non-accredited college level learning one may have accumulated.

When should this be done?
Students should complete and submit portfolios as soon as possible after being admitted to the program.

Are there fees?
There are two fees associated with the portfolio option.  

  • The Submission Fee is equal to the tuition** for one semester hour (not including fees), rounded up to the nearest $5.00. This is a one-time per year fee designed to cover the costs incurred in processing and handling the portfolio.
  • The Evaluation Fee is equal to the tuition** for one-third of one semester hour, rounded up to the nearest $5.00. This fee is charged for each course /portfolio submitted for evaluation.


Students who enroll in and successfully complete BGS 3001 Portfolio Development, will have the evaluation fee for the first portfolio waived. The submission fee will be charged.

** Consistent with EIU’s guaranteed tuition rates, each student’s tuition rate will be used to determine the basis for calculating the student’s PLA fees. 

Where do I start?

Interested students are required to work with Kimberly Redfern, BGS Advisor, in the completion of all portfolios. In addition, students are required to complete an online course, BGS 3001 BGS Portfolio. This is a 3 credit hour, semester long course, delivered via WebCT. Students register for the course through the PAWS system, and will be billed the hourly tuition and fees like any other EIU course. With successful completion of this course, students will not only receive 3 hours of EIU upper division credit, they will also have a completed portfolio to turn in for assessment.

Please note: Tuition and fees for this course do not cover the submission and per course fees charged for the submission of your portfolio.

For further information, please click here