Prior Learning Credit

At Savannah State University, we know that adult and military students often come to college with more training and knowledge than an academic transcript reflects. SSU provides a variety of options for our adult and military students to advance their studies through credit for prior learning. Students may earn a maximum of 30 credit hours by prior learning credit and credit by exam (all sources combined).

CLEP Exams: The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 33 standardized exams in core subjects and foreign languages. Students with strong background knowledge in CLEP subjects can earn college credit depending on their exam scores. The SSU Testing Office offers the CLEP exams on campus for a cost of $95 per exam. For more information on the CLEP test, scheduling an exam, or SSU credit equivalencies, please visit http://www.savannahstate.edu/academic-affairs/credit-by-exam.shtml.

ACE Military Credit: Savannah State University accepts the American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations for transcripted military courses and experiences that meet the equivalent requirements of our university. Students with military experience should submit their Joint Service Transcript (or previous AART/SMART/CGI transcript) and their DD-214 to the Registrar's Office for review.

Additionally, any student offering proof of successful completion of Basic Military Training (DD-214) in any of the Armed Forces of the United States or its allies will be awarded credit for HEDU 1101, Concepts in Healthful Living and HEDU 1401, Physical Conditioning, thereby satisfying the university's Core Curriculum 3 credit hour health and wellness requirement under Additional University Requirements.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Prior learning assessment allows students to demonstrate that, through professional or military training, work experience, or other life learning, they have already mastered all of the learning outcomes for a specific course. For courses where no equivalency has been established by one of the 33 CLEP exams, students may be able to receive credit via PLA. Depending on the course, requirements may include assembly of a portfolio or completion of an exam. For more information about PLA opportunities, please consult the Dean's Office for the college in which the course in question is offered.