Jul 26, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Alternative Methods for Earning University Credit


Eastern Michigan University offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit by examination and/or portfolio. In some instances, students may enroll immediately in advanced courses through alternative programs. Especially high test scores may warrant additional academic credit and/or higher placement.

These programs include:

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students who have taken Advanced Placement high school courses, and earn at least a three on the corresponding Advanced Placement tests, will be granted at least two hours of credit in each subject area in which they have earned that score. Available Advanced Placement (AP) Credit  

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students who submit their IB scores to Eastern Michigan University will receive at least two hours of academic credit for a score of four or higher on the higher-level IB exam. The International Baccalaureate Diploma does not equate automatically with sophomore standing, nor does it automatically waive general education requirements. Available International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit  

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Students may receive academic credit for specific EMU courses by achieving a minimum score on a test available through the College Level Examination Program. Available College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit  

Academic credit earned using AP, IB, or CLEP test scores may not be duplicated for separate tests. Also, AP, IB, or CLEP credit will not be awarded when EMU credit has already been earned or transfer credit awarded for courses covering the same subject matter.

Credit by Examination

Students may also receive academic credit for courses where CLEP tests are not available by achieving a minimum score on a departmentally administered examination.

Credit by Examination is subject to the following limitations:

  • Students must have been admitted to Eastern Michigan University.
  • Credit typically will not be awarded for any course for which a student has a credit or in which the student is currently enrolled.
  • Credit by Examination is not available for workshops, special topics courses, seminars, directed studies, or any other course excluded by an academic department.

The following procedures must be followed to earn Credit by Examination:

  • The student must obtain an Application for Credit by Examination/Validation from Service EMU.
  • The student should apply to the head of the department/school in which the course is offered. The department head will evaluate the request and determine whether to grant or deny permission for Credit by Examination/Validation or hold the request for further investigation.
  • Once permission has been granted, the student will arrange with the department for a time and place for the examination or equivalent activity and a supervising faculty evaluator.
  • Before the agreed-upon time, the student will validate the permission form by paying the fee to the EMU Cashier’s Office. The fee will be equivalent to one credit hour of in-state tuition for each undergraduate examination attempted.
  • The student will present the validated permission form to the faculty evaluator before the examination or equivalent activity.
  • After the faculty member evaluates the student’s performance and indicates P/F on the permission form, a copy of the written examination or explanation of the activity and the instructor’s total evaluation will be placed on file in the office of the department head. The department head will sign the permission form indicating receipt of the faculty member’s evaluation.
  • The department head/school director will forward the permission form to the Office of Records and Registration for posting to the student’s record.

Portfolio-assisted Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Portfolio-assisted Prior Learning Assessment is available through participating academic departments when CLEP and Credit by Examination are inappropriate for assessing a student’s previous learning. Credit may be awarded for general education or courses in majors, minors, or concentrations. Departments or schools may choose to participate on a case-by-case basis or may designate selected courses available via PLA. Please see Inquiry PacketSample Portfolio , or contact Evan Finley, Director of Program Administration and Assurance at efinley2@emich.edu.