Your life experiences can become college credit at Belhaven University. We award up to 45 undergraduate credit hours for experiences and prior learning.

To determine these credits, we can:

  • Test your knowledge in a variety of subjects
  • Evaluate past training courses and opportunities
  • Consider your life and work history, including any military ​​​​service

See if you might be eligible for Prior Learning Credit.

Paths for Experiences & Prior Learning Credits

Prove Your Knowledge — and Earn College Credit

We accept results from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST. You may earn up to 30 credits by taking these tests.

CLEP 

CLEP, directed by the not-for-profit College Board organization, offers 34 exams in introductory-level college courses. These exams cover subjects in history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages.

A passing score earns you several college credits and helps you quickly progress toward your degree.

You can’t take these exams for classes within your major, but they can apply toward general education requirements — except for ENG 104, ENG 105, or MAT 202 — and elective needs.

Speak to your student services representative about CLEP or learn more online.

DSST

Like CLEP, DSST — directed by testing leader Prometric — offers exams that allow you to earn credit for college courses. There are more than 30 available exams, which cost $100 each plus a testing fee.

For more information, talk with your ​​​​student services representative or learn more online.

Other Standardized Tests

Belhaven may consider granting credit using scores from other standardized tests, such as the ACT Proficiency Examination Program (PEP). Speak with your academic advisor for more information.

Certify Your Know-How

Belhaven University recognizes that learning takes place in many different ways and we offer students the opportunity to validate this learning through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. The PLA program gives students the opportunity to receive college credit for learning experiences that take place outside of the traditional college classroom. Students have the opportunity to apply these PLA credits to a variety of undergraduate degree programs

See if you might be eligible for Prior Learning Credit [PDF]

Through our partnership with Envisage Global, all training courses have been evaluated for equivalent PLA credits and students who complete training through Envisage are eligible to receive the designated PLA credits for each training course upon acceptance into one of Belhaven University’s undergraduate degrees. Belhaven University will accept up to 30 PLA credits as elective credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

For more information, speak with your student services representative or an admission representative.

Walk Us Through It

For Professional Training:

You can earn credit hours by compiling a portfolio, which includes an autobiographical essay and further writings on your life and work. Belhaven also grants, in accordance with the American Council for Education (ACE), credit hours for certifications and trainings. Learn more about credit for professional training

By Portfolio:

For more information on these credit opportunities, speak with your ​​​​student services representative or an admission officer. Get portfolio information about portfolio credit from the University Catalogue.

Time in Uniform

Students can receive credit for courses completed through military service schools if a course is listed in the Guide to the Evaluation for Education Experiences in the Armed Forces (ACE).

Service members and veterans may be eligible for college credit by submitting transcripts of their completed military training. To generate your transcript, visit:

For help with this process, speak with a student services representative.

Visit the Military page for additional information.

Paths for Experiences & Prior Learning Credits

Prove Your Knowledge — and Earn College Credit

We accept results from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST. You may earn up to 30 credits by taking these tests.

CLEP 

CLEP, directed by the not-for-profit College Board organization, offers 34 exams in introductory-level college courses. These exams cover subjects in history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages.

A passing score earns you several college credits and helps you quickly progress toward your degree.

You can’t take these exams for classes within your major, but they can apply toward general education requirements — except for ENG 104, ENG 105, or MAT 202 — and elective needs.

Speak to your student services representative about CLEP or learn more online.

DSST

Like CLEP, DSST — directed by testing leader Prometric — offers exams that allow you to earn credit for college courses. There are more than 30 available exams, which cost $100 each plus a testing fee.

For more information, talk with your ​​​​student services representative or learn more online.

Other Standardized Tests

Belhaven may consider granting credit using scores from other standardized tests, such as the ACT Proficiency Examination Program (PEP). Speak with your academic advisor for more information.

Certify Your Know-How

Belhaven University recognizes that learning takes place in many different ways and we offer students the opportunity to validate this learning through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. The PLA program gives students the opportunity to receive college credit for learning experiences that take place outside of the traditional college classroom. Students have the opportunity to apply these PLA credits to a variety of undergraduate degree programs

See if you might be eligible for Prior Learning Credit [PDF]

Through our partnership with Envisage Global, all training courses have been evaluated for equivalent PLA credits and students who complete training through Envisage are eligible to receive the designated PLA credits for each training course upon acceptance into one of Belhaven University’s undergraduate degrees. Belhaven University will accept up to 30 PLA credits as elective credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

For more information, speak with your student services representative or an admission representative.

Walk Us Through It

For Professional Training:

You can earn credit hours by compiling a portfolio, which includes an autobiographical essay and further writings on your life and work. Belhaven also grants, in accordance with the American Council for Education (ACE), credit hours for certifications and trainings. Learn more about credit for professional training

By Portfolio:

For more information on these credit opportunities, speak with your ​​​​student services representative or an admission officer. Get portfolio information about portfolio credit from the University Catalogue.

Time in Uniform

Students can receive credit for courses completed through military service schools if a course is listed in the Guide to the Evaluation for Education Experiences in the Armed Forces (ACE).

Service members and veterans may be eligible for college credit by submitting transcripts of their completed military training. To generate your transcript, visit:

For help with this process, speak with a student services representative.

Visit the Military page for additional information.

Contact Us

Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission

Phone: 601-968-5940

Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202

Fax: 601-300-2932

onlineadmission@belhaven.edu

BU welcome center with balloons

Verse of the Year

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13