Acceptance of Non-Traditional Credit
Central Connecticut State recognizes that many valid learning experiences occur outside the traditional classroom. Central accepts from matriculated students the following types of non-traditional credit, up to a maximum of 30 units of credit except for established special programs. When such credit is awarded, it is entered on the transcript but the grade is not included in the University grade-point average. Students should be aware that in all the instances described below, the rules for acceptance and applicability of credit for non-traditional learning vary among academic schools and departments at Central, depending on the rules of external accrediting agencies and in accordance with departmental standards. Students should direct questions to the department chair.
International Baccalaureate
Central Connecticut State University recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and will consider for course credit any higher level IB subject in which a grade of 5 or higher has been earned. Credit is awarded at the discretion of individual academic departments. Official IB transcripts are required.
Advanced Placement
The University accepts for college credit advanced placement courses taken in high school under the auspices of the College Entrance Examination Board's Advanced Placement Test Program provided the student achieves a minimum score of 3 on the test. Official score reports are required.
Credit for Standardized Examinations
Central Connecticut State students may earn up to 30 credits by examination from the College Level Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CLEP and DANTES) or any nationally-standardized examination. A student is permitted one trial for each examination and must achieve a score equal to, or higher than, the national norm for that particular examination to receive credit. Information about which examinations are approved for departmental credit and minimum score requirements is available from the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Registrar. Official score reports are required.
Credit for non-collegiate training programs
Many businesses and industries, and other non-accredited institutions, provide formal training for which some academic credit may be awarded. Central Connecticut State University will follow American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations on the acceptance of this credit as published in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. Central also accepts credit for programs conducted by non-collegiate organizations not evaluated by ACE, according to specific local agreements that comply with the Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CAP) recommendations. Application of credit as it relates to the student's Central degree requirements will be determined by the department chair. Official transcripts, diplomas or certificates are required. If there is not an ACE recommendation or existing local agreement for the training program, refer to "Credit for life or work experience" below.
Credit for life or work experience
While Central Connecticut State University itself does not evaluate life or work experience, the University will accept such credit as awarded by other regionally-accredited colleges and universities, to the extent that it is applicable to the student's degree program and providing it does not exceed 30 credits. Matriculated students who believe they are eligible for such credit are encouraged to contact Charter Oak State College.