Credit Options
IU South Bend
Participating in internships
Passing world language studies placement exams
Pursuing the credit certificate in paralegal studies through Extended Learning Services
Indiana University
Credits earned previously at any Indiana University campus should apply toward a General Studies degree. We can apply a maximum of 50 credits previously earned at Indiana University toward the Associate of Arts in General Studies, and a maximum of 100 credits toward the Bachelor of General Studies. We can apply courses in which you earned grades of D+, D, or D- as elective credit only; we cannot use them to satisfy your course distribution or fundamental skills requirements.
IU School of Continuing Studies Independent Study Program
You can also take undergraduate courses through the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies Independent Study Program. Courses are available through correspondence and online.
Other Institutions
Credits earned at other regionally accredited colleges and universities should apply toward a General Studies degree. We may apply a maximum of 45 hours of transfer credit from other regionally accredited colleges or universities toward the A.A.G.S. and a maximum of 90 hours toward the B.G.S. A maximum of 60 credits may transfer from community colleges. Your transfer credits will be evaluated by the IU South Bend Office of Admissions.
External Examinations
You can earn credit by passing the following examinations. Credits earned through these exams are treated as transfer credit. No more than 15 credits toward the A.A.G.S. and no more than 30 credits toward the B.G.S. may be awarded for successful completion of external exams.
DSST Credit by Exam Program (Dantes Subject Standardized Tests)
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
Excelsor College Examinations
Military Service
Indiana University follows the American Council on Education's Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services in granting credit on the basis of education gained through military service, schools, and experience. To receive credit for your military service background, you must submit copies of your official release from military service (DD214) to the IU South Bend Office of Admissions.
Educational Programs in Noncollegiate Organizations
We consider the recommendations of the following two publications when awarding credit for noncollegiate or company-sponsored programs/courses: American Council on Education, The National Guide to Education Credit for Training Programs; and The University of the State of New York, A Guide to Educational Programs in Noncollegiate Organizations. Contact your General Studies advisor to see if your training programs are included. To apply for credit for noncollegiate educational programs you have successfully completed, ask the awarding organization to send official records of program/course completion.
Work and Life Experience
We recognize that students gain college-level knowledge through various life and work experiences. If this experience is equivalent to college-level material, you may receive credit by documenting your learning through a Self-Acquired Competency (SAC) Portfolio. The SAC Portfolio will be evaluated by appropriate departmental faculty who will determine the number and type of credits awarded.
Additional Opportunities
Receive credit for completion of the Indiana State Police Academy training program
Receive credit for hospital-based nursing programs
