Credit for Prior Learning Policy
Recognition that learning occurs beyond the classroom and can be measured in ways different from the credit hour is essential for supporting increased education attainment, especially among adult nontraditional students. This policy seeks to provide guidance for the evaluation and awarding of credit to college-level knowledge and skills an individual has gained outside of the classroom or from non-college instructional programs, thus recognizing and legitimizing the often significant learning in which adults have engaged in many parts of their lives.
Methods for Earning Credit for Prior Learning
Manhattanville University will assess and award credit for prior learning by reviewing and validating the learning on an individual basis using the recognized or approved tools and methods below:
Credit by Standardized Examination
Credit by Examination allows a student to receive college credit for prior learning by demonstrating mastery of course outcomes (skills and knowledge) by taking the course exam(s). Some exams may require performance of a skill set, while other exams may be written tests covering course content. Examples include Advanced Placement (AP) exams, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), Excelsior College Exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the nationally recognized DSST Credit-by-Exam Program (DSST), and the Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT). Subject experts within the appropriate program have or will establish what is a successful passing score. Credits earned through Credit by Standardized Examination are not resident credits and may not be used to satisfy resident credit requirements for graduation nor do the credits count toward financial aid calculations.
Advanced Placement (AP)
College credit will be awarded to incoming students based on their AP Coursework and AP Examination completed while in High School. Credit is awarded in all subjects for Exam scores of 3, 4 and 5; for a complete listing of how AP credits transfer toward your Manhattanville degree, view the AP Subject List. Credits earned from AP exams completed in high school are not counted toward the 30-credit exemption from the First Year Program requirement.
British General Certificates
Six semester hours of credit (for a maximum of 28 credits) for each Advanced ("A") level examination of the British General Certificate of Education for which the student received a grade of C or better.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
College credit will be awarded to incoming students based on their IB Coursework. Credit is awarded for courses completed at the Higher Level with scores of 5, 6, and 7; a maximum of 18 IB credits may be awarded.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College credit will be awarded to incoming students based on the CLEP Exam results. Credit is awarded in accordance with the American Council on Education (ACE) recommended guidelines. The University will accept 6 CLEP credits, but the Deans of the various schools may consider individual waivers of up to 12 credits. Students must obtain permission from their academic deans to take CLEPs after matriculation.
Credit by Credential
Students may hold a professional license or certification that is relevant to the program of study they are interested in pursuing at Manhattanville. In cases where the learning outcomes of a current credential align with the learning outcomes of a course or courses, a student may receive credit for the credential.
Admitted students must submit a copy of their professional license or certification for CPL consideration. licenses, certifications, and training that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Credit may be given for documented and validated industry-recognized credentials, such as professional licenses and certifications. These credentials will be reviewed by program chair/director or affiliated faculty within the appropriate programs to determine the amount of credit to be awarded toward the degree. The University will also review Credits earned through Credit by Credential are not resident credits and may not be used to satisfy resident credit requirements for graduation nor do the credits count toward financial aid calculations.
Credit for Experience
Credit for Experience is only be available to enrolled students and requires permission of the appropriate dean's office. Students must have completed 15 classroom credits at Manhattanville to be eligible for Credit for Experience assessment, but may not enroll after earning a total of 92 credits. A maximum of 15 credits may be granted via this method of prior learning assessment. The University will consider eligibility for students to receive academic credit for non-credit learning experiences. These experiences may include Continuing Education courses and programs, military education and training, and certain apprenticeship programs. Typically, credit for experience would be assessed through individualized assessments such as portfolios, exams, demonstrations, oral interviews, or a combination of methods. Program chair/director or affiliated faculty will determine the appropriate method for assessment of prior learning.
Military Credits
Manhattanville University will award credit for military education based on the guidelines presented by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students must present a military transcript [AARTS (Army), SMART (Navy and Marine), or CCAF (Air Force)] and credits will be awarded by the Registrar's Office. Military coursework may be equated to equivalent Manhattanville courses, but in most cases students will be awarded general, non-liberal arts credit which can be applied to their 120-credit graduation requirement. Students should consult the appropriate division chair, should they wish to apply military credits toward major and/or minor requirements.