Credit by Department is a program that allows students the opportunity to gain academic credit for knowledge they have acquired by self-study or experience. Assessments may be taken in many subject areas, and credit may be earned by demonstrating proficiency in these assessments. Benefits include saving tuition dollars and shortening the time it takes to earn a degree.
UNO’s Credit by Department procedure involves attempting an assessment for one of the courses taught by a department. These assessments are constructed by the department for the purpose of measuring knowledge in a particular course offered at UNO. Credit is granted for the course upon successful completion of the assessment.
Credit by Department Policy Guidelines
- Students must be enrolled and matriculated at UNO to have the credit applied to their record.
- Students can only attempt assessment one time for credit evaluation.
- A student who has failed to earn credit in a college course may not attempt assessment in the same course. Neither will credit be granted to raise a grade earned in any course.
- Credit by Department may not be earned in any course taken on an audit basis.
- A maximum of 30 hours of Credit by Department may be applied toward completion of a degree (i.e., CLEP, DSST, Credit by Department, etc) (the College of Business has a limit of 24 hours)
- Credit by Department may not be used as part of the terminal residency requirements, so you should check the requirements of your college.
- Credit earned will be recorded with a “CR” grade and this credit will not be used in calculating grade point average. The credit will be recorded on the transcript.
- Student must be granted permission by the Academic Department to attempt a Credit by Department assessment.
- Students attempting assessment in courses, for which they are currently enrolled in, must do so before they have completed one month of the course. If the student receives assessment credit for the course, they will need to withdraw from their currently enrolled equivalent UNO course and will be subject to applicable refund rates.
The following questions and answers will help you understand more about Credit by Department.
- Who is eligible for Credit by Department?
Students who are enrolled in any college at UNO may apply credits earned by assessment toward their degree. Students are cautioned that only those who feel confident of their knowledge in specific subject areas are encouraged to attempt the assessments. Although there is no penalty for taking an assessment and failing it, the same assessment may not be attempted more than once for credit at UNO. (Credit by Department assessment may not be earned in any course taken on an audit basis.)
- What subjects are offered in the Credit by Department program at UNO?
Contact the Academic Department for specific Credit by Department assessment information.
- What are my chances of receiving credit if I take the assessment?
If you have studied the subject in high school or in your field of work and feel confident in your knowledge of the area, then you would stand a good chance of receiving some credit. You are the best judge of your proficiency in a particular area of study, so the decision is up you.
- Are the credits that I earn from these assessments transferable to other colleges and universities?
Credit by Department assessments typically are not able to be transferred to other colleges and universities. Each college and university has its own processes for awarding department credit and standards of acceptance. If you have any idea which college/university you may be transferring to, contact the college/university and ask about their acceptance policies.
- How will the credit be recorded?
Credit earned by assessment will be recorded with a “CR” grade and this credit will not be used in calculating grade point average. The credit will be recorded on the transcript.
- What is the cost for the Credit by Department assessment?
There is a $40.00 fee for each Credit by Department assessment paid to the UNO Testing Center. (Fees are subject to change.)
- How long do the assessments last?
Credit by Department assessments vary in length but typical exam assessments take about two hours. Contact the Academic Department for more information.
- Where and when are the assessments administered?
Arrangements must be made with Academic Departments for Credit by Department assessments.
Each college or university sets their own credit-granting scores based on their own curriculum and grading standards.
- How do I apply?
To apply for Credit by Department assessments, you must first contact the Department Chairperson for approval and get a referral to the appropriate professor. You would then go to the Testing Center (KH 522) to fill out the Credit by Department application form and pay for the course(s) attempted. You will return to the department, give them the application form, and schedule the assessment with the professor. The department will notify the Testing Center of any credit you receive. (Departments may opt not to offer an assessment.)
- How will I be notified of my score and the credit I have earned?
A Department administering an assessment to a student for Credit by Department is responsible for reporting the credit to the Testing Center by returning the appropriate form. The time lapse shall not be greater than the semester following the time the assessment was given. The Testing Center will then forward the official notice of credit to the student and the Office of the Registrar for posting.
- How can I learn more about Credit by Department?
Contact the UNO Testing Center by phone (402.554.4800), email (unotestingcenter@unomaha.edu), or in person (KH 522) for any general Credit by Department questions. Specific questions should always be directed to the appropriate Academic Department.
- What other types of assessments are offered for credit at UNO?
UNO awards credit for the following Standardized Exams: Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, CLEP, DSST, International Baccalaureate.
Visit https://www.unomaha.edu/registrar/students/before-you-enroll/transfer-credit/credit-by-exam.php to learn more.
UNO Academic Colleges can also award Credit for Prior Learning when a student provides a credential, artifact, training, or certification that can be assessed and evaluated by the curriculum department for UNO credit. Discuss with your academic advisor to learn more.
Testing Center
6001 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE 68182 Kayser Hall Suite 522
Phone: 402.554.4800
Email: unotestingcenter@unomaha.edu Web: testingcenter.unomaha.edu
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