Calumet College of St. Joseph is committed to recognizing the fact that education is a lifelong experience and that adult learners bring with them a rich body of learning experiences outside of the college classroom. It is possible to accelerate your graduation from CCSJ by earning alternative forms of credit. Below are listed some means of obtaining alternative credit hours towards your degree. The College limits alternative forms of credit to 45 credit hours (though ACE credit does not count towards this total).

LEAP (Life Experience Assessment Program Credit)
College credit can be earned for college-level knowledge and skills that have been acquired through a variety of life experiences. A student can earn a maximum of thirty (30) semester credit hours through the LEAP process towards a bachelor degree. Students submit a (LEAP) portfolio documenting their life experiences as they relate to college level courses. Students interested in the LEAP portfolio process must attend a LEAP workshop. Workshops are held once a month throughout the year on the Calumet College of St. Joseph Whiting, Indiana campus.

CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
Computer based tests that allow students the opportunity to earn credit for a variety of courses. Calumet College of St. Joseph is an official test center. More information on CLEP can be found on the Calumet College of St. Joseph website at www.ccsj.edu.

Credit by Examination
A student of Calumet College of St. Joseph in good standing may receive credit for most courses (lab courses excluded) by passing an examination with a grade of A or B. The credit and grade earned are entered on the student’s academic record and counted toward fulfillment of the regular requirements for graduation. Application must be made in the dean’s office. No student may receive credit by examinations for a course in which he or she is currently enrolled or has been previously enrolled for credit or audit.

DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support)
DANTES is a Department of Defense activity established in 1974 to provide programs and services in support of off-duty voluntary education programs in the military.
DANTES effects agreements with testing agencies, colleges and universities, and educational associations to provide programs that offer the military student the same educational opportunities available to civilian students.

New York University (NYU) Foreign Language Proficiency Test Credit
Credit can be given for students who can demonstrate college-level proficiency in foreign languages.

ACE (American Council on Education)
The American Council on Education helps adults obtain academic credit for formal courses and examinations taken outside college and university degree programs. Through a rigorous and judicious process, credit recommendations are made for courses and examinations offered by all types of organizations, including business and industry, labor unions, professional and voluntary associations, schools, training suppliers, and government agencies. (ACE credits do not count towards the 45 credit hour limit for alternative credit at CCSJ)