The Pulse of Higher Ed

Perspectives on Online and Professional Education
from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts

[Study Results] Non-Credit to Credit Pathways

June 28, 2021

Our recent study on non-credit to credit pathways, sponsored by MindEdge, revealed that while institutions recognize the value of these pathways, most colleges and universities have not yet implemented these routes to a degree.

These pathways are prescribed avenues that translate non-credit achievements into credit toward a degree. Non-credit to credit pathways ensure that each non-credit learning experience (e.g. professional certifications or licenses, micro-credentials/badging, military experience, or continuing education units) can be a step toward something more widely recognized.

Although non-credit achievements are widespread in higher education, non-credit to credit pathways are a newer (and much less common) phenomenon. Non-credit to credit pathways should be a part of the strategic vision of the future of higher education, though, as students are increasingly interested in flexible, affordable opportunities.

Many thanks to Dr. Gail Ruhland of St. Cloud State University, Dr. Lynda Wilson of CSU Dominguez Hills, and Dr. Sandra von Doetinchem of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Bruce Etter of UPCEA’s Center for Research and Strategy for their work on the study!

See the full study results here.

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