Alternative Credit Options
Students may be awarded credit towards their academic program through methods other than completing courses at Youngstown State University. Various alternative credit options are available to current students who meet the requirements and submit official documentation directly from the awarding body (ie College Board, JST, etc.) to YSU. Notations on high school transcripts or unofficial score reports are not sufficient.
Alternative credit is often awarded as non-native credit (transfer credit) and does not count towards the YSU GPA or graduation honors calculations (ie Summa Cum Laude, etc.). The official transcript does not show credit equivalences for individual courses; only that credit hours were awarded. Course equivalencies are based on the academic year the student matriculated to the University. Some alternative credit options may require a fee for test registration and administration.
Students may not take a CLEP test, department challenge exam, or other credit by exam opportunity for any course in which they are currently enrolled, have previously been enrolled and earned an evaluative grade, or for an earlier prerequisite course.
Advanced Placement (AP) credit
Students who were enrolled in Advance Placement (AP) courses and completed the appropriate AP tests while in high school may be eligible to earn credits for specific courses at YSU. Students must have an original score report sent from College Board directly to YSU and meet the minimum score requirements set by the Ohio Department of Education and academic department in which the course resides. Students should consult with their academic advisor and the Office of the Registrar website to determine which AP exams, scores, and course equivalencies are awarded.
Career Technical Credit (CTAG)
Students who successfully completed approved career-technical courses in high school or at an Ohio Technical Center and earned a qualifying score on the corresponding end-of-course exam may be eligible for CTAG credit. YSU must have an approved program that corresponds to the course/exam completed. Students must grant permission for YSU to post CTAG credit within three years of completing the approved secondary program.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Current students who complete a College Level Exam (CLEP) administered by College Board and earn the minimum score required by Youngstown State University can earn college credit. Not all CLEP examinations are accepted for credit at YSU. Please contact the Comprehensive Testing Center for further information.
Department Challenge Exams
Currently-enrolled students may demonstrate their ability and knowledge in a particular subject area by taking a special examination (through the appropriate academic department). The exams are based upon established learning outcomes. Students are provided with a recommended reading list and/or a study guide to prepare for the examination. Contact the academic department for which you would like sit for a department challenge exam. Note that not all departments offer challenge exams.
DSST
Active military or university veterans are encouraged to take exams such as the DSST where applicable. Please contact YSU's Office of Veterans Affairs for more information.
Industry Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guide (ITAG)
Students who hold a current industry recognized credential that has been approved by the Ohio Department of Education at YSU for college credit may be eligible to earn credits for specific courses at YSU. Proof of your credential must be provided and must be current in order to qualify for ITAG credit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Students who were enrolled in an International Baccalaureate school and completed IB examinations may be eligible to earn credits for specific courses at YSU. Students must submit an official copy of IB transcripts to YSU for consideration (notation on a high school transcript will not suffice) directly from International Baccalaureate. Not all IB examination are accepted for credit at YSU. Students should consult with their academic advisor and the Office of the Registrar website to determine which IB exams, scores, and course equivalencies are awarded.
Military Credit (MTAGs)
Military Transfer Assurance Guides (MTAGs) provide a statewide guarantee that certain types of military training, experience, and/or coursework align to existing college and university courses and will be awarded appropriate credit. An official Join Service Transcript must be submitted to YSU's Office of Veterans Affairs for consideration.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) offers an opportunity for current students to earn credits for student learning that has occurred outside of the University setting. Please contact the Manager of Degree Audit/PLA for further information.
CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
Office: Office of the Registrar, Degree Audit
Location: Meshel Hall