Course Challenging

A student may apply to challenge a course (except module courses) by showing evidence to the appropriate faculty member that through previous coursework, and/or coursework resulting in a degree, or other relevant experience, there has been an opportunity for the learning objectives to have been mastered. Students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program are not eligible to challenge a course.

To apply for challenge, the student must make arrangements with the appropriate faculty at least six weeks before the course begins. Specific criteria for exemption will be established by the faculty responsible for the course.

Course Challenging by Exam (without letter grade)

The following are general guidelines. Criteria relating to Practicum courses are listed under the ‘Practicum Courses’ section of this handbook.

• The student should not register for the course in which he/she plans to challenge.
• The challenge exam must be taken at least six weeks before the course is taught and passed with a score of at least 90%. Only one challenge opportunity will be provided and a fee may be charged.
• If the student fails to pass the exam with a score of at least 90%, the student must register for the course as a regular student.
• If the challenge exam is passed with a score of at least 90%, the course will be posted on the student’s transcript as “K” with earned credit. It will not be calculated in the GPA.
• Students should be aware that challenging a course in this manner may reduce the number of hours they take for credit classifying them as “part-time” students. Matriculation/Tuition fees are based on the amount of hours negotiated by a student. If a student challenges a course which results in the total credit hours taken in a semester to be less than 12 hours, the student is considered part-time and is charged tuition per credit hour.
• Students receiving financial aid should investigate the criteria for receiving aid. Some financial aid packages require the student to negotiate the curriculum on a full-time basis.

Course Challenging by Exam (with letter grade)

The following are general guidelines.

• The student should register for the course in which he/she plans to challenge and attend classes.
• A comprehensive exam must be taken and passed with a score of at least 90%. Only one challenge opportunity will be provided. It will be within the first four weeks after class begins.
• If the comprehensive exam is passed with a score of at least 90%, a letter grade with earned credit will be posted on the student’s transcript.
• If the student fails to pass the exam with a score of at least 90%, the student must continue in the course as a regular student.