Ready to finish what you started?

NDSU’s degree completion program helps adults with prior college credits return and earn their bachelor’s degree. This flexible option is designed for those who have been out of college for two or more years.

Flexible Options to Complete Your Degree

From scholarships to flexible online learning and a customizable degree path, you have options designed to help you finish your degree on your terms.

Scholarship Opportunities

Eligible students can receive general student scholarships in addition to the Degree Completion Scholarship. Awards range from $500 to $2,500, with applications sent to enrolled students.

Bachelor of University Studies degree

NDSU's Bachelor of University Studies degree offers a flexible, personalized path that allows you to build a plan aligned with your career goals alongside an academic advisor. This program prepares students for a variety of fields, including health care, government, community development and entrepreneurship.

Design a degree that fits your goals

Complete your degree online

Finish your degree with the flexibility of online learning. Designed for busy schedules, NDSU's online programs provide the same high-quality education and faculty support as the on-campus experience — helping you balance school, work and life.

Finish your degree from anywhere

Credit for Prior Learning

Your experience matters at NDSU. Skills and knowledge developed through work, military training and life experiences may qualify for college credit — helping you save time, reduce tuition costs and move more quickly toward earning your degree.

Turn your experience into credit


Options for Prior Learning at NDSU

NDSU offers several ways to earn credit for prior learning, helping you reduce costs and save time. Explore the options available and find the pathway that best fits your experience.

General Eligibility

You may be a strong candidate if you have:

  • Five or more years of professional experience
  • Completed employer training or professional development programs
  • Military training or service experience
  • Significant volunteer or community service experience
  • Independent learning or online coursework
  • Strong writing and communication skills

Portfolio-Based Options

Best for: Students in the Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) program

Designed for professionals pursuing a BUS degree who have gained valuable knowledge through personal and professional experience. This option offers a flexible pathway to earn upper-division elective credits that count toward graduation requirements.


What You Can Earn

  • Up to 12 credits
  • Credit for:
    • Work experience
    • Life experience
    • Non-collegiate training
    • Professional certifications

Available: Spring, summer and fall

Best for: Students with extensive experience in one specific area who are seeking credit for a particular course or group of courses

Designed for professionals who have developed deep expertise through:

  • Hands-on work experience
  • Professional training
  • In-service education programs


Credits earned through the Focused Portfolio apply to specific departments and can help fulfill required coursework within a major.

What You Can Earn

  • Up to 15 credits
  • Credit awarded within one specific subject area

Available: Spring, summer and fall

Credit Approval Process (Portfolio Options)

Registration and Records will evaluate eligible certificates or credentials and, if approved, award the appropriate academic credit.

You must complete and submit a portfolio demonstrating prior learning.

The process includes:

  • Working with the Coordinator of Degree Completion
  • Registering for a one-credit course to prepare portfolio materials
  • Submitting the completed portfolio to the appropriate academic department for evaluation

Once approved:

  • The Coordinator of Degree Completion notifies Registration and Records
  • Approved credits are added to your transcript

NDSU recognizes military learning experiences through:

  • ACE credit recommendations
  • Joint Services Transcript (JST) evaluations

Credit by Examination Options

Demonstrate existing knowledge and earn college credit through nationally recognized exams or department-approved assessments.

View available options

Getting Started

Complete a Self-Assessment

What knowledge and skills have you gained through work experience?

What training programs or certifications have you completed?

What have you learned through independent study or personal interests?

How can you document and demonstrate your learning?

Meet With an Academic Advisor

Before pursuing credit for prior learning (CPL), you should:

• Submit transcripts for evaluation

• Discuss your major and path to graduation

• Determine which CPL option best fits your goals

• Understand how credits will apply to your degree program

Choose Your Pathway

Students may pursue credit through:

• Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio

• Focused Portfolio

• Credit by Examination

Kayla’s journey to graduation

"By choosing NDSU, you get a great community behind you, faculty that is supportive of you and something that you’re going to be part of long after you’re done with your degree."

Get Started

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