As you get older, you begin to understand the importance of a college degree. Going back to college can seem like a daunting task, especially when you have a full-time job and a house to run. Several accredited colleges allow you to turn your work experience into college credit. This experience can also include military experience or volunteer work. These colleges apply information you already know toward specific classes, which allows you to complete your education quickly and get that degree you always wanted.
Step 1
Update your resume to include all your employers and the jobs at which you're experienced. Include any extensive skills you may have obtained. The longer you worked at a skilled profession, the better your chances are for converting it to college credit.
Step 2
Search for legitimate colleges that offer life experience degrees. A few of these include Almeda College and Thomas Edison State College. Accreditation is given based on the quality of education you receive. Check with the U.S. Department of Education to make sure the college is accredited. You can also check with the Counsel for Higher Education Accreditation. If you choose a college that isn't accredited, it could be a degree mill, which offers a degree to anyone who pays for one.
Step 3
Examine all the options the college has to offer and speak with a college adviser about the different ways you can convert your experience to degree credit. Options can include testing for required courses and credit recommendation through the American Council on Education.
Step 4
Complete the application for acceptance into the college of your choice. Wait for acceptance into the school.
Step 5
Speak to your adviser after acceptance to schedule the necessary assessments. Determine how much life credit you will receive. Take advantage of as many ways to convert college credit as you can. Assess how much you still have left to complete your degree.
Step 6
Take any necessary classes to complete your degree. Most colleges provide online classes to nontraditional students, which will allow you to complete the classes you need at home and on your own time.
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Writer Bio
Based in Atlanta, Melody Dawn has been writing business articles and blogs since 2004. Her work has appeared in the "Gainesville Times," "Player's Press" and "USA Today." She is also skilled in writing product descriptions and marketing materials. Dawn holds a Master of Business from Brenau University.