There are a number of ways to earn Early College Credit at UMSL. High school students may earn credit through coursework in the Advanced Credit or Dual Enrollment Programs. International high school students may participate in the International Baccalaureate, taking advanced coursework capped off by an exam. Students may also demonstrate proficiency by taking exams, either through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or through Advanced Placement tests.
The Advanced Credit Program (ACP) at UMSL offers qualifying high school students in select schools the opportunity to earn college credits and become familiar with the college experience while still in a high school setting.
Advanced Credit Program
Superior high school students may be admitted in a special student category to take one or more university courses on campus during their junior or senior years of high school or during the summers.
Dual Enrollment
UMSL grants credit hours to entering freshmen who, through their performance on College Board Advanced Placement Tests and faculty-administered tests, demonstrate proficiency in college-level courses in certain areas.
UMSL grants advanced standing for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). CLEP offers subject examinations for credit in specific areas. A passing score is required and the credit must be applicable toward the subject's degree program. Consultation with an advisor is highly recommended before taking an exam. CLEP tests are given in the Campus Testing Center by appointment only.
CLEP Information
International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are advanced courses that are taught in high schools to eligible students who may receive high school and college credit, provided the student successfully passes the IB exam and completes the diploma program. College credit is received but no college-level letter grade is awarded. IB courses are credit-by-exam courses. Course transferability is not guaranteed.
IB Information
UMSL awards up to 30 hours of college credit for Advanced Level (A-Level) and Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-Level) exams taken as part of a British-based curriculum. Credit may be granted for exams from recognized boards, including Cambridge International AS/A-levels, Oxford International AQA AS/A-levels, Pearson Edexcel AS/A-levels, AQA AS/A-levels, and OCR AS/A-levels. A passing score is required, and course transferability is not guaranteed for exams that have not previously been evaluated.
AS/A-levels Information
UMSL awards college credit to entering freshmen who demonstrate proficiency through the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Credit may be granted for college-level subjects such as biology, chemistry, foreign languages, mathematics, and physics. A passing score is required, and course transferability is not guaranteed for exams that have not previously been evaluated.
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