Credit Opportunities
Increasing numbers of students complete college-level studies while still in secondary school.
High school record
Students who have demonstrated college level proficiency through College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations may be granted college credits for AP examination scores of 3 or higher in most AP fields.
See list of AP exams & university approved scores/credits
To receive consideration, students must have their AP scores sent electronically from the College Board to UMass Dartmouth. Students can view their AP scores, and order/send additional score reports at apscore.org
Credit will be evaluated upon receipt of score reports. Submit an inquiry with questions.
The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy is an award provided by state approved districts that recognizes high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language in recognition of having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. UMass Dartmouth awards foreign language credits to students who have received the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Seal of Biliteracy (12 credits awarded)
- Spanish: SPA 101, 102, 201, and 202
- Portuguese: POR 101, 102, 201, and 202
- Mandarin: CHN 101, 102, 201, and 202
- French: FRN 101, 102, 201, and 202
- German: GER 101, 102, 201, and 202
- Arabic: ARA 101, 102, 201, and 202
- Italian: ITA 101, 102, 201, and 202
- All other languages: GLC 810 (6 credits) and GLC 820 (6 credits)
Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction (15 credits awarded)
- Spanish: SPA 101, 102, 201, 202, and 301
- Portuguese: POR 101, 102, 201, 202, and 301
- French: FRN 101, 102, 201, 202, and 301
Learn more about the seal and participating school districts.
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth recognizes the IB Diploma Program and awards special consideration for students presenting IB credentials on an individual basis. Students who complete the IB Diploma Program and the IB examination(s) are eligible to receive credit and advanced placement standing. Diplomas should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency, as well as a copy of the exam certificate with exam scores. Students may earn transfer credit for Higher Level exams in which they score between 4 -7. Depending on the subject, students may earn between 6-8 credits per exam. The area of general education and number of credits will be determined by the courses taken. The awarding of credit may change at the discretion of the University.
UMass Dartmouth recognizes Cambridge International A Levels for matriculation purposes. Advanced credit is given for A Levels on a case by case basis at the discretion of the University. Students will need to send the provisional statement of results as well as certifying statement to UMass Dartmouth via official request to Cambridge International Examinations at www.cie.org.uk.
Test results
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers exams that cover introductory level college course material. See https://clep.collegeboard.org/ for CLEP overview and registration information.
The equivalency of CLEP examinations to UMass Dartmouth courses are determined by the department that teaches that subject matter. CLEP credits may not be used to duplicate or replace credits for coursework taken here or elsewhere. We advise current students to consult the equivalency tables and their advisor before deciding to take CLEP tests.
CLEP credits are defined as transfer credits and will not be reflected in an individual’s grade point average. No more than 30 credits earned by CLEP Examination may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
Two types of CLEP examinations are offered:
- Subject Examinations: One semester’s course credits (usually 3) or two semesters’ course credits (usually 6) may be awarded for a score at or above 50, as reported on the CLEP score report. Such credits are generally used to satisfy university distribution requirements or may be used as elective credits. We do not accept all CLEP Subject Examinations for credit.
- General Examinations: Credit is not awarded at UMass Dartmouth for the CLEP General Examinations.