2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

CLEP, AP, DSST, IB, StraighterLine Credit

(Policy 2.05)

Although credits earned in a traditional format are preferred by Blue Mountain Christian University, alternate ways of validating prior learning or credits from external sources are described below. The student's advisor, usually a department chair, and/or the Provost and Vice President at Blue Mountain Christian University must approve in advance such credits in accordance with Policy 2.16: Requirements for Graduation. The maximum combined total of 30 semester hours of credit may be earned through CLEP, AP, and correspondence credit.

Credit by Examination


Blue Mountain Christian University performs testing services for credit by examination.

CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
A student may earn credit toward graduation at Blue Mountain Christian University for approved subject area examinations through CLEP. Credits are awarded based upon the scores recommended by the American Council on Education on each subject area examination. Blue Mountain Christian University does not accept CLEP credit for EN 101 English Composition II or EN 111 English Composition II – Honors.

AP (Advanced Placement) Credit
A student may earn credit toward graduation at Blue Mountain Christian University for AP courses provided the minimum score required by Blue Mountain Christian University is made on the standardized examination. (For specific requirements, see AP Credit Guidelines established by Blue Mountain Christian University in the Procedures to this policy.) A maximum of twelve semester hours of AP credit may be counted toward a degree.

DSST Credit
A student may earn credit toward graduation at Blue Mountain Christian University for approved subject area examinations through DSST. Credits are awarded based upon the scores recommended by the American Council on Education on each subject area examination. (Consult the Procedures to this policy for minimum score requirements and the credits possibly awarded to successful students.)

International Baccalaureate Credit
Blue Mountain Christian University recognizes the IB Program and awards credit for successful completion of the Diploma Programme. Thirty (30) hours of credit will be awarded for the diploma. Distribution of this credit will be based on departmental policies regarding specific IB exams and scores of 5, 6 and 7 on the higher level (and some standard level) exams will enable students to earn credit in the courses indicated in the table below. In addition, the College awards credit for individual IB subject examinations. To receive credit for the Diploma Programme and higher level exams, students must notify the IB Organization and have scores sent directly to the Office of Admissions at Blue Mountain Christian University. Please refer to the procedures to this policy for details regarding credit awarded.

Cambridge International Exam (CIE)

A student may earn credit toward graduation at Blue Mountain Christian University for approved courses through CIE.  Credits are awarded based upon the scores recommended by the Chief Academic Officers of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning on each subject area examination.  (Consult the Procedures to this policy for minimum score requirements and the credits possible awarded to successful students.)

StraighterLine
Blue Mountain Christian University allows students in rare circumstances the opportunity of earning course credits through StraighterLine. The circumstances in which credits may be earned by this method are:
• Missing a pre-requisite for the MBA;
• Affordability concerns;
• Financial aid caps;
• Degree completion;
• Readmit needing to earn credits prior to enrolling; and
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (student is on financial aid probation).
In no circumstances will the College allow more than 12 credit hours to be earned toward a degree through StraighterLine.