Seeking a low-cost online certificate that is transferrable to a degree program? Look no further.

"We are proud to present the Undergraduate Certificate in First Year Foundations, in which students can earn 30 credits at their own pace, by largely using open educational resources created by us and our educational partners," said Marc Singer, vice provost in the University's Center for the Assessment of Learning

University Launches Certificate in First Year Foundations

Program provides a low-cost alternative to traditional general education courses.

The University recently launched a 30-credit Undergraduate Certificate in First Year Foundations that allows students to earn credit by using free openly licensed course materials connected to low-cost credit-by-exam and assessment options.

According to Marc Singer, vice provost in the University's Center for the Assessment of Learning, the certificate program can provide students a cost-effective pathway to fulfilling their associate or bachelor's degree requirements at the University.

"We are proud to present the Undergraduate Certificate in First Year Foundations, in which students can earn 30 credits at their own pace, by largely using open educational resources created by us and our educational partners, Saylor Academy and OERu," he said.

Singer noted that the certificate can either serve as a standalone credential or satisfy up to half of students' undergraduate general education requirements in a bachelor's degree program at the University. Students completing the certificate will satisfy most of their general education requirements for an associate in arts or associate in science degree program.

"The certificate program complements our already affordable academic model with high-quality, low-cost academic credentialing. It provides an important pathway to courses and assessments that our students and military populations can complete anytime and from anywhere," said Singer. "We anticipate that the certificate will represent a valuable milestone for many who are embarking on a degree or completing one they may have already started."

Students can earn the certificate by taking the University's online courses and Thomas Edison Credit-by-Examination Program (TECEP®) exams or by taking free open courses, available through TESU's website, Saylor Academy or OERu. Successful completion of Saylor courses leads to credit via the endorsement of the American Council on Education (ACE) or National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Other courses in the program require that students take a TECEP® or a College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) exam in order to earn credit. Credits earned by taking those exams are directly transferrable to an academic program at the University.

Start earning credit toward your undergraduate degree today by leveraging free and low-cost open-course alternatives.

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