If getting a college degree based on credit awarded by life experience seems a little far-fetched, think again. People actually can – and do – receive college degrees at almost every level based on work experience. In fact, life experience degrees are awarded at the Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degree levels of education.

People who have completed course work through online degree universities or other university degree programs, and want to gain practical hands-on experience are excellent candidates for life experience degrees. Students work with an advisor to complete an individual assessment and develop a study program, designed to take a maximum of five or six years. These programs are administered by experts in distance learning.

Life experience degrees are not available in every educational field. However, most technical and business degree programs offer this type of distance learning degree program. This type of education is especially helpful for people who learn best by doing rather than study books in a classroom or trying to keep up with the demands of an .

Students who want to earn a college degree after having worked for a number of years in their profession are ideally suited to life experience degree programs. Through assessments, they can demonstrate their expertise and practical skills, and show their aptitude for independent learning.

Beware, however. Not all life experience degree programs are accredited. Some are administered by diploma mills or other fake degree scams. If you are interested in this type of , take the time to do your homework and verify that the program you choose is accredited.

Have you had any encounters with life experience degree programs? Share your knowledge with us today.