Master Degrees Based On Life Experience

A master degree is a postgraduate degree awarded after completion of an academic program of 1 to 6 year in duration. Normally it requires holding a bachelor degree. On the other hand, life experience degree programs are a nontraditional method to earn degrees. You can use this as a means to career advancement. Here are the steps to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.

Organize your credentials

Create a portfolio of your work. Organize it and present it well. So what can you use? Here’s a list you can use as a guide: Your bachelor degree diploma with transcript, credits earned at other accredited colleges and universities, credit for licenses, military training, approved online courses, certificates earned, community services, travel, volunteer services, employee sponsored trainings, professional development workshops, professional accomplishments, organizational participation, awards earned and job description or written samples of your prior experience.

Choose accredited schools only

Avoid scams involving life experience degrees. Make a few phone calls and cross check them with the Department of Education. Make sure the institutions you are applying to are accredited agencies. Aside from that, what are the academic goals of these institutions? Will they compliment your career objectives? Do they place academic value for efforts put into employment and past education experience? Find a university that fits your schedule, compliments your career and respects your accomplishments. Next, determine if you can get the type of degree you are looking for with them.

Apply to the degree granting institution

After you have chosen the right institution to meet your goals, find out if you meet the requirements for the program. Submit your portfolio and application. Be ready for additional examinations for evaluation and verification purposes. Sometimes they may assign a school advisor who will assess your portfolio. These advisors will determine your core competencies of skill and knowledge in your prospective career field.

Research the cost and fees

Often times because of previous study and life experience credits, the tuition is significantly cheaper than traditional university fees.

Assess the time commitment

Based on results from assessments, individuals may earn credits toward a degree or receive enough credits to obtain their life experience degree without taking additional courses. However there are times an individual is awarded certain credits which may need supplementation with other course work activities from the institution before a diploma is awarded. With this in mind, use a weekly calendar to schedule your study sessions. Outline the timeframes for all of your activities for home, appointments and work on a weekly calendar. Find the holes in your schedule which are the times in which you can plan to study. If you plan to take online classes, incorporate this in your calendar schedule and follow it.