On this page:

• Earning Credits
• Approval for Credit Loads
• Transfer Credits
• Testing Credits
• Advanced Placement (AP) Credits Chart
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Credits Chart

Earning Credits

Cascadia’s academic year is divided into fall, winter, and spring quarters of approximately 11 weeks each, plus optional summer sessions. Credits may be earned from class lectures, lab sessions, independent study, practicums, and eLearning, including hybrid and online courses.

In general, one credit is earned for each lecture period or 2 to 3 hours of laboratory per week.

You can graduate in two years by taking a carefully planned program of 15 or more credits per quarter, or in three years by taking 10 to 14 or more credits per quarter. We recommend that you develop your program of study with your advisor.

Approval for Credit Loads

If you enroll in more than 16 academic course credits during your first quarter, you will need pre-approval from your advisor. After your first quarter, if you meet prerequisites and are in good academic standing, you will not need pre-approval to enroll in up to 24 credits.

If you wish to enroll in more than 24 credits per quarter, you must get approval from your advisor.

Transfer Credits

Course work from regionally accredited institutions will be evaluated upon request. A maximum of 65 credits may be accepted. See Submitting Transcripts to Cascadia for more details.

Testing Credits

A maximum of 15 credits from the methods listed below may be applied to degree or certificate requirements. These credits will not be included as part of the 25-credit residence requirement that you must earn at Cascadia in order to graduate. Please contact an advisor if you need further clarification.

National Standardized Tests

Cascadia accepts the results of some national standardized tests such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) for placement or credit. See the charts below for more information.

Documented Experience

Advanced placement in professional/technical programs is possible for documented prior experience that is equivalent to coursework at Cascadia. This experience might be from the military, industry, or courses completed through continuing education. Please see an academic advisor for more information.

Enrollment in College 120 (Assessment of Prior Learning)

You may earn credit for college-level learning done outside the traditional classroom setting by enrolling in College 120. This course will allow you to develop a portfolio to demonstrate your knowledge and skills acquired through non-traditional means.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credits Chart

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credits Chart