Most colleges and universities have general requirements, such as classes in basic English, math and science, that must be passed in order to receive a degree. If you switch to a school that doesn't offer any classes in a subject for which you have previously received credit at another school, check to see if you can use the credits to fulfill a general degree requirement. For example, credits from a class in reading music may be used to fulfill a Humanities general requirement.
Use information learned during a nontransferable course to take an examination for credit. Some tests which are commonly used to earn college credit are the CLEP, DANTES, TECEP and Excelsior Exams. When choosing between the available exams, determine which set of exams can be used for credit at your college and will fit into your degree program.
Create a portfolio showing a mastery of a subject equivalent to that normally earned through attending a college course. A portfolio usually consists of a written summary of your life experiences, supported by evidence such as proof of advanced learning, resumes, projects and interviews. If you are employed, explore whether your job skills can lend credence to your claim. Make sure to show a direct relationship between the knowledge gained and the courses for which you would like to receive credit.
If you have several credits that can't be transferred, and you need to take certain classes to meet a personal or professional requirement, combine credits from multiple colleges and universities to earn a degree from a different school with more liberal transfer policies. Schools that cater to nontraditional students often allow transfers from several schools to create an individualized degree plan. Excelsior College in New York and Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey are accredited institutions with unique majors such as Emergency Disaster Services and Laboratory Animal Science. This approach works particularly well for students who are continuing on to graduate school, as graduate schools are often flexible about accepting an undergraduate degree with a major from a different focus than the graduate program.