Self-guided or "mirror" degrees follow along the lines of available college degrees but do not hold the same academic title. Students who want an education degree must complete all course requirements, but life experience students can earn a related degree and title the subject as something relevant to instructing others. A college adviser must approve both the course curriculum and degree title. Students must earn the typical number of credit hours required for either a two- or four-year degree.
The cost of earning a life experience degree and online courses may be less expensive than a traditional college degree. Students may work through the distance-learning department for academic guidance and course offerings. Colleges typically require students to take a life experience course to learn how to maneuver through the nontraditional degree experience and gain credit career-related experiences. Students create an academic portfolio at the end of the class to submit for college credit. Materials commonly included in the folder are signed statements by a work supervisor stating exactly what skills you used on a job and the duration of the employment. Continuing education workshops or in-service training are also common statements of proof of college-level training. A college evaluator may take several weeks to review the portfolio before issuing credit and waiving specific college course requirements for a life experience degree.
Before meeting with an academic adviser, gather up all professional training certificates and high school or college transcripts. Work experience that did not yield any type of certificate will also require documentation. During the life experience course, you will learn the college's exact requirements for submitting work experience for college credit. Routinely, colleges designate a maximum number of credit hours that can be earned in this manner.
Challenge or advanced credit examinations are also a common credit-earning option for self-guided degrees. Adult learners who are familiar with a particular subject can study the material independently and then take a test on a pass/fail basis for credit. There is a fee for textbook materials and taking the test, but it is typically far less than taking the actual college course.