Life Experience Credit Program 

The Life Learning Experience program provides an opportunity for Southern State Community College students to gain college credit for prior experience, training, or public involvement. A student who qualifies may earn up to one academic year of credit (45 credit hours) through the program. With the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, these credits may be used in qualifying for an Associate degree. Please note that students who earn credits through the program and who later wish to transfer those credits to another institution should be aware that the receiving institution determines whether any or all credits earned through the program shall be counted in the transfer of credits.

Any person wishing to participate in the program must be enrolled and must have already completed at least nine (9) credit hours at Southern State. In addition, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that he or she has accomplished a minimum of five (5) years experience, training or public involvement directly related to the course or courses he or she wishes to substitute. Moreover, students must complete the required minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction to earn a degree from Southern State Community College

A person who wishes to participate in the program must write a letter to the Vice President of Academic Affairs stating his/her desire to participate, the reasons why he/she believes he/she qualifies, and the courses for which he/she wishes to receive credit.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs will then advise the applicant of his/her opportunity to participate, or of the denial of participation. If granted the opportunity the applicant will be advised of the procedure to follow in presenting prior experience, training, or public involvement. 

There is a non-refundable application fee of $l0.00 due at the time the applicant is notified he/she has been granted the opportunity to participate in the program.

There is a fee of $l5.00 per course credit hour for credits earned through the program. This fee must be paid before the Records Office will add the credit to the successful participant’s permanent record.