Each of our degrees feeds into the next degree level — from diploma and certificate programs all the way to graduate degrees.
Explore stackable degreesBring your credits. Keep moving forward.
American National University provides seamless transitions for students advancing their education to new levels — through prior credit, experience, and academic partnerships.
Incoming transfer students
One of our goals as a higher-educational institution is to provide students with seamless transitions in advancing their education to new levels. We do this in two ways:
Agreements with higher-educational institutions across the country remove roadblocks to credit transfer and admissions, so you can easily move to the next degree level at ANU.
View partnership agreementsTo learn how you can seamlessly transfer into a program that fits you, speak with an American National University representative and find out where you could be reducing the time and costs to your degree.
University Transfer Scholarship
Designed to enhance collaboration between educational institutions and help international students continue their higher education. It is offered to students from U.S. universities, colleges, or English as a Second Language programs with whom ANU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Program Agreements as needed, and to international F‑1 students who transfer from U.S. institutions.
Program agreements may relate to joint programs or to the acceptance of academic credits earned in other specific eligible programs.
Credit for prior learning
Credit is not automatic for past experiences — you work directly with your Academic Advisor to apply. To be eligible, you must demonstrate that past experiences resulted in college-level learning and met the course learning objectives. Options include:
Experience gained at work, in the military, or in volunteer positions may mean you don't need to start from scratch — saving you from courses in subjects you already understand.
Include all workplace or military training; any licensure, certifications, or diplomas; and civic activities, volunteer services, or similar ventures. Add supporting documents, competency-based exam results, and written documentation of what you know, how it was learned, and how it can be demonstrated.
A successful application gives you credit for the skills you've acquired and helps you earn your degree more quickly.
Your Academic Plan accounts for both traditional learning and non-traditional sources or experiences. Non-traditional learning must show your knowledge — from work, hobbies, volunteering, etc. — is equal to what you could learn in a college classroom.
Non-traditional credit does not satisfy any portion of the residency requirement for graduation.
Credit granted for work experience
The University recognizes work experience as part of your overall educational experience. A minimum of one year's work experience is required. Maximum credit by program level:
Some programs — Phlebotomy and ECG Certificate, Paralegal Certificate, Paralegal Associate degree, Health Information Management Associate degree, and Medical Billing and Coding Diploma — have coursework that cannot be satisfied with work experience or other non-traditional credit, due to programmatic accreditation, approvals, and live competency requirements.
How to apply for work experience credit
These credits reduce the overall number of required classes you need to earn a degree from American National University.
The service is provided through your enrollment program. Once a course is accepted you'll be notified, and the fee must be paid within 14 business days of approval, before credits post to your student account.
See how much time and cost you could save.
Speak with an American National University representative about your previous credits and experience.