Student-Directed Learning frequently asked questions
Student-Directed Learning is an opportunity for students to earn course credit in alternative ways than traditional types of college courses. These opportunities can include things like prior learning assessments, student-designed independent studies, theory seminars, credit by exam/testing out, and certificates to credits.
Your advisor or the Student-Directed Learning Office can help answer this as it depends on your individual plan. Email SDL@metrostate.edu.
There is reduced tuition for some Student-Directed Learning. Please visit metrostate.edu/finances/tuition to review specialty rates. Note: fees may apply to some Student-Directed Learning.
You can make an appointment with the Student-Directed Learning Office online.
You can also use the SDL resource site on D2L. After logging in to D2L, in the main home navigation bar, select "Discover", then select the tile for the Student-Directed Learning course, then select the "Enroll in Course" button.
You can also contact your academic advisor directly.
This depends on the topic and your own background. You will work with a faculty evaluator to determine the exact requirements. Many students write papers or give presentations. Others provide documentation of their learning such as professional certifications or training documentation. In most cases, students demonstrate their learning in more than one way.
There is no requirement for letters of recommendation to complete SDL options.
Credit is for learning, not experience. The focus is on what you learned from your professional or life experience. The Student-Directed Learning Office can help you figure out if some of the learning from your experience has potential to be reviewed for academic credit.
There is no minimum or maximum number of credits that students can take via SDL. However, the number of credits that will count towards a degree is dictated by each individual student’s degree plan.Your academic advisor or the Student-Directed Learning Office can best advise you if SDL is a good option for you to pursue.
It is possible to still earn credits via SDL even if you have transferred in credits. The number of credits and what these could potentially fill are dictated by each individual student’s degree plan. Your academic advisor or the Student-Directed Learning Office can best advise you if SDL is a good option for you to pursue.
Getting registered usually takes a few weeks, although it may take longer during summer or during breaks. Each SDL has to be completed within the semester registered.
Forms are located on the Student-Directed Learning options page.
Yes, it is possible for students to earn credit at the lower division, upper division, or graduate credit. The type of learning will dictate the level, like in a traditional class. What these credits could potentially fill are dictated by each individual student’s degree plan. Your academic advisor or the Student-Directed Learning Office can best advise you if these are a good option for you to pursue.
Registration for SDIS and PLAs starts by completing the proposal form in partnership with your faculty evaluator. This is then submitted to the Registrar and that is how you register for these classes, so it is a different process than how you traditionally register for courses.
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) offers language testing options in 120 languages through an organization called Language Testing International.
ACTFL separates Oral Proficiency, Listening, Reading, and Writing. For most languages, only Oral proficiency and Writing are available.
The ACTFL website lists the various tests and potential credits available. Tests are available online through Language Testing International.
For Spanish, French and German, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers tests. Modern States provides test preparation, practice tests, and vouchers to pay for CLEP tests.
Yes. There is a separate approval process for general education requirements if doing an SDIS or PLA.
Some general education requirements have testing out options that have been approved to meet the requirement in question. Contact the Student-Directed Learning Office for more information.
There are two options for this.
For students who immigrated to the United States, there is a specific Prior Learning Assessment process that has been designed to help you meet goal 8 for your general education requirements. Contact the Student-Directed Learning Office for more information.
For students with experience working, volunteering or traveling abroad, IDST 396T Travel and Culture Theory Seminar is a good option.
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers four math tests. Before taking one, make sure that you review your DARS report as your major may require specific math courses. Modern States provides test preparation, practice tests and vouchers to pay for CLEP tests.
Yes, there is a Writing Requirement Exemption Request form, available from the Student-Directed Learning Office.
Yes, there is a Public Speaking Proficiency Test, COMM 103P.
If students are registered for a SDIS or PLA for spring semester and want to work on it over the winter break, they certainly can do some work, but know that faculty are off contract during break, so will likely not be available if you have questions or to assess your work. Further, grades will be entered at the end of the term, even if the requirements are completed before the semester ends.
If students are looking to complete a test out for a specific class, the schedule of when they are offered is provided by the test out provider. The Student-Directed Learning Office can provide more information on test out providers and scheduling.
In general, it is possible that a PLA could count as a course equivalent if the majority of the learning objectives are met (the learning objectives of the course are used on the proposal form). However, it is best to check directly with the department to see what is allowed.
Student-Designed Independent Study cannot be considered for course equivalencies.
Some tests out are available for course equivalency. The Student-Directed Learning Office can provide more information on test out providers and scheduling.
Although most students take PLAs or SDIS on a pass-fail basis, it is possible to earn letter grades. You should discuss this with your faculty evaluator.
PLAs and SDIS DO count as residency credit, or as credit taken at Metro State. Undergraduate students need to complete 30 residency credits, and PLA or SDIS can help with that.
Test outs and certificate to credits do NOT count as credit taken at Metro State,
Yes!
Students who immigrated to the United States should contact the Student-Directed Learning Office for a specific PLA option.
Students who have worked, studied, traveled or volunteered abroad may consider the Travel and Culture Theory Seminar.
You can email SDL@metrostate.edu or make an appointment directly online.