In 1834 the University of London became the first institution of higher learning to offer degrees that did not require classroom attendance. Today that same concept is called Nontraditional Education. Within our society there are legions of productive individuals who have no formal university education. Others found it necessary to drop out of college prior to obtaining the degree they desired. Many of these people have acquired an extensive education through life experiences and some have become experts in their respective fields and professions. What is common among many of these individuals (and what frequently limits their personal and professional growth) is the lack of formal educational credentials. However for most adults returning to the classroom to obtain these credentials is virtually impossible.

If you find yourself among this group or if you simply want a degree for personal satisfaction a nontraditional (external) degree may be the answer. In general external degrees can be obtained without attending classes--and, for many, in a very short period of time.

If our evaluation finds you qualified, you will be referred to a university that grants credits for life and work experiences supplemented with directed home study and/or writing projects when necessary. Nontraditional education is an honest, fully legal, recognized method of obtaining a degree. Possessing such a degree has literally changed the lives of thousands of people around the world. However, all external degrees are not alike. There are unscrupulous "diploma mills" who advertise in legitimate publications. Don't be mislead; our service will help you get all the facts first--before you enroll and before you spend any money. If our evaluation finds you are qualified for a nontraditional degree (based on your life and work experience) you will be provided with the name of the university we feel will best meet your specific needs. You may be referred to that university or that university may send you an enrollment invitation. On the other hand, if our evaluation finds you are not qualified for a nontraditional degree (based on your life and work experience) you will be referred to a traditional or nontraditional school that most likely will be able to assist you in completing your degree.

DegreeJerk.com provides an evaluation and referral service only. You may be referred to a school which has faculty or directors that are also affiliated with DegreeJerk.com. Your privacy is completely protected. We NEVER release mailing lists or provide any other confidential information to outside for-profit companies.

Granting university level credits for life and work experiences simply means that the sum of your life experience is evaluated and credits (or a degree) are granted based on those things you have already learned or experienced. This process allows you to receive a degree in the shortest period of time without studying subjects you already know or in which you have no interest.

The types of experiences and accomplishments that qualify for credit are many and varied: Classes, workshops, seminars, military training, volunteer work, church or religious work, travel, public speaking, teaching, awards, certificates, licenses and memberships are but a few. The primary source of credit for many candidates is work, occupation or professional activities (past and present). In addition, independent reading may qualify for credit (fiction, nonfiction, textbooks, training manuals, journals, newspapers, magazines and specialized periodicals) as well as authorship of articles, papers, poems or books.

In short, using the information you provide, an evaluation is made of your life learning experiences (regardless of how and when they occurred) and you are granted university level credits based on these experiences.