Military/Transfer Credit

Military Credit for Education and Experience

We recognize that the skills and knowledge you gained during your military service have real academic value. At CSU you may be eligible to receive college credit for your military training and experience—saving you time and tuition on your path to a degree.

How Military Credit Works

Our institution evaluates military credit using multiple well-established national and state-level tools:

1. ACE Credit Recommendations & JSTs
   We follow The American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines to evaluate learning from military training and occupations. ACE has been the leader in evaluating military learning for over 60 years and sets the standards that colleges across the country rely on.
   
   If you're active-duty, National Guard, a reservist, or a veteran, be sure to request your Joint Services Transcript (JST) through the Department of Defense and submit it to our admissions or veterans office. Your JST includes documented training and coursework that may qualify for college credit based on ACE’s evaluations.
   
   Students should also submit any relevant Department of Defense certificates of completion to support the credit evaluation process.
    
2. Ohio’s Military Transfer Assurance Guides (MTAGs)
   As a public institution in Ohio, we also participate in the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s MTAG program, which ensures statewide consistency in awarding credit for certain military training.
   
   When you submit your JST, our team will cross-reference your military experience with approved MTAG pathways listed on Ohio’s Transfer Credit site. If a match is found, we will award equivalent academic credit accordingly.

Why This Matters

By combining ACE recommendations, statewide MTAG alignment, and our commitment to recognizing your experience, we aim to make your transition from military service to the classroom as smooth and efficient as possible.

These credit evaluations help reduce duplication, accelerate your time to degree, and honor the professional development you've already achieved.

How to Get Started

When applying, please:

1. Request and send your Joint Services Transcript (JST)
2. Submit any DoD training certificates you’ve earned
3. Email Donna Urban, Director of Military Outreach and Prior Learning Assessment, for specific questions at: vabenefits@csuohio.edu

We’re here to help you maximize the credit you’ve earned—both in uniform and beyond.
 

Ohio Values Veterans 
Cleveland State University accepts ACE-recommended military credits for transfer. PLEASE NOTE: military credits may not assist you in earning a degree any faster if your AFSC/MOS/Rating does not align with your academic major.  Regardless, we recommend that you submit your CCAF transcript or Joint Service Transcript for full consideration of your service training and experience.  You can order your transcripts and have them forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions (NOT the Veteran & Military Success Center).

• ”Ohio Values Veterans” is a program created by House Bill 488 in 2014 that helps you take your military experience and training and apply it toward your degree plans at CSU.
   
• Request your Joint Service Transcript – U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy
   
• Request your Community College of the Air Force – U.S. Air Force

AALAME
Did you serve overseas?  Would you like to apply for a Gen Ed waiver for your experience? CSU has created a waiver process that will help you satisfy a cultural requirement toward graduation IF you qualify. Click the link below to start the form if you have a deployment, OCONUS tour, or some type of overseas service you want to submit for review

• Waiver Application; (Asia, Africa, Latin America and Middle East Cultural Requirement)

EXTERNAL TEST CREDIT
Cleveland State University grants credit for qualifying scores earned in the Advanced Placement (AP) and all College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations (both offered by the College Board).  Cleveland State University is also reviewing the DANTES Standard Subject Tests (DSST) for transfer acceptance.  Note that in addition to accepting all CLEP examinations for credit, CSU administers all CLEPs on campus.

Follow the links below for information on credits available for the various examinations.

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• College Credit by Examination (DSST) (dantes.mil)
• Office of the University Registrar

Students seeking credit for AP or CLEP examinations must have their official score report sent directly from the College Board to the Office of the University Registrar (NOT to the Veteran Student Success Program).