Audit vs Credit

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by spmoran, Aug 13, 2006.

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  1. spmoran

    spmoran Member

    I just enrolled at APU to do some undergrad history and political science classes, partly as a foundation for the M.S. in History and partly because I just want to take the classes. I noticed that they have an audit status which reduces the tuition to $300/class (but this does not include books). Since I've got a B.S. and I'm taking the courses for personal enrichment, the idea of saving ~half of the cost per course is very attractive.

    So...I'm looking for the downside. I know that one issue would be that, should I decide to go elsewhere for the masters degree, and the new school requires twelve s.h., these courses won't count. Another is that the books are not included, but they cannot possibly cost $450 per class.

    Anyone think of anything else that could make saving ~$4,500 that much less attractive?
     
  2. fiveninerzero

    fiveninerzero New Member

    If you audit a class, you will not receive any credit for it, bad idea if you need the class to count for anything.
     
  3. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Look, you've got an info sys degree, you're looking to get a grad degree in history! I say take the history classes on a for-credit basis!
     
  4. spmoran

    spmoran Member

    Thanks for the thoughts, Fiveninerzero and Ted. They go the heart of my questions. I've never audited a class, so I don't know how it works. If I audited the classes, would I not do assignments and take exams? Or, in other words, would I not be pushed to demonstrate that I understand the material? If this is the case, then certainly taking the courses for credit is in my best interest.

    Perhaps taking the classes from one of those inexpensive New Mexico community colleges may be an option worth considering. I guess I'm just trying to get as much as I can for my money, but I certainly do not want to shortchange myself.

    Than again, I suppose I could study for and take the appropriate CLEP and DSST exams. It worked for me in my undergrad studies. Again, I thank you for your thoughts.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 14, 2006
  5. fiveninerzero

    fiveninerzero New Member

    The way I understand it, auditing is more for those who wish to further their knowledge, like older learners, rather than take tests and earn credit for it.

    I believe with the audit option, you really don't even have to take the test, as you are not receiving credit it doesn't really matter if you pass or not.

    That's why its cheaper.
     

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