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Scuba divers earn college credit
Author: John Flanders
College campuses around the country are back in session. There is a new throng of freshmen flooding the counselor offices trying to make sense of this “college thing”. A new crop of seniors are combing through their transcripts seeing where they may have some “holes” that need to be filled so they can graduate in the spring.
This is great news for degree seeking Scuba divers. Anyone seeking a degree from an accredited university can benefit by being Scuba certified. In fact, Scuba diving can be a fun and enjoyable way to fulfill your Physical Education or Recreation requirements for your Associates or Bachelor degree.
Many colleges have long offered a Scuba program on their campus. Other campuses look to the The American Council of Education (ACE) to assist with standardization of ‘transfer credits’ and credit recommendations to help students receive credit for their Scuba education experience. A university or college may use the ACE credit recommendations in a variety of ways. The institution may apply the credit to your major replacing a required course. They may also use the credit as a general elective to possibly waive a prerequisite course. Universities and colleges that accept ACE credit recommendations for college courses typically handle them like transfer credit. Transfer credit is often awarded without an additional fee. This may save tuition fees while at the same time allowing students to possibly meet graduation requirements.
When considering receiving college credit for Scuba experience, students should consult their individual college adviser. Credit is available for over 15 recreational scuba courses (ranging from beginner through instructor), technical dive courses and CPR/first aid courses. Once a student has discussed the requirements for transfer credit with their adviser, many training agencies offer transcripts and other documentation that can be provided to the school. Don’t rely simply on presenting a certification card to receive credit. It is essential that students truly understand the documentation needed by their individual college. Of course, documentation can take time to accumulate, students should take care of this requirement at least 6 months prior to graduation time lines.
If you are not Scuba certified, contact the Academy of Scuba and discuss the various college credit programs offered. This school year is a great time to fulfill some college requirements and have a great time learning to dive.
Have fun and dive safe!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/scuba-divers-earn-college-credit-1181137.html
About the Author
John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities.
Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.
John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.
In over 20 years of diving John has explored almost every ocean and/or sea in the world off the coasts of 6 continents. He is an avid cave and wreck diver. He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, rock climbing,camping, golfing, sky diving, reading and writing.
