There is a lot to know about taking a course before it begins, while it is in progress, and after you have finished the course. To help you along the way, be sure to review the following policies and information. For information on when your course starts, visit the World Campus Course Catalog or check the Penn State Schedule of Courses.
Before Your Course Starts
Watch Our ANGEL Tutorials
ANGEL is Penn State’s course management system. Depending on the course, you may use ANGEL to turn in course assignments, participate in discussions with other students, and access your grades.
READ MORE
Scheduling a Course
By scheduling a course, you are reserving your “seat” in an upcoming course. Find out more about how to schedule your courses.
READ MORE
Placement Tests
Some Penn State World Campus undergraduate mathematics courses have prerequisites. If you have not completed the prerequisite course at Penn State (or an equivalent course through another school), you will be required to take the appropriate online placement test.
READ MORE
Transferring Credit
At Penn State, advanced-standing credits may be awarded for college-level work taken at regionally accredited institutions, provided that the grade is equal to an A, B, or C (2.0 GPA) at Penn State; there is an equivalent course at Penn State; and the credits are useful to your program of study.
READ MORE
Know Your Student Status
Your student status at Penn State impacts you in many ways. It will affect the number of courses you can register for at one time, the procedure you follow to defer a grade, or your financial aid eligibility.
READ MORE
Alternative Ways to Earn Credit
Whether you choose to audit a course, take the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), or receive credit through examination, there are many ways you can earn credit for Penn State World Campus courses.
READ MORE
Course Materials
MBS Direct is the official provider of textbooks and other materials for World Campus courses. Learn more about buying from them, as well as refunds and return policies. Additionally, you can purchase optional software through JourneyEd.
READ MORE
During Your Course
Know Your Course's Drop Periods
Your course’s drop period depends on the length of your course and when it begins. Dropping a course after it has already begun can have academic and financial implications. Be sure you know your drop dates and understand these considerations.
READ MORE
If you need to sign up for a course after the University’s drop/add period ends, you will need to late-add or complete a late registration. However, this is challenging, and in general, students will not be added to courses after the third week of class.
READ MORE
Please note: If you drop all of your courses during the semester, you will need to complete a withdrawal from the University.
READ MORE
Taking Exams and Scheduling a Proctor
Some courses require that you find a proctor for your exams. Not everyone is considered an acceptable proctor, but many people are. Some World Campus courses use an alternative, online proctoring system known as Kryterion, which requires the purchase of a special camera.
READ MORE
Grades
At Penn State, course grades are computed by weighing a certain percentage for lesson submissions and a percentage for examinations. The introduction to your course study guide or course website explains the grading for your World Campus course.
READ MORE
Mediation
Penn State World Campus has a staff of experienced Student Services representatives ready to help resolve any situation you might encounter on your way to completing your degree or certificate program — though we find that you can resolve most issues simply by communicating directly with your instructor.
READ MORE
After Your Course Is Complete
Viewing and Ordering Transcripts
Transcripts document your grades, degree(s) and courses you completed at Penn State, and more information about your time as a Penn State student. They are often necessary when applying for jobs or graduate school, but they can also help you meet your academic goals.
READ MORE
Academic Verification
An academic verification is a document from Penn State that provides proof of enrollment, student status, and graduation, and it includes Penn State federal and state school codes.
READ MORE
Graduation
Once you have satisfied all the University, college, and major requirements that were in effect at the time of your most recent admission or re-enrollment as a degree candidate to the University, you will need to apply for graduation and make travel plans if you plan to attend your commencement ceremony and our graduation open house.
read more