Charter Oak State College was established in 1973 by the Connecticut Legislature to provide an alternative way for adults to earn associate and bachelor's (baccalaureate) degrees. The College is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Charter Oak is a distance learning college offering both video and online courses. Students can also earn credits through:

• Courses transferred from other regionally accredited colleges and universities
• Standardized tests (CLEP, DANTES)
• Corporate & agency training programs evaluated by the ACE / PONSI
• Military service schools and occupational ratings evaluated by ACE
• Faculty-evaluated licensures / certifications
• Contract learning (independent study)
• Portfolio assessment (experiential learning)
• Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CCAP)

Students who matriculate (enroll) at Charter Oak State College work with an Academic Counselor to create a personalized degree that takes into account their prior college experience, preferred method of earning credits, and future academic goals.

Degree requirements are satisfied in a variety of different ways. As a result, there is not a list of specific courses that every student must take. While this is different from what you would experience at a traditional college, it provides adult learners with additional flexibility as they work with their Academic Counselor to plan their degree program. All degree planning can be accomplished via e-mail, mail, phone and/or fax.

After reviewing the information on our website, prospective students with questions should contact the Admissions Office. Matriculated (enrolled) students should consult the additional resources available on the Academics page.