ASU ULC

Overview

CMASAS has partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to offer students the option to explore an early college experience and take foundational courses by enrolling in freshman-level classes offered at ASU. ASU Universal Learner courses give students access to rigorous, engaging college curriculum designed by ASU faculty and are given the opportunity to get a jump start on their degree and career pathway. ASU UL courses fulfill CMASAS graduation requirements and are noted as completed high school courses on CMASAS transcripts. Each 3-credit college course equals a full high school credit. 

About ASU Universal Learner Course Enrollment

ASU UL courses fulfill CMASAS graduation requirements and are noted as completed high school courses on CMASAS transcripts. Each 3-credit college course equals a full high school credit. All Universal Learner Courses are college-level, rigorous courses.  Courses are taught by ASU faculty. Credit received for the course is identical to credit received in an on-campus class.

For an additional fee, students can also choose to receive college credit for completed courses. In this instance, the course is listed on the CMASAS transcript as high school credit, and students will also have a separate transcript with ASU. Universal Learner courses are transferrable to a wide variety of colleges and universities. Check the admissions requirements for the college or university you are interested in attending to be sure they will accept ASU college credit. Payment is collected only upon completion of the course.  If a student receives an “A”, “B” or “C” they are eligible to convert to credit.  If they choose not to convert to credit, the course does not appear on their ASU transcript and will only be recorded on their CMASAS transcript.

Students complete ASU Universal Learner courses in ASU’s learning management system and are supported by ASU staff. As college courses, ASU Universal Learner Course offerings are rigorous and do NOT allow for the personalization & accommodations that we offer in most of our CMASAS courses. Students who take these courses must be prepared for stricter timelines, highly structured lessons & assessments, as well as many additional hours of outside reading & homework.

Course Format Options

On-demand

On-demand courses allow students to complete course assignments at their own pace, as long as the course is completed within a year (365 days from enrollment). On-demand courses are great for:

• Students who want to start right away.
• Students who are self-directed and can set and stick to a plan for completing the course.
• Students who may want to either go faster or slower than the session-based version.

Session-based

Session-based courses have a structure with weekly assignment due dates, as well as an instructor guiding a student through the curriculum and content. Session-based courses do not have live lectures but rather course material online with assignments having due dates and a cohort of students working through the courses at the same pace. Session-based courses are great for:

• Students who prefer a structured timeline with established due dates for assignments.
• Students who enjoy interaction with other students, who will be completing assignments at the same time.
• Students who are taking their first course online and may benefit from greater guidance.

Enrollment Windows

The window for enrolling in and completing concurrent courses varies. Some courses are self-paced and allow students to complete lessons and assignments on their own timeline within a year time period. Others are more structured, and students must complete them within a certain number of weeks. Some courses will offer both self-paced and instructor-led. Instructor-led enrollment start dates are noted in the table and are based on sessions. Sessions A & B are 8-week courses and Sessions C are 16-weeks. For instructor-led courses, students need to complete the application by the application deadline and if accepted enroll before the start date listed below.

ASU Credit Fee

Once students complete an ASU Open Scale course with a passing grade, they have the option to receive university credit and have the course listed on their ASU transcripts. The credit fee for ASU Open Scale Courses is $400 and is paid directly to ASU. Directions for paying this are in the registration packet.

Test Proctoring

These courses are offered by ASU for non-admitted students, proctoring and identity assurances are required. To verify identity students will need to have a government-issued photo ID. Students will be required to download and install the Remote Proctor Now Software. Instructions for download and installation will be included in the registration packet.

Mastery Certificates

Earn college credit while learning key skills to prepare you for a successful career. Mastery Certificates demonstrate specific skills and knowledge that you have obtained and are great to list on your resume while pursuing a bachelor's degree. No degree or experience is required to earn a Mastery Certificate. ASU currently offers three Mastery Certificates. 

• AWS Cloud Computing
• Applied Business Data Analytics
• Google Information Technology Support
• Project Management

Registration Process

Students wishing to take ASU Universal Learner courses are required to go through an application process for each course enrollment. Please let your PEC know that you would like to take an ASU ULC enrollment course. Applications must be completed 3 weeks prior to the end of the enrollment window to allow time for review, approval, & processing of the ASU ULC Application.

• Application Form

Upon approval, students will receive an email with the Acknowledgement and Acceptance of ASU ULC Terms for electronic signature. Once the form has been initialed and signed by both the student and parent/guardian, students will be added to our ASU portal. Students will then receive login information for ASU’s student portal and a registration packet with instructions and additional information.

2025-2026 Session Start Dates for Session-based Courses

Session duration will determine which start dates are available for each course. A & B sessions for each season are 8 weeks in duration, and C sessions are 16 weeks. Course cards will indicate with session the course is available for enrollment. Applications will need to be received by the application deadline to take courses in a specific session.

ASU Universal Learner Courses are only available for students enrolled in CMASAS full-time, individual course enrollments are not eligible for enrollment. 

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