The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York established Regents External Degrees as an alternate route to a college degree. Specifically designed for those individuals who choose to learn on their own, the program is based on the philosophy that what a person knows is more important than how he learned it. Thus, on-campus residence or classroom attendance is not required in order to earn a Regents External Degree. Three degrees are currently offered in this program: (1) the Associate in Arts; (2) the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; and (3) the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. The completion of any of the following will be considered for credit toward earning a Regents External Degree: (1) regular college courses from regionally accredited institutions of higher learning; (2) recognized proficiency examinations; (3) approved military educational programs; and (4) special assessment of knowledge gained from experience, independent study, or other non-traditional approaches to education. (Author/HS)