The Far East Council (FEC) Leadership Seminar is structured around the core principles of Scout advancement, mirroring the four stages of advancement:

1. A Scout Learns: Participants are introduced to new skills, knowledge, and concepts through various training sessions. Just like in Scouting, learning is the foundation for advancement. In this context, it includes both leadership skills and practical Scouting knowledge.

2. The Scout is Tested: After learning, participants are tested, which may include assessments or practical applications of what they’ve learned. This could be done through interactive activities, discussions, or evaluations to ensure understanding and competency in the material covered.

3. The Scout is Reviewed: Participants undergo a review, which might include instructor feedback or self-assessment, to measure their progress. Instructors ensure that the participants meet the expected standards and are ready for the next stage.

4. The Scout is Rewarded: Upon successfully completing the training, participants are recognized for their efforts. This could involve certificates, patches, or other forms of acknowledgment, similar to how Scouts are rewarded when they achieve new ranks or merit badges.

These stages are integral to the Far East Council Training program. While both Scouts and Scouters are welcome to attend the University of Scouting, it is important to note that only events hosted by the Far East Council will be recognized for credit within this program. Participation in similar events outside of the Far East Council will not be accepted for credit toward advancement or training within the FEC. This approach emphasizes continuous learning, personal development, and recognition in line with Scouting's advancement philosophy.

Receiving Credit

Registration Requirement: To receive credit, participants must be registered members of Scouting, either as youth (Scout) or adults (Scouter), and those over the age of 18 must be up to date with their Youth Protection training (taken in the last year).

Alignment with Scouting Values: The approach supports continuous learning, personal growth, and recognition, aligning with Scouting’s overall philosophy of advancement, which encourages participants to strive for personal improvement and achievement.

The Far East Council University of Scouting offers five degrees: associate's, bachelor's, master's, Doctorate (PhD), and Continued Education. 

How to Earn Credit

Generally, each class period of coursework earns one credit toward your desired degree (unless otherwise noted). Credits are earned based on the number of credits for the course. A one-class period course earns one credit. A two-class period course may earn one or two credits, and a three-class period course may earn two or three credits. Some classes (such as some Scouting America course curricula) do not earn any credits toward the degree process.

Course levels (Level 100, Level 200, etc.) are intended to represent the complexity of the course. Generally, we recommend that students take level 100  courses before level 200 courses and level 300 courses before level 400 courses, etc., because courses are logically more sophisticated, progressive, and/or specialized as the level increases. However, we leave it to each Scouter to determine what courses to take at any level.

The college dean is the approving authority for conferring degrees. Please contact the dean if you have any questions about degree requirements.

To earn credit towards a degree, it must be awarded after the 2023 year.

Participants who successfully complete their degree progression in the 2024 seminar will be eligible to receive a corresponding patch based on their earned level, provided they have met the degree requirements. This is a special, one-year-only opportunity to earn a patch from our legacy stock. Participants will be recognized for their learning, tested skills, and leadership development efforts as outlined in the Degree Process General Guidelines.

Offering Extra Value to Attendees:

Given the limited availability of these legacy patches, we offer them as an additional purchase option during registration. By opting to receive a legacy patch, attendees can proudly display their accomplishments while helping cover part of the seminar's operational costs.

This year's progression recognition is aligned with Scouting's philosophy of personal growth and continuous learning. By providing this option, we encourage participants to strive toward their degrees while embracing the spirit of Scouting advancement.

Associate's Degree

1. Complete three course credits at any course level.

Bachelor's Degree

1. Complete nine-course credits at any course level.

2. Earned the Trained Patch for your position in Scouting (Adults click here to learn more, Youth must compete ILST, ILSC or ILSS appropriate to your program)

Master's Degree

1. Hold a bachelor's degree in the FEC Leadership Seminar

2. Complete six additional course credits (for a total of 15 credits) at any course level.

3. All six additional course credits must differ from those completed for a bachelor’s degree.

4. Complete: Cub Scout Leaders must complete BALOO, and all Scouts BSA Leaders must complete IOLS.

5. For Scouters – Complete Wood Badge Training to include attending the course and completing your ticket, subsequently earning your beads.

6. For Scouts (Youth) – Complete National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).

7. Complete Fundamentals of Training or Trainer's EDGE.

Doctorate (PhD)

1. Hold a master's degree in the FEC Leadership Seminar

2. Complete three additional course credits (for a total of 18 credits) at any course level.

3. All three additional course credits must differ from those completed for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

4. For Scouters – Complete Philmont Leadership Challenge (PLC) or Summit Leadership Challenge (SLC)

5. For Scouts (Youth) – complete National Youth Leadership Academy or National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).

6. Upon completion of the above course work, serve in a teaching role at the discretion of the dean of that college –OR- Complete three goals approved by the dean of a respective college.

NOTE: A doctoral candidate is responsible for contacting their dean personally immediately after completing of the course work and no later than October 31st of the next year, to be added to the teaching plans for the next University of Scouting. No exceptions.

Continued Education Degree (Available to Scouts and Scouters):

1. Hold a doctorate degree in the FEC Leadership Seminar.

2. Complete three additional course credits (for a total of 21 credits) at any course level.

3. All three of these additional course credits must be different from those completed for the doctorate degree.

4. Serve in a teaching role for at least two classes aside from previously taught classes for the Doctorate.