Your experience has already set you apart
You've developed valuable knowledge through your career, military service and life experiences. Prior learning credits recognize that learning and may allow you to earn academic credit without repeating coursework you've already mastered.
Who is eligible for Prior Learning Credits?
Both undergraduate and graduate students may be eligible for prior learning credits, depending on your academic program and the assessment method.
Your previous experience must demonstrate college-level learning equivalent to our course outcomes. Every submission is evaluated individually by faculty or subject matter experts.
Potential Credit Guide
For our military students
Military education and training often represent significant college-level learning. We evaluate military transcripts, technical training and leadership experience alongside other Prior Learning opportunities to help eligible students maximize applicable credit.
Eligible active-duty military students may also qualify for waived prior learning assessment fees, making it even easier to earn credit for what you already know.
What experiences may qualify?
- Professional work experience: Knowledge and skills developed through your career may qualify if they demonstrate college-level learning.
- Military service: Military education, technical training and leadership experience may be eligible for academic credit.
- Professional certifications: Industry-recognized certifications may satisfy learning outcomes for select courses.
- Employer training: Formal workplace training programs and continuing education may qualify for evaluation.
- Volunteer & community leadership: Experience gained through volunteer organizations or community service may demonstrate valuable learning.
- Independent learning: Self-directed learning, professional development and other educational experiences may also be considered.
How to apply prior learning credits
Step 1: Meet with your academic advisor. Discuss your degree requirements and determine whether prior learning credits are appropriate for your program.
Step 2: Choose an assessment method. Your advisor will help determine the best option based on your experience, training or certifications.
Step 3: Complete the required forms. Submit your application along with any supporting documentation, such as portfolios, certifications, military transcripts or professional training records.
Step 4: Faculty review your experience. Qualified faculty evaluate your submission to determine whether your learning is equivalent to our coursework.
Step 5: Receive academic credit. If approved, your prior learning credits are added to your academic record and applied toward your degree when appropriate.
Assessment methods
- Portfolio Assessment: Demonstrate college-level learning through documented work and reflective evidence.
- Military Education & Training: Military transcripts and training records may qualify for academic credit.
- Industry Certifications: Approved certifications may satisfy specific course requirements.
- Standardized Examinations: Some nationally recognized examinations may be accepted for college credit.
- Faculty Evaluation: Faculty members may evaluate professional experience and specialized knowledge for credit consideration.
*Review eligibility requirements, academic policies and assessment standards.
FAQ
What are Prior Learning Credits?
Prior learning credits allow you to earn academic credit for college-level learning gained outside of a traditional classroom through work experience, military service, certifications, employer training and other experiences.
Does work experience count?
Possibly. Professional experience may qualify if it demonstrates learning equivalent to a our course and meets academic standards.
Does military experience count?
Yes. Military education, technical training and leadership experience may qualify for academic credit. Military transcripts and training records are evaluated alongside other Prior Learning opportunities.
Can professional certifications earn college credit?
Some certifications may qualify for credit depending on the certification, your academic program and how the learning aligns with our course outcomes.
How many Prior Learning Credits can I earn?
You may earn up to 60 undergraduate credits or 12 graduate credits, depending on your academic program and assessment method.
Will prior learning credits reduce the cost of my degree?
Potentially. Earning academic credit for previous learning may reduce the number of courses required for your degree, helping you save both time and tuition.
How long does the evaluation process take?
Evaluation timelines vary depending on the assessment method, the completeness of your submission and faculty review schedules.
