Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Overview
Through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, you can apply for college credit for knowledge and skills learned outside of a traditional classroom, such as on the job or through volunteer work. Credit petitioned via PLA must be for a specific university course within your academic program, but cannot be applied toward senior seminar, capstone, and/or independent study courses.
The PLA program consists of a 3-credit course (COLL200) for undergraduate students or a non-credit-bearing workshop for graduate students, during which you will create a portfolio to prove your prior learning experience. The portfolio is then evaluated by the university to see if credits can be awarded and applied to your academic plan.
PLA Eligibility
To apply for the PLA program, you must have:
- Completed the university application
- Completed The Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) Process if you have credits to transfer
- Earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (undergraduate) or 3.0 (graduate students) for courses taken to date, and not be on academic probation
- Not yet applied for graduation or registered for a senior seminar or graduate capstone course
Getting Started
Get started by learning more about the COLL200 PLA course and portfolio. For additional details or to apply for the PLA program, contact the Prior Learning Assessment office at [email protected].