CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING (CPL)
Credit for Prior Learning is a rewarding process through which non-traditional students document their learning from experience to earn college credit. A portfolio is built by matching a college course within a declared Wiley University degree program to the knowledge and skills gained through professional or life experience — work, volunteerism, independent self-directed study, travel, and more.
In awarding credit for this kind of non-traditional learning, the University reviews documents such as certificates, publications, test scores, licenses, and job performance appraisals, and awards credit when the assessment identifies the learning as creditable, relevant, and college-level.
Once a student applies to receive credit for prior learning, they are enrolled into MANA 3300 – Career and Portfolio Management. This class teaches students how to complete a successful portfolio. After successfully passing the course with a grade of “C” or better, students may begin submitting portfolios. Students may earn up to 24 semester hours through credit for prior learning. Portfolios are graded using the CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) rubric, and portfolios earning a score of 20 or above are awarded credit.
Note: Applying for a Prior Learning Assessment does not guarantee that course credit will be granted. Credit is awarded based on each student’s experience and the extent to which it is documented and deemed equivalent to comparable college-level coursework.
Benefits of Credit for Prior Learning
Provides an opportunity to acquire college credit based on work and life experience.
Reduces the amount of time required to earn a degree by up to one academic year.
Reduces the overall cost of education.
Fees
Students pay a $25 application fee when submitting the application.
Students pay a $150 assessment fee at the time of portfolio submission.
Students are charged a discounted tuition rate of $60 per credit hour awarded for prior learning ($180 per 3-credit course).
5 Step Process
1. Identify Courses
Review your degree plan to identify courses you may be able to earn credit for based on work experience. Work with your advisor to obtain a copy of the course syllabus.
2. Submit Petition
Submit a CPL petition along with the $25 application fee. You may obtain a copy of the petition from your advisor or the Division of Graduate Programs and Online Studies office or webpage.
3. Complete MANA 3300
When a petition is submitted, you will be enrolled in MANA 3300 – Career & Portfolio Management. This course is designed to teach students how to properly build and submit a portfolio for prior learning assessment.
4. Submit Portfolio for Review
Submit a separate completed portfolio for each course you desire to obtain credit for. Portfolios will be assessed by our team of trained assessors.
5. Credit Awarded
Approved portfolios will be placed on the student’s transcript.
Assessment Standards
Portfolios are evaluated according to the national standards for prior learning assessment set by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Credit is awarded only for demonstrated learning, not for experience or time spent, and assessments are conducted by qualified subject-matter and academic experts using clearly defined, consistently applied criteria.
Credit for Prior Learning for Veterans
Veterans with at least one year of military service may be allowed up to six semester hours of credit in health and physical education, in accordance with recommendations of the Commission on Accreditation of Service Experiences. Veterans admitted to the Organizational Management program may qualify for additional credit for prior learning experiences.
Contact
Dr. Brandon Lacey
Dean of the Division of Graduate Programs & Online Studies
Email: blacey@wileyc.edu
Phone: (903) 923-1657
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Lacey
Tonja W. Prudhomme, MBA, MS, +24 K–12 School Counseling
Director, Adult Degree Completion Program
Email: tprudhomme@wileyc.edu
Phone: (903) 927-3064
