Earning Degree Credit Outside of Formal Coursework

Prior learning assessment is a term used by colleges to describe the process of earning college credit for learning acquired through a student’s work, training, volunteer experiences, and personal life (Colvin 2006). Credit is not granted on the basis of a student’s experience; instead it is granted for graduate level learning which can be demonstrated and documented. At Lewis University, PLA includes the successful completion of national proficiency examinations, departmental challenge examinations, special licensures and credentials in a profession, and the development and submission of a Prior Learning Portfolio. 

• Not all graduate programs at Lewis permit PLA. Graduate students can only earn course credit through PLA if their graduate program and advisor approve. 

• Credits awarded for prior learning are transcripted on a pass/no credit basis and do not affect the student’s grade point average. 

• A Lewis graduate student may earn no more than 25% of the credits in their program through PLA. 

• All credits pursued and earned through PLA must be completed prior to the student's last semester at the University. 

• Once a student has registered to develop a PLA portfolio, the timeline for completion of an individual portfolio (by subject area) will be one calendar year. 

The appropriate faculty in each graduate program will determine the required college equivalent learning to be demonstrated by a student for each method of PLA. College/program administrators will determine the appropriate subject matter expert, i.e., faculty member, who will evaluate a student’s examination, credentials, and/or portfolio. The School of Graduate, Professional, and Continuing Education (SGPCE) will coordinate student registrations for PLA; students will be billed through the Business Office. Contact the School of Graduate, Professional, and Continuing Education (SGPCE) at (815) 836-5570 for additional information on PLA.