Recognize Your Experience, Earn Your Degree Faster
In our online programs, we value the knowledge and skills that you have gained outside of the traditional classroom. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy allows you to convert that professional experience into academic credit, helping you advance your education and career more efficiently. PLA only applies to the following programs:
- EdD in Learning and Organizational Change
- Master's in Learning Design and Technology
- Certificate in Learning Design and Technology
- Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
What is PLA?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is our process for evaluating the learning you have acquired already—through work, training, and other experiences outside a traditional academic environment. By earning PLA credits, you are demonstrating that you already possess the knowledge and skills taught in the courses listed below, potentially reducing both your time and cost needed to complete the degree.
Eligible Courses
PLA credit can be earned for the following courses:
- EDC 6346: Principles and Practices of Mentoring
- EDC 6360: Instructional Design
- EDC 6372: Teaching and Learning in Online Environments
- LDT 5310: Learning Design and Emerging Technologies
- LDT 5311: Learning Design and Applied Multimedia Production
- LDT 5313: Project Management in Learning Design
- LOC 6361: Leadership and Organizational Change
- LOC 6362: Community Leadership and Collaboration
Student Eligibility
Students may receive up to 6 credits towards the above-mentioned degrees by way of PLA. Admitted students seeking PLA should notify their Graduate Academic Advisor when they enroll in the program. Once notified, the Graduate Academic Advisor will guide students through the registration process for the PLA.
Each PLA evaluation costs $200 and is non-refundable.
The ideal candidate for PLA have flexibility in their degree plans and 4-5 years of professional experience relevant to the eligible courses.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
A Faculty Panel will assess your knowledge and skills in the course area over three different evaluation metrics. PLA credits are awarded on a pass/fail basis and will be recorded on your transcript, counting towards your degree completion.
To earn PLA credit, students must demonstrate their knowledge for the course in three ways:
- Portfolio Project: Students submit a portfolio project that meets the criteria of the course they are seeking PLA credit.
- Written Narrative: Students will write a narrative essay that describes how the portfolio project demonstrates their mastery of the course learning objectives, and
- Presentation: Students will present their project to a faculty panel, demonstrating their understanding of the process, systems, and software that was used.