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Experiential Learning Credits
At the School of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, we recognize that learning occurs in various settings throughout our lives. While some learning happens in structured classroom settings, other learning occurs in settings with less formal guidelines.
Experiential learning credits are college credits awarded based on these alternative learning experiences.
Experiential learning credits are college credits awarded based on these alternative learning experiences.
- I’How experiential learning credits are awarded:
- Experiential learning credits are awarded as a result of a successfully completed Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The PLA process reviews and analyzes alternative learning experiences through a highly individualized process and offers you the opportunity to petition for college credit based on the knowledge, training, and skills you previously learned.
- What prior experiences may qualify as experiential learning credit?
- In general, there are multiple life experiences that may translate to college level learning. Below is a list that contains some, but not all, experiences for which a student may be awarded college credit:
- Five or more years of work experience that demonstrate depth and breadth of progressively responsible work with verifiable competencies (full-time or part-time)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Articulated Credit
- PLA Portfolio Evaluations
- Military experience
- Community service
- Entrepreneurial endeavors
- Professional licensures/certifications
- Volunteerism
- Internships
- Apprenticeships What Are The Benefits of Experiential Learning Credit? Save time, money and expedite degree completion – up to 30 credits may be earned through the PLA. Enhance the value of life-long learning – recognize the impact and significance of your life experiences. What is a Prior Learning Assessment:
- The Prior Learning Assessment is a set of well-established, researched, and validated methods for assessing non-collegiate learning for college credit. It is a process that allows learners to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a particular field or fields and have that learning evaluated for college credit.
- The Prior Learning Assessment course will help guide you to:
- Identify areas of relevant learning from your past experiences,
- Demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation,
- Submit learning materials for assessment, and
- Petition for academic credit for your experiential learning.
- Eligibility:
- Students who are matriculated into a part-time undergraduate and graduate degree at Cavalla Internatinonal University.
- Students who have successfully completed introductory courses.
- NOTE: The Portfolio is evaluated using a holistic approach, and students will be able to substitute credits for Experiential Learning Credits.