Prior Learning Assessment

Mountain State University allows students to receive academic credit for the learning associated with life experiences. Such learning experiences may be associated with work, military service, professional training hobbies, recreational activities, and other meaningful activities. These learning experiences are evaluated for their equivalency to specific MSU courses, and/or ability to satisfy institutional and degree requirements. When possible, we use American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations when evaluating military and corporate training programs. Mountain State University's prior learning assessment program follows the academic and administrative standards established by the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

Students submit a learning "portfolio" as evidence supporting their request for prior learning credit. A learning portfolio serves to identify and describe a student's prior learning experiences in light of the courses and other requirements associated with a MSU degree. While developing a learning portfolio can be a rewarding process, it also represents a significant investment of time and resources. It is not an endeavor that you should consider beginning without a significant amount of forethought and research. Interested students can download a copy of MSU’s Learning Portfolio Development Guide here. This Guide provides details information and instructions concerning the prior learning assessment and learning portfolio development processes.

Nationally, the amount of credit petitioned for in the average leaning portfolio is estimated to be approximately 6 to 9 hours of equivalent academic credit. A well-crafted learning portfolio generally rakes two to six months to complete, depending on such factors as the students work schedule, the subject matter and the type of information being collected as evidence in support of learning. There are no guarantees that your petition for prior learning credit will result in your receiving credit.

Even several years of experience doing something great does not necessarily qualify you for prior learning credit. MSU does not grant credit solely for life experience, but for the learning so often associated with an adult learner's life experiences. This is a critical distinction. The type and quality of learning experience are important!

At MSU, a faculty reader evaluates your learning portfolio and determines if the learning described satisfies the University's criteria -- that it represents learning, not experience; represents college level learning; represents learning that has a balance between theory and practical application; represents learning that is applicable to your stated degree plan / progression sheet; and the credit is not duplicated on your transcript. On the basis of this evaluation, the faculty reader makes a recommendation to the senior academic officer for experiential learning. If approved, the recommendation for granting prior learning credit is forwarded to the registrar for recording onto your transcript. The recommendations of the faculty reader are subject to appeal in accordance with the University's published grade appeal process. The current assessment fee is $100 per credit hour requested.

If you think that you might be interested in MSU’s Prior Learning Assessment Program, then please review the information found on MSU “PLA – First Steps” page.