Prior Learning Assessment

 

 

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Did you know that it is possible to earn up to 30 credit hours toward your bachelor’s degree ? Southwestern Christian University allows you to apply relevant learning, work and life experiences toward college credits through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.  

Each student who enters the Online Professional Studies program at Southwestern Christian University has the option to prepare a portfolio of prior learning assessment (PLA). This portfolio provides the student the opportunity to earn college credit for the knowledge he/she may have gained through previous life and work experiences. The portfolio is a document that organizes a person’s college-level learning experiences into a manageable form for academic assessment. 

 

How Does a Student Apply for PLA Credit?

  1. The student takes the UNIV 2313 course to learn HOW to put their portfolio together and what paper topics would fit into their specific degree plan.  

    • “In order to facilitate successful completion of PLA work, the student must enroll in and successfully complete the three-credit hour course UNIV 2313: Prior Learning Development.” - p.4, PLA Handbook

  2. The student submits a portfolio to pass the course, but also receives feedback. The student can then chose to make edits and officially submit for college credit assessment to online@swcu.edu. The portfolio must be submitted at least one semester before the student intends to graduate by January 15th or August 15th.

  3. Once a portfolio is submitted for assessment, it is funneled to the Director of Online. The director then locates  faculty to assess each Life Learning Assessment Paper according to the topics and the credentials that align.  After this, an assessor with prior learning assessment credentials and/or background must assess the entire portfolio, including any Professional Schools and Training papers.  

  4. The student will be notified by their advisor of the final approval of credit and will issue the final PLA Request Form to the Registrar to have the credit applied to their academic record.


 

 To contact an Admissions Representative:
(405) 789-7661 x2251

online@swcu.edu 

 

APPLY NOW!