The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a valuable process that allows learners to earn academic credit for their existing skills and knowledge. Those skills and knowledge might be gained from different sources, such as:
- Formal education
- Work experience
- Independent study
- Volunteer activities
- Travel
- Hobbies
- Family activities
By creating a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates their expertise, learners can showcase their proficiency in specific subjects. Subject matter experts then evaluate these portfolios to determine if students’ skills and knowledge meet the academic standards required for credit in a course.
This approach not only recognizes diverse learning experiences but also accelerates a student’s academic progress. As a result of using the Prior Learning Assessment, a student can save money on educational costs.
How a Master’s Student Used the Prior Learning Assessment
Katie Gierach, a police lieutenant in Wisconsin, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice at the University. She was attracted by the University’s flexibility and support for veterans and first responders.
Katie utilized the Prior Learning Assessment to gain graduate credits through her professional law enforcement and leadership experiences and coursework. As a result, she is on track to complete her master’s degree in about 18 months.
Katie recommends the Prior Learning Assessment for seasoned professionals, encouraging others to leverage their life and career experiences for academic credit. She says, “My post-high school academic career has been defined by quick bursts of study to achieve the goal at hand. Out of high school, I started studying engineering.
“The very first thing I learned at my engineering-specific university was that I did not want to be an engineer. I quickly changed course to law enforcement and found that the fastest path to seek a position as a police officer was to earn an associate degree, which I earned in two years. My career took off, and I was loving the job that truly is the best job out there.”
She adds, “At around the five-year mark, I decided that a bachelor’s degree was next for me. Being true to my quick burst methods, I enrolled in a liberal arts university, overloaded my semesters, and took classes in the summer. In two years, I had a bachelor’s degree.
“At work, I moved up through the ranks, which afforded me the opportunity to take law enforcement-specific leadership courses. My work experience was also a major source of learning, as the situations I faced each day provided problem-solving challenges. I had mentors who guided me and mentees who followed my guidance, which also taught me about leadership.
“After 19 years of law enforcement experience, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice. I looked at many different programs, but the University’s commitment to military veterans and first responders drew my attention. The flexibility of course schedules and the affordability of all components of completing the courses stood out.”
Evaluating Educational Options
Katie notes, “One of the law enforcement-specific leadership courses that I completed a year ago is recognized by a university in my state as the equivalent of six graduate-level courses. Having a six-credit head start at that local university sounded appealing to me.
“But when I reached out to the University about accepting the course as transfer credit, it was a no-go. That made me take a close look at each school and figure out which would be better for me.
“When I evaluated both universities, the decision was clear. Not only would 30 credits at the University be less expensive than 24 credits at the local school, but I would also be able to complete my program sooner.”
Embracing the Prior Learning Assessment
“After exploring more about ways to earn college credit, I learned about the Prior Learning Assessment,” Katie says. “I found that I could earn graduate credit by demonstrating that my learning both in the leadership course and in my life was equivalent to completing the course traditionally.
“Through the eight-week program, I received time-sensitive deadlines to keep me on track and prompt feedback to move my work to its best quality. As an example, the feedback I received helped me transform a draft that simply described what I have done during my career into a synthesized account of how my experience specifically demonstrates that I have learned – and continue to learn – a course’s learning objectives. I put together a comprehensive portfolio, which was later approved for academic credit.
“Ultimately, the Prior Learning Assessment has enabled me to be successful at another quick burst of academic work. I highly recommend the PLA for more seasoned individuals who have the life and career experience that translates to the objectives and concepts of a college curriculum.
“If you believe that you could write a book on a certain topic and it happens to be a class offered at the University, give PLA a try. You don’t have to write a book; it just needs to be a portfolio.”
Where to Learn More about the PLA
Whether you are looking to switch careers or pursue more advanced career opportunities in your current field, remember we are here to help you. With determination and the right opportunities, you can achieve your academic and professional goals.
For more information, please email PLA@apus.edu.
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