New Prior Learning Assessment offers University credits for real-life skills
MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State University College of Business has launched a new program, the Prior Learning Assessment, empowering individuals to exchange real-life skills for college credits.
Work experience, military experience, and professional development may make persons eligible for college credits, accelerating the time it takes to complete a degree while simultaneously reducing costs.
“Adult students have significant knowledge obtained through non-academic means; we want to recognize this learning and assess its value toward college credit,” said Linda Cresap, Minot State University College of Business Master of Science in Sports Management program director and business information technology professor.
The program offers three ways to earn credit: credit by experience, challenge exams, and certifications.
To earn credit by experience, individuals will create a digital portfolio, under the guidance of a faculty member, for each course in which they seek credit. The course faculty will then review the portfolio and determine the credit award.
The challenge exam option enables currently registered students to receive credit by examination for courses for which they have not already been enrolled.
Finally, earning a professional certification may present the opportunity to earn college credit.
Recent national research, conducted in part by the Center for Adult and Experiential Learning, found that in 24,512 adult learners, the college degree completion rate was 49% for those who pursued prior learning assessment as opposed to a completion rate of 27% for those adult learners who did not consider opportunities for prior learning assessment. Prior learning assessment incentivizes students to complete their education by recognizing their non-academic learning achievements.
Tuition for Prior Learning Assessment credits is 50% of the regular per credit cost, saving students substantial money along with time.
For more information, including eligible classes, visit MinotStateU.edu/business/priorlearning or contact Cresap at 701-858-3316.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 11/09/20
