MU’s Prior Learning Assessment

ACCELERATE YOUR EDUCATION

Through Marylhurst University’s Learning Assessment Center, you can earn credit toward your Bachelor’s degree by documenting the knowledge you have gained during years of work and life-long learning. Corporate and on-the-job training, community service, parenting, volunteer work, seminars, home management, military training, workshops, travel study and independent research are among the many areas that can be evaluated for credit toward your degree.

WAYS TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

1. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Document your experiential learning with a portfolio presentation.
2. Credit-by-Examination: Verify your mastery of a subject through recognized testing programs.
3. Military Training: Convert training to college credit when validated by the American Council on Education.
4. Classes from other accredited institutions: Transfer your credits when evaluated by a Marylhurst advisor.
5. Marylhurst coursework: Complete on campus or online coursework.

Marylhurst University offers programs and services to assist you with:

• Reducing the time it takes to finish your studies;
• Reducing the cost of your undergraduate degree;
• Improving your writing and research skills;
• Learning more about what you already know;
• Discovering how your learning from past experience can earn college credit; and
• Receiving credit for your documented college-level learning.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

Focus on what you know and learn how to document it. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) gives you the tools to jump-start your degree.

Step 1
Development of your education plan begins in the Learning Assessment Workshop, the first of three required PLA courses, where you will:

• Clarify your educational goals and priorities;
• Develop a personal plan with specific objectives; and
• Discover how many college credits you may earn for your prior learning.

Step 2
Next, the PLA Workshop provides a step-by-step method for making credit requests based on your mastery of subjects through prior learning or personal study. You will identify areas that fulfill specific Marylhurst University requirements and learn how to describe, analyze and document your acquired knowledge.

Step 3
Portfolio Development Studies consists of individualized tutorials where you receive one-on-one instruction and guidance. Your PLA advisor will meet with you regularly and review your work.