phd degree for life experience

Find Info For

• Current Students
• Prospective Students
• Research and Partnerships
• Entrepreneurship and Commercialization

Quick Links

• Health and Life Sciences
• Info Security and AI
• Transformative Education
• Purdue Today
• Purdue Global
• Purdue in the News

January 17, 2024

Enrollment, experiences and employment opportunities inspire Purdue Global College of Social and Behavioral Sciences dean

Sara Sander, dean of Purdue Global’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, collaborates with faculty and staff members in developing competitive degree programs, continually advocating for working adult learners. (Purdue Global photo/John Underwood)

Sara Sander uses collaboration daily to build successful outcomes for all students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Sara Sander loves trying out new ideas, especially for higher education projects.

Sander recalls the time in 1994 when she was pursuing her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Administrators needed someone to teach a night class.

Additional Information

• Intentionality, strategy drive Purdue Global business dean for student growth
• Reimagining higher education with empathy, equity and belonging are key components for success, says Purdue Global chief diversity officer
• Podcast Ep. 67: Purdue Global Chancellor Frank Dooley: The Future Is Fueled by Education

“I remember thinking, ‘I’ll do it. I’ll try it.’ The class was filled with adult learners, and I loved it,” Sander says. “They had focus and determination, and it really meshed well with my teaching. Every chance I got, I taught those night classes. I knew then that working with adult learners is where I wanted to be.”

Sander now serves as dean and vice president of Purdue Global ’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and she is interim dean of the School of Aviation .

That experience started her on a journey into the then-new realm of online education — one that has had her leading the way in shaping the experience of thousands of students.

Dialing up success

Sander has served as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences since 2013, and previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2003-13. During her tenure, the college has seen tremendous growth in student enrollment and degree programs.

She began her career in online education in January 1997, reviewing and editing regional accreditation paperwork for the Higher Learning Commission. In 1998, the organization was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Distance Education Demonstration Program, which allowed institutions to use financial aid to teach online courses — a novelty at the time.

“We were picked for the project,” Sander says. “They needed volunteers, so I raised my hand again. I wanted to try this and see what the outcome would be.”

And she began teaching to an online classroom in 1998 — with students using dial-up modems to connect to online courses.

Looking back at the experience, Sander says it was rocky, but it eventually worked.

“The mentality at the time was to replicate everything that instructors did when we taught in person,” she says. “My first attempt was overly difficult for both me and the students, but I had never gotten to know and understand the challenges, hopes and fears of a group of students more. This made me a better teacher, and I realized then the overarching potential of online learning.”

Sander says advancements in technology, design and learning theory have all contributed to building supportive online atmospheres to help students progress through their degree plans.

First-gen student leading other first-gen students

A native of Illinois and Iowa’s Quad Cities area, Sander uses her personal experience as both a traditional and nontraditional first-generation college student to help others advance in their education and careers.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She earned her doctoral degree in 2010 from Capella University.

“Like our students, I had to balance family responsibilities and a full-time job,” she says. “That balancing act, that’s hard. I was in the sandwich generation, taking care of a parent and raising my children at the same time. Many of our students find themselves in that situation.”

The current student snapshot at Purdue Global includes these data points:

• 59% of students are 30 years of age or older.
• 40% of students are from underserved populations.
• 52% of students have a child or other dependents.
• 50% are first-generation college students.
• Approximately 10,000 are military-affiliated students, a population that includes uniformed personnel, veterans and eligible dependents.

Drawing on her experience, she has led the way, with her staff, in developing tools for first-gen and first-time students, including an online dictionary and reference guide that explains terms commonly used in higher education. She was also instrumental in starting Purdue Global’s First-Generation College Student Scholarship program , which awarded 22 scholarships in 2023.

Career creation and student success

Sander started at Purdue Global as a technical admissions coordinator, serving as an admissions advisor, full-time faculty member and dean of instruction before becoming dean.

Those positions have helped her and her team as they continually work with industry partners, faculty and Purdue Global’s Center for Career Advancement to design new degree programs that benefit students.

“We are always working and reviewing what is needed in the career landscape and how we can serve a need for students,” Sander says.

During the 2022-23 academic year, the college launched 11 new programs; four of them were new degrees, and seven were collaborations with other Purdue Global colleges, including a business fundamentals concentration that is open to all students so that they are exposed to basic management concepts.

“At Purdue Global, we make sure our degrees are multidisciplinary. We are responding to how there is more overlap in today’s workforce and making sure that our students have basic understandings of other areas,” she says.

The college launched its first professional doctoral program — the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation — in 2023. The degree was designed for those who want to lead in nonprofit, corporate, government, higher education and K-12 settings and for those who lead training and development programs.

It has been successful, with more than 250 students enrolled. The first students are expected to graduate in 2025.

“This shows the value placed on professional doctorates in other workplaces,” Sander says.

Collaboration across majors and areas

Student growth is a key goal for Sander and her team and is measured in a variety of ways: enrollment, externship sites and employment opportunities for students. The college has more than 600 partnerships with employers — 192 of which hired Purdue Global graduates in the 2022-23 academic year.

The college includes majors and programs at the bachelor’s level in fire science, emergency management, early childhood education, aviation, psychology, human services, communication, legal studies and criminal justice, offering master’s degree programs in public administration, homeland security and emergency management.

“Collaborations are key for our success,” Sander says. “It’s part of our culture. We talk about collaboration every opportunity we can.”

Sander is grateful for the associate deans, department chairs and faculty who design curricula that keep the programs going and relevant to today’s environment.

“Most of our faculty are practitioners, meaning they understand what it’s like to be out there doing the job,” she says. “They are going to teach and develop courses on what it means to do the job. They all hold the appropriate credentials and certifications.”

For example, a judge is teaching in the public safety and legal studies area. There are 15 fire chiefs and assistant fire chiefs who lead fire science programs . And there is a forensic investigator in the  criminal justice program who teaches about and creates a crime scene for her students in her car and driveway.

Comebacks and gratitude

Student success, to Sander, is when a student comes in, earns their degree, graduates and gets a job or promotion.

“The value they found in their education is going to help them either feel fulfillment in their personal life or advance their career. It’s great to see how it impacts their life,” Sander says. “There are things that happen when you get a college degree — you have higher self-esteem and self-confidence and become better communicators and thinkers. There’s a lot of other benefits of a college degree that make it worth it.”

Purdue Global’s National Association of Colleges and Employers First Destination Data 2021-22 report shows students have high knowledge and positive career outcomes in several high-performing programs in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, including the following:

• Master of Science in instructional design and technology (Education and Communication).
• Bachelor of Science in applied behavior analysis (Psychology).
• Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice (Public Safety).
• Bachelor of Science in environmental policy and management (Legal Studies).

Commencements are filled with moments of connecting with students , where several of them share how grateful they are to have a place for working adult learners. They also share stories of how they overcame challenging situations in the pursuit of their degrees, as well as their dreams.

“ Those two days of celebration leave me invigorated to come back and continue doing what I’m doing,” Sander says. “There’s an inspiration with adult learners. Once they finish, they can change the course and direction of their family . They impact their communities. It’s the examples they set for their children. It’s stepping out of traditional roles in ways that they traditionally may have viewed themselves within their families. We have so many exceptional students doing exceptional things.”

Coming back to school to get a degree is something that Sander understands. It can seem so lofty, and it can take time to realize that the degree is within sight.

“My personal comeback is when I went back to school to get my doctoral degree,” she says. “There were seven years between the time I finished my master’s to when I started the doctorate. It was something that I had wanted to do. It just seemed impossible from many standpoints. There was no better feeling than when I finished it.”

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global/ .

Writer/Media contact: Matthew Oates, [email protected] , 765-496-6160, @mo_oates

Source: Sara Sander

Research News

Communication.

• OneCampus Portal
• Brightspace
• BoilerConnect
• Faculty and Staff
• Human Resources
• Colleges and Schools

Info for Staff

• Purdue Moves
• Board of Trustees
• University Senate
• Center for Healthy Living
• Information Technology
• Ethics & Compliance
• Campus Disruptions

Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600

© 2015-23 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Office of Strategic Communications

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact News Service at [email protected] .

The Experiential PhD at Northeastern University

A new frontier in graduate education

Our programs leading to the research doctorate offer students challenging assignments inside our many partner organizations in industry, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. Northeastern is one of the only universities in the world to offer all PhD students experiential learning opportunities outside of their primary research group. Placements are flexible and customizable, tailored to the interests of students and partners.

Our students discover opportunity.

Northeastern’s distinctive approach pushes students beyond their campus comfort zone. Immersive experiences inform— and transform—students’ research trajectory while expanding their networks and helping them chart a path to careers in and beyond academia. Experiential PhD opportunities across all Northeastern PhD programs include internships, fellowships, practicums, LEADERs and special initiative programs that:

> Challenge students to solve problems in the context of society’s needs and limited resources, shaping the questions they raise through their own dissertation research. > Equip students with professional skills, creativity, and cultural agility, serving graduates for lifetime as they translate discoveries into practical solutions.

>  Expand each student’s professional network by pairing students with an industry mentor and exposing them to newpeers and potential collaborators.

Our institutional partners ignite innovation.

By engaging our talented PhD students—through an internship, corporate fellowship, embedded-employee fellowship, research-based partnership such as LEADERs , or another customized option—each partner gains:

> An opportunity to build a pipeline for recruiting exceptional graduates.

> Access to university facilities and senior faculty expertise.

> A deeper engagement in rapidly evolving elds of research.

> Opportunities for senior leadership to mentor and co-publish with students, and to serve on their dissertation committees.

> Opportunities to partner with an R1 research universityknown for its robust collaborations with academia, govern-ment, and industry worldwide.

Looking for more information?

PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE PHD | EMBOSSED 11X14 |  TRANSCRIPTS & MORE

TEXT US: 1 321-406-3213

Buy a PhD Doctorate Degree , Based on Life Experience online .

You can purchase an  accredited online   phd for your skills.

Digital Delivery and physical. See your Post-Graduate  Award & Transcripts Today.

DEGREE MAJOR

Authentic 11X14

Raised-ink Doctoral

Support anytime

24/7 Chat-Email

Quick Doctorate Proofs

Diploma & Transcripts

What Qualifications are Needed for the Accredited Life-Work Equivalent Doctorate?

Mandatory ten years experience of life, work experience for the accredited Doctorate degree   package. Many with no traditional training, are experts in their respective fields.

Participation in, and engagements that are appraised.

Occupation & Career endeavors

Education achievements

Hobbies, Work-shops  &  Volunteer-ism

Military at any branch or level

Congregational Contributions

Independent self enrichment

So you know: There is no indication of experience on degree

The realism is "second to none." From old English fonts, to the thermograph raised ink feel. Your 11X14 Doctoral size diploma is embossed and signed by Trustees, Regents, President and More.

THE SELECTION OF TITLE, MAJOR AND ONLINE UNIVERSITY IS YOURS

The benefits you'll find here, for a non-traditional online accredited Doctoral program: self satisfaction for  your enriching sacrifices. Use your degree's to: Solidify Future Goals , and secure position.

Michael Perry, IT, CISCO

Best Impression Ever . Above and beyond is what I can say. The large PhD Correspondence Doctorate is outstanding, and other articles impressive. My colleagues will visit soon.

How it's now possible to get a PhD or DBA in a matter of days.

The Doctorate degree focuses on life experience . This means the award is based on your own experiential knowledge. Your award is relevant to your expertise. Your Doctorate PhD award, is practical, not academic. This helps people be empowered, reach higher, and gives them a sense of accomplishment.  This accredited program is designed for any, with constraints to time and finances. We've bridged the gap. No longer does it take decades to grasp the coveted post-graduate Doctorate certificate, but within a week, established on what you already know.

Can you really buy a PhD for years of know-how?

With sky-rocketing costs of brick-and-mortar learning, shortage of teaching staff and professors, and pandemic's rapidly evolving, education isn't as simple as it once was.

We've observed legal loop-holes which allow you to submit your life experiences and apply it toward your desired parchment. Be it Science, Theology, Divinity, Business, Counseling or a myriad of other concentrations, we have you covered. What's more, you'll receive a list of Universities which you can choose from. A real life experience degree , with abundant opportunity, that is to say, it goes as far as you can take it.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY LIFE EXPERIENCE DOCTORATE?

Secure better positions, and solidify personal objectives are just some of the doctoral degree advantages.

 Digital Documents, Today

View your DSc, DBA and

transcripts within hours.

Detail and Quality

Gold engraved, embossed, raised text and official

sealed transcripts.

Support, always ready

Contact us for help choosing Post-Graduate and major.

In Demand Majors

An Innovative Strategy: Plan and Execute

Enroll today and feel the invigorating feeling once you open the leather gold engraved cover to reveal your certificate. 

Many remark on the exceeding of expectations. None, expect the planets best level of quality.

Make an informed choice. View the College or University websites, select the best suited to you.  You'll receive your Life Experience Doctorate Degree faster than you expected.

PhD in Leadership

DBA in Organization

ThD in Biblical Leadership

PhD Doctor of Divinity

DSc in Counseling

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN ACCREDITED ONLINE LIFE EXPERIENCE PHD?

Adults, with age and maturity greater than thirty-four years. You should have the equivalence of a Bachelor's, or higher. life-experiential knowledge, vast present and prior working skills, including executive-level positions are desirable, furthermore, empirical research and mentoring others are a value you can bring to your fast Doctorate degree program . Community (including local, state or government) services, group, and religious leadership and interactions, accredited correspondence. are another valuable asset. 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO OBTAIN AN EXPERIENCE BASED DOCTORATE?

The cost of the Online Doctorate, PHD, DBA and other advanced degrees, varies based on which online program you choose. We make this affordable to all, and have the diploma alone, for $199.00, or the complete professional package, for $449.00, what's more, you can get college transcripts, official and sealed. Of course, there is no comparison to the cost of a traditional phd degree , which will eclipse 100k, with many nearing a "quarter-million-dollars." It's no wonder individuals are seeking alternative, innovative routes to posses their award in a much quicker fashion.

WHAT IS THE SALARY FOR A DOCTORAL CANDIDATE OR GRADUATE?

Dr. George Balikov, a candidate in Health Psychology, said that PhD starting salaries "run the gamut," from low, to lower middle-level pay. One example, Psychology Doctoral candidates, has a starting salary about $85,000, and can go as high as $95,000. A doctorate in Social Work, which is a branch of psychology, has a starting salary of $63,000. Coaching services has seen a rise in base-pay, of 10% over the last 5 years. One thing is certain: If you want to be successful in your career, whether you've earned, or bought your PhD, you must become an expert in your chosen field .

DOCTOR AWARDS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?

There are two areas of study in the accredited Doctor levels: Research and Professional. Candidates have several avenues, likewise, many branches to develop their ambitious career path, for example: Doctor of Applied Science (DAS) Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the following are quite popular, other instances, are: Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Transformational Leadership (DTL) Doctor of Theology (ThD). A plethora of Doctor concentrations means you'll surely locate an online major in your field of expertise.

OUR CONCLUSION,  OF THE "BUYING  LIFE SKILLS CORRESPONDENCE PHD INSURGENCE"

We know, real University Doctorate education takes grit, extreme dedication, extensions of finance, and true-blue hard work. On the other hand, to buy a PhD qualification Online, at the Doctorate level , on the basis of Life Experience , takes a mere few minutes and a credit card number. Many purchase their online diploma for accolades, but there are those, whom get their certificate with intent of fraud. for example, a common frivolous practice, is to obtain the parchment in, say. English or Teaching, albeit, with unrecognized accrediting organizations , and attempt to use this for monetary gain in another country. For their economic advantage, others will consider using this for employment or promotion purposes, dubiously, we would add. “To buy--or not to buy,” that is the question. Do your homework, and due diligence. Check all laws pertaining to the use of such accredited online articles, most importantly, regarding any other use, aside from “a Correspondence Doctorate ornament on your office wall.” 

Buy a Doctor of Divinity DDiv Degree

• Accreditation
• Alumni & Its Mission

Online Doctorate Degree Program

Empower your career with a doctor degree program such as Ph.D., D.SC, DBA, Th.D, D.Min, and others. A Doctorate degree, the post graduate-professional commonplace, takes four or additional years of study with prices upward of $150,000. Place your past education and gifted skills, expertise and information to work for you.

Our online Doctor Degree Programs, permits professionals Associate in Nursing, Operating adults like you to get an authorized Associate Nursing Degree, Doctorate Degree based mostly on what you already recognize. No Admissions Exams, no attending categories. Our network of authorized faculties and Evaluation Committee who square measure searching for knowledgeable, dedicated people and wish to possess you as a part of their alumni. You decide on your own, which major is best for you. Once we your enrollment application, we forward it to our Evaluation Committee who will takes solely 24 hours to give approval or rejection; we are going to then send you a result of Evaluation Committee and upon approval you just have to pay the fee of your Doctorate Degree.

We are offering 300 plus Major list and information-as well through our web site to create the most effective selection.

Why Doctor Degree Program?

Use your authorized quick doctor degree to:.

• Advance your career
• Bring a way of accomplishment
• Secure your current position
• Solidify a robust foundation for future goals
• Begin your own company and more…

Exemplify the very best ideals. Educate others, through personal work, advising or consulting.

Take the next step; enter for your life experience based doctorate degree program. We’ve got a quick Doctorate and PhD program. From a Doctor of Divinity, to Doctor of Philosophy in structure Leadership, we’ve got your academic degree and major.

PHD degrees, square measure the very best degree one will earn, and is awarded by a Hampden State University to a personal for his analysis add a selected field of study. Students World Health Organization select a PhD or a Doctorate degree, gain elaborated insight and data this space of study and acquire the talents that facilitate them from their PhD work, their analysis style, and ultimately, their thesis defense and acceptance. The quick PHD/Doctorate Programs we provide, through our Network and University don’t have any exams or work. But we do require Thesis or Dissertation from you on your desired/selected Major.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTORATE DEGREE

8 or more years of experience

• Prior job experience in any field
• Previous educational achievements
• Employer-sponsored training and workshops
• Personal goals, lifestyle, hobbies, and travel
• Participation in volunteer activities and community service
• Independent reading, viewing, writing & general experience

Hampden State University began because the south most representative of the “Log College” kind of teaching established by the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians in America, whose educational ideal was the University of Capital, seat of the Scottish Enlightenment.

Accredited By

In United Sates of America we’ve got sensible variety of agencies in which the name Accrediting Commission of International College and Universities (ACICU) is highly recommended as it is specialized accreditation agency which is also associated with other organizations.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In at nunc quam, ac molestie nisi. Duis nisi elit, dignissim non volutpat nec adipiscing ac odio Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In at nunc quam, ac molestie nisi.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In at nunc quam.

10 Online Colleges That Give Work & Life Experience Credit

Find your degree.

You know that you have a lot to gain and to learn when you decide to pursue a college degree, that’s why you’ve decided to take this incredible step into your future. But, what about everything you already know in your chosen field? This is where work and life experience credits come in!

Originally published: September 2018 Last Updated: February 2024

Dozens of colleges and universities across America have the answer. Many institutions of higher learning have committed to giving credit where credit is due.

They will allow you to receive literal credits for your relevant experience whether that is from professional experience, life experience, prior training or credentials related to your field, or training you received in the military.

When did the idea of work and life experience credits begin?

Since 1974, the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE) has existed to help students earn credits for formal training that happened outside of a traditional degree program.

They have partnered with a broad range of organizations and reviewed over 30,000 different programs in order to provide colleges and universities with course equivalency information. They evaluate standardized tests, work training programs, and more.

Colleges and universities across the country trust the council to determine if credits should be bestowed upon students. There are plenty of helpful resources and more information about the service on the ACE website.

How can I prove my work and life experience?

There are a variety of ways that you can earn credit for what you already know by demonstrating competency in specific areas. So, if you have all of the knowledge and skills that a course seeks to teach you, you may be able to receive credit by showing your proficiency instead of completing the course.

One way that schools do this is by offering different standardized tests. These tests usually have an associated fee, but some students may be able to get those fees waived based on financial need. These exams include:

• Challenge Exams: You would take the equivalent of an end-of-course exam and receive credit if you pass. You will have to contact individual schools to determine if this is an option for you.
• CLEPs: The College-Level Examination Program allows students to take a set of exams in specific content areas to test out of some classes. You can search the CLEP website to see if your school accepts these exams.
• DSSTs: DANTES Subject Standardized Tests are the option for students who have learned outside of an academic setting to prove that they are proficient in a particular subject. There are more than 30 of these exams currently available, which are all recommended by ACE. Close to 2,000 schools accept these credits.

After testing, are there other ways to demonstrate my work and life experience in my field of study?

Apart from sitting for an exam, you can potentially earn college credit for professional licenses or certificates, workforce training, and military training. This is done through the creation of a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio.

This portfolio should contain information regarding all of your workplace or military training, any licensure, certifications, or diplomas you may have received, and any civic activities, volunteer service, or similar ventures.

You should include supporting documents, any competency-based exam results, as well as plenty of writing that details what you know, how you learned it, and how you can demonstrate that knowledge.

Earning credit for your life or work experience doesn’t have to be difficult. The resources published by the ACE and the academic advisors at the schools you’re considering can show you how to get college credit for work experience. Additionally, many schools have a PLA Portfolio course that you are required to take, which will walk you through this process in great detail.

The benefits of going through this seemingly daunting process should not be overlooked. First of all, you deserve to have your skills recognized. Schools that offer credit for life experience can be a great choice for senior citizens who want to earn an affordable degree .

These programs can also help you earn a degree quickly. While there are a variety of fees that you may encounter by submitting a PLA or taking the aforementioned exams, they are saving you money in the long run. The average cost per credit hour in the United States is just a few dollars short of $600. Every course that you get credit for this way is a significant savings.

If this is something that you’re interested in doing, the ten schools on this list are a great place to start. Each of these schools awards credit for work and life experience. All were ranked according to the following.

Methodology

This article explores the top ten online colleges that give credit for work or life experience. In order to create this ranking, we began by curating a list of schools that met the following criteria:

• features at least one distance education degree program;
• allows students to earn credit for their past experience;
• is based in the United States;
• is properly accredited;
• is not a for-profit institution.

Once we had a complete list, we used our standard ranking factors of the Freshman Retention and Graduation Rate. These two percentages were added together to obtain a final score (out of a possible 200) for each school.

The schools that received the highest score are presented here, with the highest-scoring school coming in first place. In the event that any two institutions receive the same final score, they are presented in alphabetical order.

The data presented to you in this ranking came directly from the schools’ websites whenever it was available. Additional information was gathered from U.S. News & World Report and the National Center for Education Statistics.

As a disclaimer, OnlineCollegePlan doesn’t grant any institutions more favorable treatment. All of the schools are held to the same rigorous standards, and we openly provide our methodology so that you can understand how we came to these conclusions. Due to incomplete information, there may be a number of schools that are not represented here that otherwise may have ranked.

If none of the schools in this ranking seem like a good fit for you, you may want to check out our article featuring the Top 100 Best Online Colleges .

Tuition Disclaimer: All stated tuition values are based on a student’s in-state residency only and are subject to change.

Linfield is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and currently only offers bachelor’s degrees. Linfield offers a total of 72 different majors and minors to a student body of less than 2,000.

The college offers students credit for life experience through examinations with either CLEP or course finals. ACE-approved work-related credits are also accepted, and the college also provides portfolio examinations for those whose experience cannot be categorized.

Linfield College accepts up to 30 credits for past experience, listing standard sources as well as travel, personal interest, family, and life experience. This is a very welcoming policy, which is part of what makes this college the best online option for students seeking credit for experience.

Coupled with the exceptional educational quality that comes from a highly personalized environment, this is an impressive school. Majors offered online include:

• Business Information Systems
• Computer Information Systems
• Global Studies
• International Business
• Project Management

There are six minors and 18 certificates to customize your learning further. Linfield offers interesting certificates, such as Wine Management, and a Yoga Instructor program.

Online programs at Colorado State University are reasonably popular given the size of the university’s student body. More than a tenth of those students are studying entirely online through the Colorado State University Global campus which offers a variety of undergraduate degree completion programs, graduate degrees, certificates, and other continuing education opportunities.

The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits for some of its programs which is an excellent option for those of you who have completed some of your degree already.

In addition to that, the university also accepts credit from Advanced Placement testing at the high school level, college courses you completed during dual enrollment in high school, International Baccalaureate credits, CLEP testing, and more.

There are 20 online programs offered at DeSales University, including a selection of accelerated bachelor’s degrees and professional certificates. Online classes at DeSales are presented asynchronously, and the courses are condensed into six- and eight-week sessions depending on which class it is. There are 11 start dates throughout the year.

These programs are provided through what the university calls the ACCESS program which has garnered recognition several times throughout the past 40 years since it was established. You have the option to take classes in this accelerated format, or you can also take them on a more traditional schedule.

If something happens and you need to take time off to take care of other obligations, you can pick right back up where you left off. 75 transfer credits are accepted, and you can earn credit for your experience in several ways. DSSTs, CLEPs, and more are all accepted. You also have ample access to financial aid and academic support services while enrolled.

Wisconsin Lutheran College offers one online degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. As the college continues to grow, its offerings to distance-learning students will grow with it.

This degree program is provided in an accelerated format, allowing it to be completed in as little as 20 months of full-time study. There is a generous transfer policy that you could benefit from if you have any prior college experience.

If not, Wisconsin Lutheran College does accept up to 45 credits from other sources such as previous life and work experience. You can apply any CLEP test results to your degree, and you can also submit a portfolio.

Demonstrating competency in specific areas through a variety of ways will allow you to earn credit, as will any other learning experience you received in a professional setting.

Westfield State University is made up of the following:

• College of Education, Health, and Human Services
• College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• College of Graduate and Continuing Education
• College of Mathematics and Sciences

There are six online degrees offered at the bachelor’s level:

• Business Management
• Criminal Justice
• Liberal Studies

The university has been recognized for the quality of its online programs in the past. Classes are offered all year, which may help you to complete your degree faster. Westfield accepts credit through the presentation of a Prior-Learning Portfolio.

You have the opportunity to earn credit for CLEP testing, internships, and can also demonstrate your proficiency in other ways.

Central Michigan University offers 53 total online degree programs. In addition to that, you can also explore your options with more than 20 certificate programs, professional development courses, and personal enrichment courses.

There are options for accelerated format programs that allow you to complete part of your master’s degree courses while you’re working on your bachelor’s degree. The majority of classes are asynchronous, and there are very few on-campus requirements across its entire repertoire.

Students of the CMU Global Campus can earn credit for prior learning. Prior Learning credit is awarded for work, training, and life experience at CMU. What sets the university apart is that it relies on competencies.

So, even if your knowledge doesn’t pertain to a specific course offered, you can still potentially have your knowledge recognized as a credit. In order to receive this credit, students would submit a PLA portfolio for review.

Online programs are offered at Walsh University; however, they are not very popular among the current student body. There are more than ten majors that can be completed in online and accelerated formats. Courses last just five- or eight-weeks and they are self-paced. Some programs can be finished in just over a year of full-time study.

The undergraduate programs accept up to 92 transfer credits, including those from prior learning. Majors include business, communication, a BSN, and more. If none of the offered majors suit your needs, you can also create your own major; Walsh University is one of the very few schools with this option for online students.

There are also four different graduate degrees you can earn online, with a further ten areas of interest to choose from. Walsh University welcomes credits from CLEP testing, work training or experience, and even life experience when students can adequately demonstrate their competency in their portfolios.

Albertus Magnus College has some of the most flexible online programs for students. There are online programs that are taken entirely via the web, and there are what AMC calls Flex programs. The Flex programs allow those students who are close enough to the school to take classes at the brick-and-mortar campus if they are interested in doing so.

There are accelerated degree programs that feature eight-week courses. The setup of these programs allows you to earn as much as 30 credits in just one year, and you can do that online or on-campus. The college is more than committed to enabling you to enroll in a program that is convenient, efficient, and meets all of your needs.

Prior learning credits can be earned from CLEP, DANTES exams, challenge exams, and by submitting a portfolio. Students are eligible for financial aid whether they are full- or part-time, and the college provides access to internships, experiential learning, career services, and more.

The University of Memphis has operated a Division of Professional and Continuing Education since the 1970s. Over time, in order to expand options for nontraditional students, the University of Memphis Global was created. This division offers more than 60 online programs that are fully online, don’t require any visits to campus, and feature predominantly asynchronous courses.

These programs are very flexible, making them an excellent opportunity to attend a highly respected university and receive a quality education that meets all of your needs. U of M offers prior learning credit through a PLA Portfolio because as it boasts, it understands that learning can happen anywhere.

Almost every course in the undergraduate curriculum allows for challenging exams. You can also earn CLEP, DSST, AP, and IB credit. Professional training and licensing are also considered.

There are more than 40 online degree programs to choose from through Eastern Kentucky University’s EKU Online division. Some of the fields offered include business, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology, social work, and more.

There are six start dates throughout the year, and all of the courses are taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts. EKU Online takes great care to make sure that its programs fit into the lives of busy students no matter what they have going on, so many of the courses are asynchronous. In addition, there are generous financial aid opportunities available.

Credit for life and work experience is formally recognized by the university as long as students are actively enrolled and seeking a degree. EKU currently accepts military training and CLEP examination credits as long as there is an equivalent course offered at the university.

Concordia College & University® of Delaware

Your responsible choice since 1999, getting started, president's message, accreditation, degrees & fees, enroll online, supporting courses, contact & faq.

• Degree Completion Plans
• Course Guides
• Supplemental Instruction
• IT Helpdesk
• Academic Departments
• Doctoral Degrees
• Communications
• Criminal Justice
• Public Policy
• Strategic Leadership
• Worship Studies
• More Programs >
• Masters Degrees
• Applied Psychology
• Business Administration
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Executive Leadership
• Healthcare Administration
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Graphic Design
• Information Technology
• Paralegal Studies
• Sports Management
• Associate Degrees
• Christian Counseling
• Creative Writing
• Early Childhood Education
• Information Systems
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Medical Office Assistant
• STEM Mathematics

Undergraduate

• Christian Ministry
• Data Networking
• Project Management
• Biblical Studies
• Educational Tech. & Online Instruction
• General Business
• Health Promotion
• Theological Studies
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Instructional Design
• Higher Ed. Administration
• Special Education
• New Programs
• Biblical Counseling (BS)
• Chaplaincy (MA)
• Christian Leadership – Faith-Based Consulting (PhD)
• Educational Research (PhD)
• Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services (BS)
• Geographic Information Systems – Commercial Logistics (MS)
• Healthcare Law and Compliance (MBA)
• Instructional Design and Technology (EdS)
• Interdisciplinary Research (MA)
• International Relations – Human Rights (MS)
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (BS)
• Special Education (EdD)
• Who Are We?
• Our Three A's
• Virtual Tour of Liberty's Campus
• What is a Nonprofit University?
• Why Choose Liberty?
• Accreditation
• Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty University
• Video Testimonials
• Annual Security Report
• Annual Security Report 2023
• Admission Information
• Getting Started With Liberty
• Admission Process
• Admission FAQs
• Academic Calendar
• Admission Resources
• Common Forms and Documents
• Technical Requirements
• Official Transcript Request Form
• Textbooks and Software
• Transferring to Liberty
• Transfer Students
• Experience Plus – Credit for Life Experience
• Transfer FAQs
• University Transcript Request Links
• Tuition Assistance
• First Responder Discount
• Military Tuition Discount
• Small Business Discount
• Corporate Tuition Assistance
• Corporate Tuition Affiliates
• Financial Basics
• Tuition & Fees
• Payment Plans
• Military Benefits
• Financial Check-In
• Financial Aid
• Financial Aid Process
• Financial Aid FAQs
• Grants & Loans
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Military Homepage
• Military Benefits Guide
• Discount on Tuition
• Doctoral Military Rate
• Veterans Benefits
• Academics and Programs
• Military Programs and Partnerships
• Military Benefits and Scholarships
• Community and Resources
• Top Used Links
• Upcoming Events
• Academic Advising
• Jerry Falwell Library
• Policies and Deadlines
• Liberty University Academic Calendar Online
• Academic Policies
• Information Technology (IT)
• Online Writing Center
• Honor Societies
• Student Advocate Office
• Flames Pass (Student ID)
• Online Student Life
• Office of Disability Accommodation Support
• Commonly Used Forms
• learn.liberty.edu

Experience Plus – Earn Credit by Portfolio

Earn college credit by submitting a professional portfolio.

Liberty University recognizes that adult learners have valuable experiences that they bring to the academic environment of higher education. For that reason, we believe students should receive college credit for learning that can be demonstrated through experience.

In some cases, credit may be awarded directly for job training, based on a precedent that has been established by our university. In other cases, students will need to petition for credit through the official portfolio process.

Find out more about the Experience Plus Program here.

Please note:  If your degree involves any type of licensure and/or other certifications that are received from a state, government entity, or military branch following the conferral of the degree, then you are ineligible for any type of Experience Plus credit.

If you are unsure whether or not this pertains to you, please call Academic Advising (800) 424-9595 or email  [email protected] . Also, for undergraduate students at least 25% of classes in your major must be completed at Liberty University and for graduate and doctoral at least 50% must be completed at Liberty.

Experience Plus Portfolio Apply Now  

What is a portfolio, application process.

• Students must be accepted to a degree program to pursue the portfolio review process. 
• Students may submit their portfolio through the Experience Plus Portfolio Application Portal for review and evaluation by a faculty member. Students will select the school and specific course to be reviewed for credit approval.  
• Based on learning objectives, students will answer a varying number of questions for which they are requesting to earn credit.
• Letters of verification from supervisors
• Certificates
• Transcripts
• Job descriptions/evaluations
• Work samples
• PowerPoint presentations
• Charts, graphs, and photographs
• Newspaper clippings
• A $100 non-refundable portfolio assessment fee  will be charged for each portfolio submission to your student account in order to evaluate academic credit for knowledge demonstrated through the Experience Plus portfolio. Not all experience qualifies for academic credit.
• You will be notified by email once the portfolio has been approved or denied. If your portfolio is denied, you will have the opportunity to submit one appeal based on the feedback of the faculty member who has reviewed it.

Evaluation Process

• The Experience Plus Coordinator will assign your portfolio to a subject matter expert in the field.
• This process will be completed within five business days of submission. However, depending on the time of year (i.e. holiday, spring break, etc.), it could take longer.
• The Experience Plus Coordinator will contact you by email once the portfolio has been returned for final processing. Please be aware that there is no guarantee of approval.

Questions? Contact the Experience Plus Coordinator at [email protected] .

Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate student qualifications for submitting a portfolio for credit.

• Must be accepted to a degree program to pursue the portfolio review process
• Have a minimum of 3 years training in their field
• Demonstrate professional excellence in their field
• Work relates to a subject taught at Liberty
• Have experience in at least one of the following areas: m issions,  business,  counseling, or  education

For students pursuing a degree in nursing or aviation, please submit your RN credential or pilot license for credit by emailing [email protected] .

Ineligibility

Please note: This list of programs that are ineligible for Portfolio experience is subject to change at any time and is inconclusive. PhD students must email [email protected] to inquire about portfolio eligibility. 

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.) Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Elementary Education – Licensure Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Middle Grades – Licensure Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education – Licensure

Juris Master (J.M.) Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (M.A.) Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling (M.A.) Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A.) Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) – 60-hour Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) — Community Chaplaincy Master of Arts in Sports Chaplaincy (M.A.) Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) — Elementary Education Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) — Middle Grades Education Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) — Secondary Education Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) — Special Education Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — Community Chaplaincy (Non-Thesis) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — Community Chaplaincy (Thesis) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — Healthcare Chaplaincy (Non-Thesis) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — Healthcare Chaplaincy (Thesis) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — Military Chaplaincy (Non-Thesis) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — Military Chaplaincy (Thesis) Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy (M.Div.) Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Administration and Supervision Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Math Specialist Endorsement Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Reading Specialist Endorsement Master of Education in School Counseling (M.Ed.)

School of Business DBA program core classes and dissertation classes School of Business DSL program

Helpful Information about Portfolio Submission

If you are interested in learning about how your portfolio submission will be graded, please review our grading rubric . Each area of experience will be evaluated for  mastery   or  developing.     

• Credit earned by portfolio is considered transfer credit and counts towards overall transfer credit hours and transfer allowance/limit for your program. It does not count towards your GPA requirements, minimum Liberty University credits, and it cannot be used to fulfill degree requirements, even if approved, if you have already reached the transfer limit for your program.
• Each portfolio request has a $100 submission fee. If your portfolio is denied, there is a $50 appeal fee to resubmit your request. The fees will be charged to your student’s account.
• Undergraduate: 100-400 level courses
• Master: 500-600 level courses
• Doctoral: 700-900 level courses
• As you answer the essay-type questions for your portfolio request, you must demonstrate competency in the course learning objectives. It is imperative that you prove academic learning through your experience.
• It is highly encouraged you provide supplementary documentation that validates competency in the specific areas. Refer to the below list of suggested documentation.
• Access to the Portfolio portal is not available before the term you are scheduled to begin courses or if you have any kind of hold on your account.
• Please review the grading rubric before you begin and be advised that the EPlus team does not review your portfolio requests. The submissions are reviewed by qualified faculty members in the respective academic departments.

Examples of supplementary documentation:

• Resumes with years of experience
• Letters of verification from supervisors/employers
• Certificates of completion
• Digital portfolios
• Published works
• Professional/Industry certifications
• Programming, coding, scripting, configurations, simulator, and software work and files

Examples of topics or experience not to use :

• Apprenticeship programs
• Basic vocabulary, spelling, grammar
• Career development
• Company or job-specific training
• Court reporting
• CPR and first aid
• Defensive driving
• Guns/firearms/concealed weapons/batons
• Internship/on-the-job training
• Job interviewing skills
• New hire training
• Notary public
• Office machines
• Orientations
• Remedial college preparatory classes
• Secondary coursework
• Silva mind control lecture series
• Smoke enders program
• Speed reading
• Truck driving
• Tutoring/mentoring/coaching
• Typing/keyboarding

List of Available Courses

Don’t see your course listed? Please email  [email protected] or call Academic Advising  (800) 424-9595 .

• College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences Course Guides

College of Arts and Sciences course eligible for the portfolio access:

• CFRE 101 – Conversational French I
• CGRM 101 – Conversational German I
• CGRM 102 – Conversational German II
• CGRM 103 – Conversational German III
• CSPA 101 – Conversational Spanish I
• ENGL 103 – Technical Communication for the Professions
• GEOG 200 – Introduction to Geography
• HIST 305 – Introduction to Public History
• WRIT 201 – Introduction to Creative Writing
• College of Applied Studies and Academic Success (CASAS)

College of Applied Studies and Academic Success (CASAS) Course Guides

College of Applied Studies and Academic Success (CASAS) courses coming soon!

• Helms School of Government

Helms School of Government Course Guides

Helms School of Government courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• CJUS 200 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CJUS 230 – Criminal Justice Research and Writing
• CJUS 300 – Administration of Justice Organizations
• CJUS 310 – Juvenile Justice
• CJUS 320 – Corrections
• CJUS 321 – Juvenile Corrections
• CJUS 322 – Community-Based Corrections
• CJUS 323 – Delinquency and Crime Prevention
• CJUS 324 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Juvenile Justice
• CJUS 330 – Judicial Process
• CJUS 340 – Criminology
• CJUS 350 – Criminal Justice Ethics
• CJUS 360 – Introduction to Forensics
• CJUS 361 – Crime Scene Photography
• CJUS 362 – Crime Scene Management
• CJUS 363 – Computer and Cyber Forensics
• CJUS 380 – Introduction to Homeland Security
• CJUS 381 – Incident Command System/Emergency Planning and Incident
• CJUS 382 – Critical Infrastructure Protection
• CJUS 383 – Behavioral Dimensions of Disaster
• CJUS 400 – Criminal Law
• CJUS 410 – Constitutional Criminal Procedure
• CJUS 420 – Criminal Investigations I
• ETHC 323 – Critical and Historical Development of Public Ethics
• ETHC 324 – Applied Ethics in Public Policy
• ETHC 325 – Legal Ethics
• FIRE 310 – Fire Prevention and Protection
• FIRE 320 – Legal and Political issues in Fire Administration
• FIRE 330 – Human Resources Management in Fire Services Organizations
• FIRE 340 – Administration of Fire and Emergency Services
• FIRE 450 – Leadership in Fire Services Organizations
• GOVT 210 – Introduction to Political Science
• GOVT 215 – Logic and Legal Reasoning
• GOVT 220 – American Government
• GOVT 230 – Public Policy Research and Writing
• GOVT 280 – Undergraduate Torts
• GOVT 302 – Modern Political and Economic Ideas
• GOVT 320 – American Executive Processes/Institutions
• GOVT 322 – American Legislative System
• GOVT 327 – State and Local Government
• GOVT 328 – American Political Processes
• GOVT 329 – American Exceptionalism
• GOVT 330 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
• GOVT 340 – International Relations
• GOVT 345 – Jurisprudence
• GOVT 346 – Legal Research and Writing
• GOVT 348 – Constitutional Studies – The 2nd Amendment – The Right to Keep and Bear Arms
• GOVT 350 – Political Economy and Public Policy
• GOVT 376 – Resilient Nations
• GOVT 380 – Introduction to Intelligence
• GOVT 381 – Intelligence Analysis
• GOVT 404 – Undergraduate Contracts
• GOVT 406 – Undergraduate Property
• GOVT 407 – Undergraduate Civil Procedure
• GOVT 408 – Negotiation
• GOVT 409 – Advanced Logic and Legal Reasoning
• GOVT 421 – American Constitutional History
• GOVT 422 – American Constitutional Law
• GOVT 425 – American Foreign Policy
• GOVT 460 – Contemporary Issues in Political Science
• GOVT 470 – Government Regulation of Business
• GOVT 476 – Persuasive Argumentation for Lawyers
• GOVT 480 – Terrorism
• GOVT 481 – Counter-terrorism
• GOVT 483 – Military Operations and Intelligence
• GOVT 484 – Strategic Intelligence
• GOVT 490 – Political Theory
• PADM 360 – Introduction to Public Administration
• PADM 462 – Public Finance and Budgeting
• PADM 475 – Advanced Public Administration
• PADM 480 – Legal and Political Issues in Public Administration
• PADM 485 – Public Administration Leadership and Community Engagement
• PLST 200 – Introduction to Paralegal Studies
• John W. Rawlings School of Divinity

John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Course Guides

John W. Rawlings School of Divinity  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• APOL 104 – Contemporary Worldviews
• APOL 201 – Apologetics and Cultural Engagement
• APOL 220 – Introduction to Apologetics
• APOL 311 – Foundational Issues in Apologetics
• APOL 325 – Christianity and the Cults
• APOL 431 – Introduction to Islam
• APOL 480 – Biblical Studies and Apologetics
• BIBL 104 – Survey of Old and New Testament
• BIBL 105 – Old Testament Survey
• BIBL 110 – New Testament Survey
• BIBL 205 – Old Testament Life and Literature
• BIBL 210 – New Testament Life and Literature
• BIBL 311 – Joshua thru Judges
• BIBL 314 – Old Testament Poetical Books
• BIBL 316 – Isaiah
• BIBL 323 – John
• BIBL 324 – Pastoral Epistles and Leadership Development
• BIBL 330 – Life of Christ
• BIBL 350 – Inductive Bible Study
• BIBL 360 – Methodical Study of Scripture
• BIBL 364 – Acts
• BIBL 370 – Logos Bible Software
• BIBL 410 – Genesis
• BIBL 425 – Romans
• BIBL 450 – Daniel-Revelation
• BIBL 460 – New Testament Theology
• BIBL 461 – Old Testament Theology
• BIBL 471 – Biblical Archeology
• BIBL 472 – New Testament Backgrounds
• BIBL 473 – Old Testament Backgrounds
• BIBL 480 – Hermeneutics
• CHHI 300 – Survey of the History of Christianity
• CHHI 301 – History of the Christian Church I
• CHHI 302 – History of the Christian Church II
• CHMN 201 – Introduction to Church Ministry
• CHMN 360 – Foundations in Ministry Programming
• CHMN 447 – Discipleship in Church Ministries
• CHMN 450 – Leadership and Management in Ministry
• CLED 300 – Biblical and Theological Foundations of Christian Leadership
• CLED 310 – Foundations of Christian Leadership
• CLED 325 – Critical Issues in Ministry Leadership
• CLED 365 – The Personal Development of the Leader
• CLED 410 – Team Dynamics in Christian Leadership
• CLED 425 – Ethical Issues in Christian Leadership
• CLED 450 – Organization and Leadership in Ministry
• COAL 210 – Introduction to Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership
• COAL 220 – Foundations and Programming in Camp and Outdoor Leadership
• COAL 310 – Christian Camp: Site Plan and Design
• COAL 370 – Managing the Christian Ministry Organization
• COAL 460 – Camp and Outdoor Ministry: Property, Programs, Policies, and Procedures
• EVAN 101 – Evangelism and the Christian Life
• EVAN 201 – Preparation for Personal Evangelism
• EVAN 220 – Effective Message Preparation in Evangelism
• EVAN 301 – Evangelism and the Work of the Holy Spirit
• EVAN 401 – Discipleship in Evangelism
• GLST 200 – Introduction to Global Studies
• GLST 220 – Intercultural Communication and Engagement
• GLST 290 – Cultural Anthropology
• GLST 301 – Global Exposure
• GLST 385 – Career Preparation for Global Workers
• GLST 431 – Introduction to Islam
• GLST 485 – Engaging Tribal Cultures
• PLED 421 – Homiletics I
• PLED 422 – Homiletics II
• PLED 446 – Christocentric Preaching
• RLGN 104 – Christian Life and Biblical Worldview
• RLGN 105 – Biblical Worldview: From Creation to Redemption
• RLGN 350 – World Religions
• RLGN 360 – Practical Teaching of Scripture
• THEO 313 – The Person and Work of Christ
• THEO 324 – A Theology of Suffering and Disability
• THEO 330 – Theology of the Family
• THEO 340 – Theology and Politics
• THEO 360 – Theological Interpretation of Scripture
• THEO 362 – Historical Theology
• THEO 415 – Examining and Applying Biblical and Theological Concepts
• THEO 430 – Modern and Contemporary Theology
• THEO 450 – Middle East Conflict in Biblical Perspective
• WLED 220 – Survey of Women’s Ministries
• WLED 320 – Spiritual Formation and Development for Women in Leadership
• WLED 330 – The Role of Christian Women in Ministry
• WLED 387 – Methods of Teaching the Bible and Communication Skills for Women
• WLED 410 – Leadership Development and Strategies for Women in Ministry
• YOUT 201 – Survey of Youth Ministries
• YOUT 220 – Global Youth Culture
• YOUT 301 – Foundations of Youth Ministry
• YOUT 310 – Strategies for Student Outreach
• YOUT 340 – Current Issues in Youth Ministry
• YOUT 350 – Campus Ministry
• YOUT 360 – Camping Ministry
• YOUT 370 – Managing the Christian Youth Organization
• YOUT 380 – Ministering to Adolescents in Crisis
• YOUT 447 – Discipleship in Youth Ministry
• YOUT 448 – Contemporary Youth Communication
• YOUT 450 – Professional Orientation to Youth Ministry
• YOUT 460 – Programs for Youth Ministry
• School of Behavioral Sciences

School of Behavioral Sciences Course Guides

School of Behavioral Sciences  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• CCOU 201 – Intro to Christian Counseling
• CCOU 202 – Issues of Christian Counseling
• CCOU 301 – Christian Counseling for Marriage and Family
• CCOU 302 – Christian Counseling for Children
• CCOU 304 – Christian Counseling for Women
• CCOU 305 – Issues in Human Sexuality
• CRIS 302 – Foundational Principles of Crisis Response
• CRIS 303 – Acute Stress, Grief, and Trauma
• CRIS 304 – PTSD and Combat-Related Trauma
• CRIS 305 – Trauma Assessments and Interventions
• CRIS 306 – Complex Trauma And Disaster: Offering Emotional And Spiritual Care
• DBFA 300 – Marriage, Family and Faith: Basic Worldviews
• DBFA 305 – Relationships, Public Policy, and Advocacy Strategies
• DBFA 400 – Child/Adolescent Development, Deviance, and Violence: Etiology, Assessment, and Treatment
• DBFA 410 – Contemporary Thought, Research and Emerging Paradigms in Marriage and Family Studies
• DBMF 300 – Child and Adolescent Issues and Helping Strategies
• DBMF 400 – Marriage and Family Systems – Foundations Models and Techniques
• DBMF 405 – Divorce Remarriage and Blended Families
• DBPC 300 – Child and Family Development: Psychological and Theological Perspectives
• DBPC 305 – Effective Parenting: Childhood Behavior and Discipline Strategies
• DBPC 400 – Human Development across the Lifespan
• DBPC 405 – Childhood Issues Trauma and Abuse
• DBPC 410 – Healthy Sexuality: Biblical and Developmental Factors
• LIFC 201 – Introduction to Life Coaching
• LIFC 202 – Advanced Skills in Life Coaching
• LIFC 301 – Health and Wellness Coaching
• LIFC 302 – Marriage Coaching
• LIFC 303 – Financial Life Coaching
• LIFC 304 – Leadership Coaching
• MILT 275 – The Resilient Warrior 
• MILT 325 – Resilient Marriage and Family
• MILT 375 – Military Career and Community Transition
• MILT 475 – Military Mental and Behavioral Health
• PSYC 101 – General Psychology
• PSYC 210 – Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 221 – Psychology of Childhood
• PSYC 231 – Psychology of Adolescence
• PSYC 235 – Psychology of Adulthood
• PSYC 255 – Introduction to Research
• PSYC 305 – Overview of Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse
• PSYC 306 – Advanced Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse
• PSYC 307 – Treatment and Recovery of Addictions
• PSYC 308 – Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Addiction
• PSYC 309 – Healthy Sexuality
• PSYC 312 – Social Psychology
• PSYC 317 – Crisis Intervention
• PSYC 320 – Behavior Modification
• PSYC 336 – Gerontology
• PSYC 341 – Psychology of Personality
• PSYC 345 – Exceptional Child
• PSYC 351 – Multicultural Counseling and Research Issues
• PSYC 354 – Statistics for the Social Sciences
• PSYC 355 – Statistics in Psychology
• PSYC 365 – Psychological Foundations of Learning
• PSYC 371 – Theories in Counseling and Psychotherapy
• PSYC 380 – Physiological Psychology
• PSYC 405 – Group Dynamics
• PSYC 420 – Psychology and Christianity
• PSYC 421 – Psychological Measurement
• PSYC 430 – Abnormal Psychology
• PSYC 475 – Psychology of Criminal Behavior
• SOCI 200 – Introduction to Sociology
• SOCI 201 – Social Problems
• School of Business

School of Business Course Guides

School of Business  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• ACCT 211 – Financial Accounting
• ACCT 212 – Managerial Accounting
• ACCT 301 – Intermediate Accounting I
• ACCT 302 – Intermediate Accounting II
• ACCT 311 – Cost Accounting I
• ACCT 332 – Accounting Information Systems
• ACCT 370 – Financial Statement Analysis
• ACCT 401 – Taxation I
• ACCT 402 – Advanced Accounting
• ACCT 403 – Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
• ACCT 404 – Auditing
• ACCT 412 – Taxation II
• ACCT 432 – IT Audit
• BUSI 101 – Introduction to Business
• BUSI 201 – Intermediate Business Computer Applications
• BUSI 223 – Personal Finance
• BUSI 240 – Organizational Behavior and Management
• BUSI 300 – Business Communications
• BUSI 301 – Legal and Ethical Concepts for Decision Makers
• BUSI 302 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
• BUSI 303 – International Business
• BUSI 304 – Introduction to Health Policy
• BUSI 310 – Principles of Management
• BUSI 311 – Introduction to Healthcare Administration
• BUSI 313 – Foundations of Project Management
• BUSI 320 – Finance Principles
• BUSI 321 – Money and the Financial System
• BUSI 330 – Principles of Marketing
• BUSI 331 – Marketing Research
• BUSI 332 – Consumer Behavior
• BUSI 335 – Leading Change
• BUSI 336 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship
• BUSI 342 – Human Resources Management
• BUSI 343 – Employee and Labor Relations
• BUSI 344 – Human Resource Management in Healthcare Administration
• BUSI 345 – Leadership Theory and Practices
• BUSI 352 – Financial and Retirement Planning
• BUSI 354 – Estate Planning
• BUSI 360 – Contemporary Issues in International Business
• BUSI 365 – Global Industries and Operation
• BUSI 370 – Dynamics of the American Automotive Dealership Industry
• BUSI 405  – Forecasting and Predictive Analytics
• BUSI 409 – Nonprofit Management and Governance
• BUSI 411 – Operations Strategy
• BUSI 414 – Project Management I
• BUSI 415 – Advanced Project Management
• BUSI 416 – Leading Project Teams
• BUSI 418 – Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare
• BUSI 419 – Management of Quality Improvement and Outcomes
• BUSI 420 – Investments
• BUSI 421 – Insurance and Risk Management
• BUSI 422 – Real Estate Finance and Investment
• BUSI 427 – Team Dynamics
• BUSI 428 – Strategic Management and Marketing in Healthcare
• BUSI 430 – Promotion Strategy
• BUSI 431 – Sales Management and Professional Selling
• BUSI 436 – Digital Marketing in a Virtual World
• BUSI 438 – Marketing Brand Management
• BUSI 439 – Conversion and Optimization
• BUSI 440 – Compensation Management
• BUSI 442 – Consumer Retention Through Digital Marketing
• BUSI 443 – Workplace Planning and Employment
• BUSI 444 – Human Resource Development
• BUSI 446 – Retailing and Category Management
• BUSI 452 – Survey Design
• BUSI 453 – Applied Marketing Analysis
• BUSI 455 – Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• BUSI 464 – International Marketing Integration/Trade Agreements
• BUSI 465 – Export Management Strategy
• BUSI 472 – Organizational Ethics
• CSIS 100 – Introduction to Information Sciences and Systems
• CSIS 208 – Application Programming
• CSIS 209 – C Sharp Programming
• CSIS 212 – Object-Oriented Programming
• CSIS 310 – Web Architecture and Development
• CSIS 312 – Advanced Object-oriented Programming
• CSIS 320 – IS Hardware and Software
• CSIS 330 – Business Data Communication Systems
• CSIS 331 – Networks
• CSIS 335 – Network Security
• CSIS 340 – Studies in Information Security
• CSIS 341 – Information Security Planning
• CSIS 345 – Introduction to Linux
• CSIS 351 – System Analysis and Design
• CSIS 352 – System Administration
• CSIS 354 – Integrative Programming and Technologies
• CSIS 355 – Network Architecture and Protocols
• CSIS 375 – Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
• CSIS 405 – Business and Economic Forecasting
• CSIS 410 – Web Enterprise Technologies
• CSIS 440 – Digital Forensics
• CSIS 470 – Executive Perspectives on E-Commerce Technology
• ECON 110 – Survey of Economics
• ECON 213 – Principles of Economics I (Microeconomics)
• ECON 214 – Principles of Economics II (Macroeconomics)
• ECON 350 – Classical Economics
• INFO 305 – Quality Management and Decision Support
• INFO 310 – Foundations of Pharmacology
• INFO 320 – Healthcare Informatics
• INFO 321 – Healthcare Coding and Classification
• INFO 405 – Informatics Information Systems
• SMGT 200- Introduction to Sports Management
• SMGT 201 – History of Sport
• SMGT 300 – Introduction to Coaching
• SMGT 302 – Sport Facilities and Events
• SMGT 304 – Coaching Football
• SMGT 305 – Sport Law
• SMGT 306 – Coaching Basketball
• SMGT 307 – Coaching Fall Sports
• SMGT 308 – Coaching Spring Sports
• SMGT 310 – Communication in Sport
• SMGT 312 – Introduction to Sport Outreach
• SMGT 314 – Coaching Dynamics
• SMGT 315 – Concepts and Practices in Outreach
• SMGT 317 – Mentoring in Sport Ministry
• SMGT 321 – Global Sport Ministry
• SMGT 400 – Sport and Exercise Psychology
• SMGT 401 – Sport Methodology, Methods, and Practices
• SMGT 402 – Sports Chaplaincy
• SMGT 404 – Administration and Organization in Sport and Recreation
• SMGT 405 – Sports Finance
• SMGT 406 – Issues and Trends in Sport
• SMGT 410 – Sports Marketing
• School of Communication and the Arts

School of Communication and the Arts Course Guides

School of Communication and the Arts courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• ARTS 222 – Introduction to Graphic Design
• ARTS 224 – Media Design
• ARTS 332 – Vector Illustration
• ARTS 340 – Publication Design
• ARTS 342 – Digital Imaging
• ARTS 361 – Digital Photography
• ARTS 380 – Interactive Publication
• ARTS 473 – Introduction to 3D Graphics
• ARTS 474 – Interactive Game Development
• ARTS 478 – Interactive Design II
• JOUR 225 – Media Writing
• SCOM 110 – Media and Culture
• STCO 307 – Strategic Communication
• STCO 356 – Digital/Social/Mobile Communication Strategies
• STCO 357 – Public Relations and Promotion Tactics
• School of Education

School of Education Course Guides

School of Education  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• EDUC 200 – Principles of Education
• EDUC 205 – Learning Theory and Portfolio Development
• EDUC 210 – Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
• EDUC 215 – Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
• EDUC 301 – Instructional Practices for Math Teachers
• EDUC 302 – Instructional Practices for Reading Teachers
• EDUC 303 – Instructional Practices for Content Teachers
• EDUC 304 – Classroom Management for Teachers
• EDUC 306 – Scholarly Writing and APA for Teachers
• EDUC 307 – Instructional Practice for Differentiated Instruction
• EDSP 360 – Learning and Behavior Problems
• EDSP 367 – Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
• EDSP 370 – Intervention for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
• EDSP 377 – Autism: Educational and Theoretical Approaches
• EDSP 410 – Instructional Adaptation for Special Education
• EDSP 429 – Survey of Trends in Special Education
• School of Health Sciences

School of Health Sciences Course Guides

School of Health Sciences  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• AMOA 203 – Medical Office Systems and Procedures
• AMOA 207 – Medical Office Coding
• HLTH 491 – Grantsmanship
• School of Nursing

School of Nursing Course Guides

School of Nursing  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• NURS 211 – Post-Licensure Health Assessment
• NURS 215 – Post-Licensure Pathophysiology
• NURS 220 – Advanced Nursing Communications
• NURS 325 – Nursing Concepts
• NURS 416 – Preceptorship in Nursing
• NURS 440 – Strategies for Community Health Care
• NURS 446 – Post-Licensure Population Health
• NURS 489 – Leadership in Nursing
• NURS 491 – Nursing Management

College of Arts and Sciences   courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• HIST 505 – Public History
• HIST 701 – Historical Professions
• HIST 820 – Teaching History Online
• TESL 602 – Curriculum, Testing, and Assessment
• TESL 603 – Teaching Grammar, Lexicon, and Pronunciation

Helms School of Government  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• CJUS 500 – Criminal Justice Integration
• CJUS 520 – Administration of Justice Organizations
• CJUS 530 – Human Resources Management in Criminal Justice Organizations
• CJUS 550 – Topics and Trends in Criminal Justice
• CJUS 601 – Criminal Justice Program Evaluation
• CJUS 610 – Leadership, Ethics, and Policing
• CJUS 620 – Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology
• CJUS 630 – Crisis Intervention in Law Enforcement
• CJUS 640 – Psychology and the Legal System
• CJUS 650 – Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders
• HLSC 500 – Foundations of Homeland Security
• HLSC 510 – Homeland Security Organization and Administration
• HLSC 520 – Legal Issues in Homeland Security
• HLSC 600 – Introduction to Disaster Management
• HLSC 610 – Understanding Terrorism and Homeland Security
• HLSC 620 – Hazard Mitigation
• INTL 500 – Introduction to International Relations
• INTL 502 – Global Governance
• NSEC 502 – Christian Values in National Security
• NSEC 503 – National Security, National Defense, and Foreign Policy
• NSEC 504 – Historic Lessons of National Security in War and Peace
• NSEC 505 – Cybersecurity Policy / Operations and Political Challenges
• NSEC 506 – Sovereignty and National Security Challenges
• NSEC 507 – Terrorism and National Security
• PADM 501 – Fundamentals of Public Administration
• PADM 530 – Politics, Strategies, and Initiatives of Community Economic Development
• PADM 550 – Public Policy Analysis
• PADM 600 – Politics and Policy of Public Sector Budgeting
• PADM 610 – Management of Public Sector Organizations
• PADM 620 – Public Administration Praxis: Legal and Contemporary Issues
• PSCI 610 – Contemporary Political Process and Trends
• PPOG 500 – Introduction to Writing, Research, and Turabian
• PPOG 502 – Economics and Public Policy
• PPOG 503 – Political Philosophy
• PPOG 504 – Leadership, Statesmanship, and Governance
• PPOG 506 – Introduction to Geopolitics and International Diplomacy
• PPOG 624 – Presidential Leadership
• PPOG 625 – Legislative Leadership
• PPOG 626 – State and Local Leadership
• PPOG 635 – Speech Writing for Candidates and Officeholders
• PPOG 640 – Middle East Laws and Policy
• PPOG 641 – U.S. Middle East Foreign Policy
• PPOL 501 – Foundations of American Governance: An Introduction to Public Policy
• PPOL 505 – Applied Public Policy Research Methods
• PPOL 630 – Campaign Tactics, Strategies, and Management
• PPOL 631 – Message, Media, and Political Communications
• PPOL 650 – International Law, Policy, and Politics
• PPOL 652 – US Foreign Policy and Sovereignty Issues
• PSCI 501 – American Government
• PSCI 600 – Comparative Politics

John W. Rawlings School of Divinity courses eligible for the portfolio process:

CHPL 598 – Spiritual and Professional Development of the Chaplain CHPL 645 – Chaplain Resilient Leaders CHPL 655 – Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship DSMN 500 – Discipleship Ministries DSMN 520 – Spiritual Formation DSMN 610 – Family Discipleship DSMN 630 – Small Group Ministries DSMN 660 – Leading a Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Church EVAN 500 – Spiritual Factors of Growing Churches EVAN 505 – Introduction to Church Planting EVAN 510 – Evangelism and the Growing Church EVAN 610 – Church Planting Methods and Culture EVAN 670 – Strategic Prayer and Spiritual Warfare YOUT 510 – Developing a Philosophy of Youth Ministry YOUT 520 – Leading Youth and Family Ministry YOUT 615 – Integrating Youth Ministry into the Home and Church YOUT 630 – Contextualization of Evangelism and Discipleship in Youth Ministry APOL 500 – Introduction to Apologetics THEO 510 – Survey of Theology THEO 525 – Systematic Theology I THEO 530 – Systematic Theology II OBST 515 – Old Testament Orientation I OBST 520 – Old Testament Orientation II NBST 515 – New Testament Orientation I NBST 520 – New Testament Orientation II GLST 600 – Cultural Anthropology LEAD 505 – Church Administration LEAD 520 – The Life of Leaders LEAD 610 – Team Leadership and Conflict Resolution LEAD 620 – Mission, Vision and Strategic Planning LEAD 625 – Preventing Ministry Failure LEAD 635 — Theology of Pastoral Ministry

School of Aeronautics

School of Aeronautics Course Guides

School of Aeronautics courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• AVIA 505 – Aviation Context and Foundations
• AVIA 525 – Applied Aviation Research
• AVIA 535 – Developing Aviation Leaders
• AVIA 536 – Contemporary Issues in Aviation Leadership
• AVIA 537 – Aviation Organizational Leadership
• AVIA 542 – Aviation Teaching and Learning Strategies
• AVIA 543 – Ethics in Aerospace Decision Making
• AVIA 544 – Aerospace Education and Training Leadership
• AVIA 545 – Aviation Curriculum Development
• AVIA 571 – Safety Fundamentals in Aeronautics
• AVIA 572 – Applied Human Factors
• AVIA 573 – Safety Culture Methods
• AVIA 574 – Graduate Safety Analysis
• AVIA 575 – Contemporary Issues in Aviation Safety
• AVIA 605 – Aviation Law

School of Behavioral Sciences courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• CRIS 605 – Crisis and First Responder Training: Skills and Techniques
• CRIS 606 – Acute Stress, Grief and Trauma
• CRIS 607 – PTSD and Combat-Related Trauma
• CRIS 608 – Trauma Assessment and Interventions
• CRIS 609 – Complex Trauma and Disasters: Offering Emotional and Spiritual Care
• DBFA 600 – Family, Faith, and the Future: Worldview
• DBFA 605 – Public Policy and Advocacy Strategies
• DBFA 610 – Divorce, Remarriage, and Blended Families
• DBFA 615 – Child/Adolescent Development, Deviance, and Violence
• DBFA 620 – Research and Emerging Paradigms in Marriage and Family Studies
• DBMF 600 – Counseling Children and Adolescents: Issues and Strategies
• DBMF 605 – Parenting and Child Discipline Strategies: Raising Healthy Kids
• DBMF 610 – Marriage and Family Systems: Foundations, Models, and Techniques
• DBPC 600 – Child and Family Development: Psychological and Theological Perspectives
• DBPC 610 – Human Growth and Lifespan Development
• DBPC 615 – Childhood Issues, Trauma, and Abuse
• DBPC 620 – Healthy Sexuality: Biblical and Developmental Factors
• EDCO 705 – Issues and Trends in Community Counseling
• EDCO 711 – Advanced Group Counseling
• EDCO 715 – Applied Counseling Theories
• EDCO 725 – Teaching and Learning
• EDCO 735 – Statistics
• EDCO 740 – Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors
• EDCO 745 – Intermediate Statistics and Research
• EDCO 800 – Advanced Tests and Measures
• EDCO 801 – Assessment in Marital and Family Counseling
• EDCO 806 – Premarital and Remarriage Counseling
• EDCO 810 – Research Design
• EDCO 811 – Marriage Counseling
• EDCO 815 – Family Development
• EDCO 817 – Trauma and Current Issues in Marital Counseling
• EDCO 821 – Ethics and Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• EDCO 826 – Growth and Development of the Pastoral Counselor
• EDCO 831 – Individual and Family Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• EDCO 836 – Premarital and Marital Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• EDCO 841 – Crisis and Current Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• HSCO 502 – Human Growth and Development
• HSCO 506 – Integration of Spirituality and Counseling 
• HSCO 508 – Studies in Interpersonal Communication
• HSCO 509 – Multicultural Issues In Human Services
• HSCO 511 – Group Dynamics
• HSMF 601 – Marriage and Family Counseling
• HSMF 603 – Premarital and Marital Counseling
• HSMF 611 – Counseling Children and Their Families
• HSMF 620 – Counseling Adolescents and Their Families
• HSMF 687 – Counseling Women
• LIFC 501 – Introduction to Life Coaching
• LIFC 502 – Advanced Life Coaching Skills
• LIFC 601 – Health and Wellness Coaching
• LIFC 602 – Marriage Coaching
• LIFC 603 – Financial Life Coaching
• LIFC 604 – Leadership Professional Life Coaching
• MILT 525 – Advanced Resilience for Leaders and Caregivers
• MILT 575 – Resilient Marriage and Family
• MILT 625 – Military Career and Community Transition
• MILT 675 – Advanced Military Mental and Behavioral Health
• PACO 500 – Introduction to Pastoral Counseling
• PACO 501 – Foundational Doctrines for Pastoral Counselors
• PACO 504 – Multicultural Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• PACO 506 – Integration of Psychology and Theology
• PACO 507 – Theology and Spirituality in Counseling
• PACO 509 – Spiritual Formation in Pastoral Counseling
• PACO 600 – Survey of Christian Counseling Theories
• PACO 602 – Pastoral Counseling with Couples
• PACO 603 – Premarital and Marital Counseling
• PACO 604 – Crisis Intervention in Pastoral Counseling
• PACO 611 – Counseling Children and their Families
• PACO 615 – Marriage and Family Counseling
• PACO 617 – Theories and Techniques in Pastoral Counseling
• PACO 618 – Advanced Marriage and Family Counseling
• PACO 620 – Counseling the Adolescent and Their Families
• PACO 625 – Healthy Sexuality
• PACO 630 – Gerontology and Counseling
• PACO 687 – Counseling Women
• PACO 825 – Growth and Development of the Contemporary Minister
• PACO 835 – Premarital and Marital Issues in Pastoral Counseling
• PACO 840 – Crisis and Current Issues in Pastoral Counseling 
• PSYC 510 – Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 512 – Advanced Social Psychology
• PSYC 515 – Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology II
• PSYC 516 – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 520 – Psychology and Christianity
• PSYC 525 – Advanced Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 545 – Test Construction/Validation
• PSYC 565 – Psychology of Learning
• PSYC 575 – Cognitive Psychology
• PSYC 620 – Intervention and Behavior Support
• PSYC 621 – Advanced Child Psychology
• PSYC 631 – Advanced Adolescent Psychology
• PSYC 635 – Advanced Adult Psychology
• PSYC 636 – Gerontology
• PSYC 640 – Organizational Behavior and Development
• PSYC 642 – Human Resource Training and Development
• PSYC 644 – Organizational Ethics
• PSYC 645 – Developmental Psychopathology
• PSYC 648 – Leadership and Motivation
• PSYC 651 – Personnel and Performance Management
• PSYC 676 – Developmental Neuropsychology
• TRMA 800 – Child and Adolescent Trauma
• TRMA 810 – Adult and Familial Trauma
• TRMA 820 – Disaster Mental Health and Community Response
• ACCT 622 – Advanced Auditing
• ACCT 632 – Advanced Financial Accounting Theory
• BMAL 500 – Organizational Behavior
• BMAL 501 – Strategic Leadership and Management
• BMAL 504 – Leading Organizational Change
• BMAL 530 – Accounting for Non-financial Managers
• BMAL 550 – Effective Executive Communication
• BMAL 560 – Corporate Responsibility
• BMAL 602 – Nonprofit Management
• BMAL 603 – Entrepreneurship
• BMAL 604 – Managing and Leading Across Cultures
• BMIS 501 – Executive Leadership and Management
• BMIS 510 – Enterprise Models
• BMIS 520 – IT Infrastructure
• BMIS 530 – Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design
• BMIS 570 – Ethics and Legal Issues
• BMIS 580 – Human Computer Interaction and Emerging Technology
• BMIS 601 – Decision Making and Executive Information Systems
• BMIS 603 – Business Simulation and Modeling
• BMIS 650 – Operations Management
• BMIS 662 – Telecommunications and Network Security
• BMIS 663 – Secure Enterprise Design and Development
• BMIS 664 – Information Forensics, Compliance, and Risk Management
• BMIS 665 – Information Operations and Security
• BMIS 680 – Advanced Project Management I
• BMIS 681 – Advanced IT Project Management II
• BUSI 501 – Executive Leadership and Management
• BUSI 502 – Servant Leadership
• BUSI 503 – Leadership Theory
• BUSI 504 – Leading Organizational Change
• BUSI 505 – Healthcare Informatics
• BUSI 506 – Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals
• BUSI 511 – Healthcare Administration
• BUSI 520 – Strategic Marketing Management
• BUSI 528 – Strategic Management and Marketing for Health Professionals
• BUSI 530 – Managerial Finance
• BUSI 538 – Investments and Derivatives
• BUSI 561 – Legal Issues in Business
• BUSI 570 – Ethical Leadership
• BUSI 600 – Business Research Methods
• BUSI 601 – Accounting for Decision Making
• BUSI 602 – Non-profit Management
• BUSI 603 – Entrepreneurship
• BUSI 604 – International Business
• BUSI 605 – Environment of International Business
• BUSI 606 – Global Financial Markets
• BUSI 607 – Developing Global Markets
• BUSI 610 – Organizational Design and Structure
• BUSI 611 – Operations Management for Health Organizations
• BUSI 612 – Marketing Promotions
• BUSI 613 – Supply Chain Management
• BUSI 614 – Marketing Research
• BUSI 619 – Quality Assessment and Evidence-based Decision Making
• BUSI 620 – Global Economic Environment
• BUSI 629 – Economic Analysis in Healthcare
• BUSI 642 – Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
• BUSI 643 – Workforce Planning and Employment
• BUSI 644 – Human Resource Development
• BUSI 646 – Managing Human Capital in Healthcare
• BUSI 650 – Operations Management
• BUSI 680 – Advanced Project Management I
• BUSI 681 – Advanced Project Management II
• BUSI 682 – Global Project Management
• CSCI 501 – Overview of Computer Security
• CSCI 511 – Digital Forensics
• CSCI 561 – Ethics, Legal Issues & Policy
• CSCI 605 – Applied Cryptography
• CSIS 505 – Software Development
• CSIS 525 – Database Design and Development
• CSIS 535 – Computer Networks
• CSIS 643 – Software Design
• CSIS 651 – Advanced Topics in Computer Security
• CSIS 657 – Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
• INFO 505 – Health Informatics
• INFO 535 – Health Systems and Delivery
• INFO 545 – Health Care Information Systems and Integrated Technologies
• INFO 668 – Health Data Analytics and Decision-Making
• MRKT 600 – Applied Market Research
• MRKT 640 – Consumer Behavior
• MRKT 661 – Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing
• MRKT 670 – Brand Management
• SMGT 501 – Social Issues in Sports Management
• SMGT 502 – Sports Marketing and Public Relations
• SMGT 503 – Ethics in Sport
• SMGT 504 – Foundations of Sport Ministry
• SMGT 505 – Legal Issues in Sports
• SMGT 506 – Economics and Financial Management in Sport
• SMGT 520 – Understanding Research in Sport, Recreation, and Tourism
• SMGT 611 – Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Sports
• SMGT 612 – Outdoor Adventure Programming
• SMGT 613 – Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Adventure Sports
• SMGT 631 – Sport Event and Facility Management
• SMGT 632 – Sport Development and Sales
• SMGT 633 – Management and Leadership in Sport Organizations
• TOUR 601 – Current Issues and Theories for Hospitality and Tourism Management
• TOUR 602 – Hospitality and Tourism Marketing Strategy
• TOUR 603 – Sport and Event Tourism Planning and Impacts
• ARTS 524 – Advanced Typography
• ARTS 532 – Vector Illustration
• ARTS 540 – Publication Design
• ARTS 542 – Digital Imaging
• ARTS 561 – Digital Photography
• ARTS 573 – 3D Graphics
• ARTS 574 – Interactive Game Design
• ARTS 578 – Interactive Design
• ARTS 580 – Interactive Publication
• EDSP 722 – History and Future of Special Education
• EDSP 724 – Collaboration and Communication in Special Education
• EDSP 725 – Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
• EDSP 726 – Disability and Learning
• EDUC 500 – Learning Theory
• EDUC 518 – Understanding Educational Research and Assessment
• EDUC 521 – Foundations of Exceptionality
• EDUC 562 – Introduction to Higher Education
• EDUC 603 – Comparative Education
• EDUC 624 – Behavior Management
• EDUC 626 – Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Assessment
• EDUC 628 – Communication, Language, and Sensory Aspects for Autism
• EDUC 629 – Technology and Diversity
• EDUC 630 – Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement
• EDUC 631 – Foundations of Educational Technology and Online Learning
• EDUC 633 – Principles of Design and Management in Distance Education
• EDUC 634 – Teaching Science in the Elementary School
• EDUC 635 – Teaching Science in the Middle School
• EDUC 636 – Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School
• EDUC 637 – Teaching Social Studies in the Middle School
• EDUC 638 – Leadership in Educational Technology
• EDUC 639 – Trends and Issues in Educational Technology
• EDUC 642 – Leadership and Supervision in Education
• EDUC 643 – Contemporary Issues in Educational Policy
• EDUC 644 – School Leadership in Diverse Settings
• EDUC 655 – Organization and Administration of Preschools
• EDUC 656 – Literacy Across the Curriculum
• EDUC 658 – Introduction to Student Affairs
• EDUC 663 – Social and Political Aspects in Higher Education
• EDUC 664 – Economics and Finance of Higher Education
• EDUC 665 – Student Support Services and Retention
• EDUC 668 – Mathematics Instruction and Learning for K-8
• EDUC 669 – Literacy for Middle Level Learners
• EDUC 675 – Elementary Curriculum and Methods
• EDUC 676 – Middle Grades Curriculum and Methods
• EDUC 703 – Theories of Historical and Social Foundations of Education

EDUC 710 – Introduction to Theory and Research

• EDUC 721 – Issues and Trends in Exceptionality
• EDUC 723 – Administration and Supervision of Special Education

EDUC 730 – Technology Practice for Instructional Improvement

• EDUC 735 – Issues & Trends in Teaching and Learning

EDUC 741 – Theories of Leadership

• EDUC 745 – Organizational Analysis and Problem Solving for Educators
• EDUC 746 – Conflict Resolution

EDUC 747 – Advanced School Law

• EDUC 750 – Survey of Educational Research
• EDUC 758 – Teaching the College Student
• EDUC 759 – College and University Administration
• EDUC 771 – Curriculum Theory

EDUC 782 – Historical Perspectives of Higher Education

• EDUC 784 – Assessment and Accreditation
• EDUC 812 – Advanced Educational Statistics
• EDUC 815 – Quantitative Methods of Research
• EDUC 817 – Qualitative Methods of Research
• EDUC 840 – Issues and Trends in Educational Leadership
• EDUC 848 – Culture and Educational Leadership
• EDUC 871 – Investigations in Curriculum Change

EDUC 915 – Quantitative Analysis

School of Health Sciences courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• HLTH 553 – Grant Acquisition and Management
• HLTH 620 – Introduction to Global Health
• HLTH 630 – Principles of Community Health
• HLTH 640 – Principles of Nutrition
• School of Music

School of Music Course Guides

School of Music  courses eligible for the portfolio process:

• ETHM 500 – Ethnic Music Theory
• ETHM 511 – Introduction to Ethnomusicology
• ETHM 512 – Field of Ethnomusicology (16-week)
• ETHM 513 – Anthropology of Music (16-week)
• ETHM 514 – Organology
• ETHM 530 – Worship and Culture
• ETHM 541 – Seminar in Ethnic Music: India
• ETHM 542 – Seminar in Ethnic Music
• ETHM 543 – Seminar in Ethnic Music: Africa
• ETHM 545 – Seminar in Ethnic Music: Middle East
• ETHM 546 – Seminar in Ethnic Music: China
• ETHM 549 – Seminar in Ethnic Music: Eastern Europe
• ETHM 560 – Ethnic Music Performance
• ETHM 600 – Transcription and Analysis of Non-Western Music
• ETHM 613 – Applied Ethnomusicology
• ETHM 688 – Field Experience in Ethnomusicology
• MUSC 510 – Foundations of Music Education
• MUSC 524 – Analytical Techniques
• MUSC 525 – Advanced Contemporary Arranging Techniques
• MUSC 531 – Bibliography and Research
• MUSC 620 – Music in America
• MUSC 630 – Principles of Music Technology
• MUSC 640 – History and Philosophy of Music Education in America
• MUSC 670 – Principles of Curricula and Pedagogy for Music Education
• WMUS 524 – Analytic Techniques for the Worship Leader
• WMUS 525 – Advanced Contemporary Arranging Techniques 
• WMUS 630 – Principles of Music Technology
• WMUS 670 – Principles of Music and Worship Pedagogy
• WRSP 540 – Current Issues in Worship
• WRSP 650 – Bibliography and Research in Music and Worship
• WRSP 840 – Current Trends and Transitions in Christian Worship
• NURS 500 – Research
• NURS 501 – Health Policy and Ethics
• NURS 502 – Nursing Theory and Advanced Practices
• NURS 503 – Managing Population Health
• NURS 504 – Advanced Pharmacology
• NURS 505 – Advanced Health/Physical Assessment
• NURS 506 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
• NURS 519 – Strategies for End of Life Care
• NURS 521 – Nursing Issues, Informatics, and Technology
• NURS 522 – Performance Management in Health Care
• NURS 523 – Financial and Resource Management for Nurse Leaders
• NURS 524 – Systems Management and Leadership for Nurse Leaders
• NURS 700 – Advanced Nursing Research
• NURS 716 – Applications of Evidence-based Care
• NURS 718 – Informatics, Technology, and Trends for Transforming Health Care
• NURS 721 – Leadership, Policy, and Ethics
• NURS 732 – Interprofessional Collaboration and Outcomes Management for Quality in Health Care
• NURS 750 – Spiritual Care
• NURS 764 – Learning Theories and Teaching Methods for Nurse Educators
• NURS 765 – Curriculum Development and Program Evaluation for Nurse Educators
• NURS 766 – Advanced Evaluation Strategies for Nurse Educators
• NURS 767 – Transition to Nurse Educator Role
• NURS 832 – Clinical Prevention and Biostatistics
• NURS 834 – Health Care Operations and Financial Management
• NURS 836 – Translational Research in Health Care

Back to Experience Plus – Earn More Credit for Your Experience

Almost there! How may we contact you?

Our Admissions team is ready to answer any additional questions you may have.

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

• Get My Results

Discover what Liberty can do for you!

Get your personalized guide on how to start with liberty..

In 60 seconds or less!

Become a Champion for Christ

Estimate your Cost

Cost Per Credit Hour Per Semester for 7 to 15 Credits* Per Semester for 9 to 15 Credits* i Visit the Tuition and Financing page for more information.

Additional program fees may apply. See program page for details.

Disclaimer: This calculator is a tool that provides a rough estimate of the total cost of tuition, and should not be relied upon to determine overall costs, as pricing may vary by program and tuition/fees are subject to change. Estimates are not final or binding, and do not include potential financial aid eligibility.

Your Cost Estimate:

View All Tuition & Fees Go Back

For eligibility requirements for military discounts at the doctoral level, please review the online benefits page .

Request Information

Learn More About Liberty University Online

You will be automatically taken to the application once you submit your request for information

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

– Janae Fleming ’15, B.S. in Education

• Military & Veterans
• Transfer & Credits
• Education Partnerships
• COVID-19 Info
• 844-PURDUE-G
• Student Login
• Request Info
• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Associate of Applied Science
• Graduate Certificate
• Master of Business Administration
• ExcelTrack Master of Business Administration
• ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Certificate
• Associate of Applied Science (For Military Students)
• Programs and Courses
• Master of Public Administration
• Doctor of Education
• Postgraduate Certificate
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Master of Health Care Administration
• Master of Health Informatics
• Doctor of Health Science
• Associate of Applied of Science (For Military Students)
• Associate of Science (For Military Students)
• Master of Public Health
• Executive Juris Doctor
• Juris Doctor
• Dual Master's Degrees
• ExcelTrack Master of Science
• Master of Science (DNP Path)
• Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
• ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
• Associate of Science
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Professional Studies

The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

• General Education Mobile (GEM) Program
• AAS in Health Science
• AS in Health Science
• BS in Organizational Management
• BS in Professional Studies
• AAS in Criminal Justice
• AAS in Small Group Management
• AAS Small Group Management
• Master's Degrees
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Associate's Degrees
• Certificate Programs
• Noncredit Courses
• Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
• Financial Aid Process
• Financial Aid Awards
• Financial Aid Resources
• Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
• Financial Aid Information Guide
• Tuition and Savings
• Aviation Degree Tuition and Fees
• Professional Studies Tuition and Fees
• Single Courses and Micro-Credentials
• Time and Tuition Calculator
• Net Price Calculator
• Military Benefits & Tuition Assistance
• Military Educational Resources
• Military Tuition Reductions
• Military Spouses
• Student Loans
• Student Grants
• Outside Scholarships
• Loan Management
• Financial Literacy Tools
• Academic Calendar
• Admissions Process
• General Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Transfer Students
• Alternative Credit Center
• DREAMers Education Initiative
• Student Identity
• Student Experience
• Online Experience
• Student Life
• Alumni Engagement
• International Students
• Academic Support
• All Purdue Online Degrees
• Career Services
• COVID-19 FAQs
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Resources
• Transcript Request
• About Purdue Global
• Accreditation
• Approach to Learning
• Career Opportunities
• Diversity Initiatives
• Purdue Global Commitment
• Cybersecurity Center
• Chancellor's Corner
• Purdue Global Moves
• Leadership and Board
• Facts and Statistics
• Researcher Request Intake Form

Most Commonly Searched:

• All Degree Programs
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Fire Science
• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Legal Studies
• Professional Studies
• Psychology and ABA
• Public Policy
• Military and Veterans
• Tuition & Financial Aid Overview
• Tuition and Fee Finder
• Financial Aid FAQs
• Military Benefits & Aid
• Admissions Overview
• Student Experience Overview
• Academic Support Overview
• Alternative College Credits
• Work Life Experience

College Credit for Work and Life Experience

Enroll in a College Credit for Work Experience Course and You Could Save Nearly $11,000 on Tuition

See Notes and Condtions below for important information.

If you’ve worked for years or served in the military, you may be eligible to use your experience for college credit to finish your undergraduate degree faster at Purdue Global.

You could also be awarded college credits for life experience such as volunteering. Our courses teach you how to articulate and organize your achievements into an online portfolio that's ready to be assessed for undergraduate credit applicable toward a degree at Purdue Global.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Assessment Credit Portfolio

Assessment credit may be awarded for learning directly assessed by University faculty via an Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) exam or experiential learning portfolio. Credit for work experience courses provide access to a mentor to help you navigate the process. There is a $1,500 portfolio evaluation fee, which may be covered by financial aid.

If your portfolio earns credits valued below the $1,500 assessment fee, you will receive a tuition grant equal to the difference toward the next term of your Purdue Global degree (up to the entire $1,500).

How Much Can You Save?

On average, portfolio submitters earn 33 credits and save nearly $11,000 on tuition.

What Our Students Have to Say

I was able to complete a portfolio, which gave me 26 extra credits. By then, I was well on my way to obtaining my BSN.

Lucy Stewart

BS in Nursing Graduate

Testimonial(s) obtained by Purdue Global. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.

Credit for Experience Course Options

See which of our two online courses could be the right fit for you. Access our  calculator  to find out in a few quick clicks.

LRC 100: Pathway to College Credit—Portfolio Development

This not-for-credit course is for students who haven’t yet started classes at Purdue Global, or are enrolled in an ExcelTrack ® program.

There is no tuition for this self-paced, self-directed online course offered through Purdue Global. However, there is a fee if you choose to submit your portfolio for prior learning credit.

EL 206: Academic Prior Learning Portfolio

This 6-credit online course is for undergraduate students who have already started classes at Purdue Global.

Current  tuition rates  apply. Review the  prior learning portfolio course FAQs  for more information.

LRC100: A minimum 5+ years of work experience is recommended for taking this course to better ensure you have eligible work experience.

How Is My College Credit for Work Experience Portfolio Evaluated?

A key criterion in Purdue Global’s evaluation of your portfolio is your ability to organize and present verifiable evidence of college-level learning through proper documentation. You must also include a narrative that explains the rationale for the claim for credit.

Supporting documentation may include:

• Job description and performance evaluations
• Certifications (evidence of licenses, training records, ranks)
• Work samples such as computer code, lesson plans, or proposals
• Description of the work environment
• Verification of knowledge, skills, and abilities by a supervisor or employer
• Other appropriate forms of documentation verifying learning

You must document the fulfillment of course outcomes, based on chosen courses, and follow the  portfolio development and assessment process . Learn which  courses are ineligible for work experience credit .

By clicking “NEXT,” you agree to the following: You agree that Purdue University Global and Kaplan North America, LLC may deliver or cause to be delivered information, advertisements and telemarketing messages regarding their educational services by email, call, text, recording and message using a telephone system, dialer, automated technology or system, artificial or prerecorded voice or message device to your email and/or telephone number(s) (and not any other person’s email or telephone number) that you entered. Consent is not a condition of receiving information, receiving educational services, or attending the University, and you may obtain information by calling 844-787-3834. Message & Data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to PURDUE (787383) to unsubscribe. Text HELP to 787383 for help or call 1-844-787-3834. Privacy Policy and SMS Terms and Conditions govern the processing and handling of your data.

You did not agree to let Purdue Global and Kaplan North America, LLC use your data to contact you. Click OK to return to the form and opt-in.

If you do not wish to opt-in, and do not want Purdue Global and Kaplan North America, LLC to contact you, you can go to www.purdueglobal.edu or call 866.522.7747 for information.

Credit for Work Experience Calculator

Find out in a few quick clicks if our credit-for-work experience courses are right for you.

Tell Us About Yourself

Enter your contact information to view your score.

Your Results

After evaluating your answers, we have determined your score below:.

You are most likely an excellent candidate for our credit-for-work experience courses. Contact an Assessment Advisor at 855.791.7106.

You may be a good candidate for our credit-for-work experience courses. Contact an Assessment Advisor at 855.791.7106.

It is unclear if our credit-for-work experience courses are right for you. Contact an Assessment Advisor at 855.791.7106.

It is unlikely you can benefit from our credit-for-work experience courses at this time.

Credits for Experience: Credits are not guaranteed through this process. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy. Credits awarded apply toward a Purdue Global undergraduate program.

Work/Life Experience Credit Savings: In 2021–2022, incoming Purdue Global students who passed EL206 and submitted a portfolio for evaluation earned an average of 33 quarter credit hours toward their Purdue Global undergraduate degrees. Based on these experiential learning credits, tuition savings for nonmilitary students were on average $10,743.00. Tuition savings calculated as 33 quarter credit hours x standard tuition rate of $371.00 = $12,243.00 - $1,500.00 course fee = $10,743.00. Savings for students vary depending on the student's individual prior learning experience. Savings for 2021–2022 incoming Indiana students who passed EL206 and submitted a portfolio for review were $9,700.00. Savings for 2021–2022 incoming military students who passed EL206 and submitted a portfolio for review ranged from $3,945.00 to $6,090.00. Eligible college credits articulate into Purdue Global undergraduate degree plans. Savings dependent on credit awards, which are dependent on individual circumstances. See University Catalog for Prior Learning policy. See www.purdueglobal.edu/tuition-financial-aid/undergraduate-graduate-tuition-and-fees/ for course fee refund policy. Source: Purdue Global School of General Studies, October 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.

Best Online Colleges Offering Work Life Experience Credit

Writen by: CollegeRanker Team

Reviewed by: David Krug , Editor-in-Chief

Updated on: September 5, 2023

Share this on:

Ready to start your journey?

In this article, we will be covering…

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit are becoming increasingly popular among students who are looking to earn a degree while balancing their personal and professional commitments. These colleges recognize the value of prior learning experiences and offer credit for relevant work and life experiences. This allows students to earn credit for what they already know, reducing the time and cost required to complete their degree.

One of the benefits of online colleges that offer work life experience credit is that they provide a flexible learning environment that can be tailored to fit individual needs. Students can study at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it easier to balance work, family, and other commitments. Additionally, these colleges often offer a wide range of degree programs, from associate’s degrees to doctoral degrees, allowing students to choose the program that best fits their career goals.

Another advantage of online colleges that offer work life experience credit is that they provide a pathway for non-traditional students to earn a degree. Many students who have been out of school for several years or who have work and family responsibilities may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional college. Online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide an alternative that allows these students to earn a degree while continuing to work and meet their other obligations.

Understanding Work Life Experience Credit

Many online colleges offer work life experience credit, which is a way for students to earn college credit for knowledge and skills they have gained through their work and life experiences. This type of credit is also known as prior learning experience or credit by exam. Work life experience credit can be a great way for students to save time and money by earning college credit for what they already know.

To earn work life experience credit, students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a variety of methods, such as exams, essays, portfolios, or other forms of assessment. The amount of credit that can be earned through work life experience credit varies by institution and program, but it can range from a few credits to a full degree.

It is important to note that not all work and life experiences can be used to earn college credit. The experiences must be relevant to the program of study and meet certain criteria, such as being current, verifiable, and equivalent to college-level learning. The institution’s academic policies and procedures will outline the specific requirements for earning work life experience credit.

Students who are interested in earning work life experience credit should first research online colleges that offer this option. They should also speak with academic advisors and admissions counselors to learn more about the institution’s policies and procedures for earning work life experience credit.

Overall, work life experience credit can be a valuable way for students to earn college credit for what they already know. However, it is important for students to understand the requirements and limitations of this type of credit before pursuing it.

Advantages of Online Colleges Offering Work Life Experience Credit

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit have several advantages that make them an attractive option for students. These advantages include:

Flexibility

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide students with the flexibility to earn a degree while still working. Since students can earn credit for their work and life experiences, they can complete their degree faster than traditional students. Online colleges also offer flexible schedules, so students can study at their own pace and on their own time.

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit are convenient for students who cannot attend traditional classes due to work or family obligations. Students can access course materials and complete assignments online, which means they can study from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cost-effective

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit are usually more cost-effective than traditional colleges. Since students can earn credit for their work and life experiences, they can complete their degree faster and save money on tuition fees. Online colleges also do not have the same overhead costs as traditional colleges, which means they can offer lower tuition rates.

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit are self-paced, which means students can complete their degree at their own pace. This is especially beneficial for students who have work or family obligations, as they can study when it is convenient for them.

Distance education

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide students with access to education regardless of their location. This is especially beneficial for students who live in rural areas or cannot attend traditional classes due to distance or transportation issues.

Overall, online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide students with a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective way to earn a degree. Students can earn credit for their work and life experiences, study at their own pace, and access education regardless of their location.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

Accreditation and quality assurance are essential factors to consider when choosing an online college or university that offers work-life experience credit. Accreditation is a process of evaluating and approving the quality of higher learning institutions. It is an assurance that the institution has met certain standards of quality and rigor. Accreditation ensures that the institution’s programs, faculty, and facilities meet the requirements of higher learning.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the largest regional accrediting agency in the United States. It accredits colleges and universities in 19 states. The HLC assures that the institutions it accredits meet the highest standards of quality and rigor. It also ensures that the institutions offer programs that are relevant and effective.

Quality assurance is another essential factor to consider when choosing an online college or university. Quality assurance ensures that the institution’s programs and services meet the needs of its students. It also ensures that the institution is continually improving its programs and services.

Online colleges and universities that offer work-life experience credit should have a quality assurance process in place. The process should include regular evaluations of the institution’s programs and services. It should also include regular feedback from students, faculty, and staff.

In conclusion, accreditation and quality assurance are essential factors to consider when choosing an online college or university that offers work-life experience credit. These factors ensure that the institution meets the highest standards of quality and rigor. They also ensure that the institution’s programs and services meet the needs of its students.

Earning College Credit through Work Life Experience

Many online colleges offer the opportunity for students to earn college credit through work life experience. This is a great option for those who have gained knowledge and skills through their work or life experiences and want to apply them towards a degree.

The American Council on Education (ACE) is a non-profit organization that evaluates and recommends college credit for workplace training and other educational experiences. Many colleges and universities use ACE’s recommendations to award credit for prior learning.

There are several ways to earn college credit for work life experience, including:

• Standardized tests such as CLEP, DSSTs, and College Level Exam Program (CLEP) allow students to demonstrate their knowledge in a particular subject area and earn college credit.
• ACE-evaluated training programs and certifications can also be used to earn college credit. Many professional certifications, such as those in healthcare, IT, and business, have been evaluated by ACE and can be used to earn college credit.
• Prior coursework from other colleges or universities can also be evaluated for college credit. This is especially useful for students who have completed coursework at a non-accredited institution or who have taken courses at multiple institutions.

It is important to note that not all colleges and universities accept ACE-recommended credit for prior learning. Students should check with their chosen institution to determine their policies on accepting credit for prior learning.

Earning college credit through work life experience can be a great way to save time and money on a degree. However, it is important for students to carefully evaluate their options and choose an institution that will accept their prior learning credits.

Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

When looking for online colleges that offer work life experience credit, it is important to be aware of potential scams. Scammers often prey on individuals who are looking to further their education and career prospects. Here are some tips on how to recognize and avoid scams:

• Research the college thoroughly : Before enrolling in any online college, it is important to research the institution thoroughly. Check if the college is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Look for reviews and feedback from students who have completed the program. If the college has a history of complaints or negative reviews, it is better to avoid it.
• Be wary of unrealistic promises : If an online college promises that you can earn a degree in a short period of time or guarantees employment after graduation, it is a red flag. Legitimate colleges do not make such unrealistic promises.
• Avoid colleges that require payment upfront : Legitimate colleges do not require payment upfront for work life experience credit. If a college asks for payment before you have even enrolled, it is a scam.
• Beware of high-pressure sales tactics : Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics to convince individuals to enroll in their programs. If a college representative is pushing you to enroll immediately or is making you feel uncomfortable, it is better to avoid that institution.
• Check for hidden fees : Some online colleges may charge hidden fees that are not disclosed upfront. Be sure to read the fine print and ask about any additional fees before enrolling.
• Use caution with unsolicited emails or phone calls : If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from an online college, be cautious. Legitimate colleges do not typically reach out to potential students in this manner.

By being aware of these potential scams and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can avoid falling victim to fraudulent online colleges.

Institutions Offering Credit for Work Life Experience

Many institutions recognize the value of work life experience in higher education and offer credit for it. This section will explore some of the universities and accredited institutions that offer credit for work life experience.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University is one of the universities that offer credit for work life experience. They offer Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) which is a way of earning college credit for learning acquired through life experience, work, training, and self-study. Colorado State University evaluates learning through documentation and assessments to determine if it meets the standards for college credit.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global is another university that offers credit for work life experience. They offer an online Prior Learning Assessment program that allows students to earn college credit for their work experience, military service, volunteer work, and other life experiences. Students can earn up to 25% of their degree through the Prior Learning Assessment program.

Accredited Institutions

There are also several accredited institutions that offer credit for work life experience. These institutions include the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), and the American Council on Education (ACE). These organizations evaluate learning gained outside of the traditional classroom setting and recommend college credit for it.

In conclusion, many universities and accredited institutions recognize the value of work life experience and offer credit for it. Colorado State University and Purdue Global are two examples of universities that offer Prior Learning Assessment programs. Additionally, there are several accredited institutions such as CAEL, NCCRS, and ACE that evaluate learning and recommend college credit for it.

Degree Programs and Courses

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide a unique opportunity for students to earn a degree while working or while taking care of their families. These programs allow students to earn credits for their work experience, which can shorten the time it takes to complete a degree.

Online degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can choose from a wide range of programs, including online undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, and doctoral degree programs.

Many online colleges offer undergraduate degree programs in fields such as aviation, early childhood education, and nursing (BSN). These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

Online graduate degree programs are also available in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare. These programs are designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are looking to further their education.

When selecting an online college, it is important to carefully review the curriculum and ensure that the program meets your needs. Some programs may require students to complete certain courses on campus, while others may offer entirely online coursework.

Overall, online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide a flexible and convenient way for students to earn a degree. By taking advantage of these programs, students can save time and money while still receiving a high-quality education.

Admission and Evaluation Process

When it comes to applying for online colleges that offer work life experience credit, the admission and evaluation process can vary from institution to institution. However, there are some common elements that most colleges follow.

The first step is to contact an admissions counselor who can guide the applicant through the process. The counselor will provide information about the college and the specific program, as well as answer any questions the applicant may have.

The next step is the evaluation process. This is where the college reviews the applicant’s work life experience and determines if it is eligible for credit. The evaluation may involve a portfolio review, documentation, or essays. The college may also require the applicant to take a proficiency exam to demonstrate their knowledge in a particular subject area.

During the evaluation process, the college will consider several factors, such as the relevance of the applicant’s work experience to the program, the depth of knowledge demonstrated, and the quality of the applicant’s writing. It is important to note that the evaluation process is not a guarantee of credit, and the final decision is up to the discretion of the college.

To ensure a smooth evaluation process, applicants should provide clear and detailed documentation of their work life experience. This may include job descriptions, performance evaluations, and professional certifications. It is also important to demonstrate how the work experience aligns with the program’s learning outcomes.

In conclusion, the admission and evaluation process for online colleges that offer work life experience credit can be complex, but with the guidance of an admissions counselor and clear documentation of work experience, applicants can increase their chances of receiving credit.

Financial Considerations

When considering online colleges that offer work life experience credit, it is important to take into account the financial aspects of attending school. Here are some factors to consider:

Tuition Costs

Tuition costs can vary greatly between schools, and it is important to compare them when choosing a program. Some schools may offer lower tuition rates for online programs, while others may charge the same as their on-campus programs. It is also important to consider any additional fees that may be associated with attending an online program, such as technology fees or online course fees.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can be a crucial factor in making education more affordable. Many online colleges offer financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans. It is important to research the financial aid options available at each school and determine whether they are a good fit for your financial situation.

Work-Life Balance

One of the benefits of attending an online college that offers work life experience credit is the ability to balance school with work and family obligations. However, it is important to consider the financial implications of taking time off work to attend school. Students may need to adjust their work schedules or seek part-time employment to make ends meet while attending school.

Return on Investment

When choosing an online college, it is important to consider the potential return on investment. This includes not only the cost of tuition and fees, but also the potential earnings and career opportunities that may result from obtaining a degree. Students should research the job market and potential salaries in their chosen field to determine whether the cost of attending school is worth the investment.

In summary, when considering online colleges that offer work life experience credit, it is important to take into account the financial aspects of attending school. Students should compare tuition costs, research financial aid options, consider their work-life balance, and evaluate the potential return on investment to make an informed decision.

Benefits for Specific Groups

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide a range of benefits for specific groups of students, including adult learners, military students, and working professionals. Here are some of the ways these groups can benefit from online colleges that offer work life experience credit:

Adult Learners

Adult learners who have been working for a while and have gained valuable experience in their field can benefit from online colleges that offer work life experience credit. These programs allow adult learners to earn credit for the knowledge and skills they have gained through their work experience. This can help them save time and money by reducing the number of courses they need to take to earn their degree.

Military Students

Military students can also benefit from online colleges that offer work life experience credit. Many military students have gained valuable experience through their training and service, and these programs allow them to earn credit for that experience. This can help them accelerate their degree program and save money on tuition.

Working Professionals

Working professionals who are looking to advance their careers can benefit from online colleges that offer work life experience credit. These programs allow them to earn credit for the skills and knowledge they have gained through their work experience. This can help them earn their degree more quickly and move up the career ladder faster.

Overall, online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide a valuable option for students who have gained valuable experience outside of the classroom. By earning credit for their work experience, these students can save time and money on their degree program and accelerate their career advancement.

Transfer of Credits

When considering an online college program, one important aspect to keep in mind is the transfer of credits. This is especially important for students who have previous work experience or have taken courses at other institutions. Many online colleges offer transfer credit options to help students save time and money.

Transfer credit is the process of transferring previously earned college credits from one institution to another. This allows students to apply the credits they have already earned towards their current degree program.

Different online colleges have different policies regarding transfer credits. Some may have specific requirements for the courses that can be transferred, while others may have a limit on the number of credits that can be transferred. It is important for students to research the policies of the online college they are interested in to determine if their previous credits will be accepted.

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit may also have options for transferring these credits. Work life experience credit allows students to earn college credit for skills and knowledge they have gained through work or life experience. This can be a valuable option for students who have significant work experience in their field of study.

Overall, it is important for students to carefully consider the transfer credit policies of online colleges when making a decision about where to pursue their degree. Doing so can help them save time and money, and ensure that they are able to apply their previous education and experience towards their current goals.

Support and Resources for Students

Online colleges that offer work life experience credit understand that their students come from different backgrounds and have varying levels of experience in their respective fields. Therefore, they provide support and resources to ensure that their students succeed in their courses.

One of the resources that online colleges provide is access to advisors. Advisors can help students navigate their courses and ensure that they are on track to complete their degree requirements. They can also provide guidance on professional development opportunities and networking events that can help students advance in their careers.

In addition to advisors, online colleges offer professional development opportunities to their students. These opportunities can include workshops, webinars, and online courses that are designed to enhance students’ skills and knowledge in their respective fields. By participating in these opportunities, students can gain a competitive edge in the job market and improve their chances of success in their careers.

Online colleges also recognize the importance of networking and provide opportunities for students to connect with other professionals in their fields. These networking opportunities can include virtual events, online forums, and social media groups. By connecting with other professionals, students can gain valuable insights and build relationships that can help them advance in their careers.

Overall, online colleges that offer work life experience credit provide a range of support and resources to ensure that their students succeed in their courses and achieve their career goals. From advisors to professional development opportunities to networking events, these resources can help students navigate their courses, enhance their skills, and build valuable connections in their fields.

Employer Recognition of Degrees

When it comes to choosing an online college that offers work life experience credit, it’s important to consider the recognition of the degree by potential employers. While many online colleges offer credit for work experience, not all employers recognize these degrees equally.

Some employers may view degrees earned through work life experience credit as less valuable than traditional degrees. However, there are also many employers who recognize the value of real-world experience and are willing to consider candidates with non-traditional degrees.

It’s important for students to research potential employers and their attitudes towards non-traditional degrees before choosing an online college. Students should also consider seeking out online colleges that have established relationships with employers in their desired field.

In addition to researching potential employers, students can also take steps to make their non-traditional degree more attractive to employers. For example, they can highlight their work experience on their resume and in interviews, and provide evidence of their skills and knowledge through portfolios or other documentation.

Ultimately, the recognition of a non-traditional degree by employers will depend on the specific employer and the field in which the student is seeking employment. However, by doing their research and taking steps to make their degree more attractive to employers, students can increase their chances of success in the job market.

Importance of In-Demand Skills and Credentials

In today’s job market, having the right skills and credentials is crucial for success. With the rise of online education, it has become easier than ever to gain the necessary knowledge and credentials to advance in one’s career.

Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with in-demand skills that are relevant to their industry. These skills can include technical abilities, such as proficiency in programming languages or data analysis tools, as well as soft skills, such as communication and leadership.

In addition to skills, credentials are also important to employers. Credentials, such as certificates and degrees, demonstrate to employers that a candidate has the necessary knowledge and training to excel in their field. They can also provide a competitive edge in the job market.

One way to gain both skills and credentials is through online education programs that offer work-life experience credit. These programs allow students to earn credit for their professional experience, which can be applied towards a degree or certificate.

By combining their professional experience with formal education, students can gain both the skills and credentials that are in demand in their industry. This can lead to increased job opportunities and higher earning potential.

Overall, it is important for individuals to stay up-to-date with the latest in-demand skills and to obtain the necessary credentials to demonstrate their expertise to potential employers. Online education programs that offer work-life experience credit can be a valuable tool in achieving these goals.

Statistics and Success Rates

When it comes to choosing an online college that offers work-life experience credit, it’s important to consider the statistics and success rates of the institution. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides valuable data on graduation rates and freshman retention rates for colleges and universities across the United States.

Graduation rates are a key indicator of a college’s success in helping students achieve their academic goals. According to NCES data, the average graduation rate for all institutions in the United States is around 60%. However, many online colleges that offer work-life experience credit have higher graduation rates than the national average, with some institutions boasting rates as high as 90%.

Freshman retention rates are another important factor to consider when choosing an online college. This statistic measures the percentage of first-year students who return to the same institution for their second year of study. High freshman retention rates are a good sign that a college is providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students. According to NCES data, the average freshman retention rate for all institutions in the United States is around 70%. However, many online colleges that offer work-life experience credit have higher freshman retention rates than the national average, with some institutions reporting rates as high as 90%.

It’s worth noting that graduation rates and freshman retention rates can vary significantly depending on the type of institution and the demographics of its student body. For example, colleges that primarily serve non-traditional students (such as working adults) may have different success rates than those that primarily serve traditional students (such as recent high school graduates).

Overall, when researching online colleges that offer work-life experience credit, it’s important to consider a variety of factors, including graduation rates, freshman retention rates, and the demographics of the student body. By doing so, prospective students can make informed decisions about which institutions are most likely to help them achieve their academic and career goals.

English and Semester Considerations

When considering online colleges that offer work life experience credit, there are a few English and semester considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to note that English proficiency is often a requirement for many online courses, including those that offer work life experience credit. This is because online courses often rely heavily on written communication, such as discussion forums and written assignments. As such, it is important for students to have a strong grasp of the English language in order to succeed in these courses.

Additionally, students should be aware of the semester structure of the online college they are considering. Some online colleges may follow a traditional semester structure, with courses beginning in the fall and spring and lasting for a set amount of time. Other online colleges may offer more flexible scheduling options, such as rolling admissions or self-paced courses.

It is important for students to consider their own scheduling needs and preferences when selecting an online college. For example, students who need to balance work and family responsibilities may prefer a more flexible scheduling option, while students who thrive in a structured environment may prefer a traditional semester structure.

Overall, when researching online colleges that offer work life experience credit, students should consider factors such as English proficiency requirements and semester structure to ensure they select a program that meets their needs and preferences.

Want to continue learning?

Expand your understanding with our hand-picked selection of insightful articles, each closely related to the topic you’ve just explored.

Best Colleges in America

2024 most affordable online masters in nutrition.

2024 Best Value Colleges & Universities

©Copyright 2022-2024 CollegeRanker

The PhD student experience – What is it really like for PhDs?

Are you curious about what it’s really like to be a PhD student, navigating the world of academia and research?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the lesser-known aspects of the PhD journey, from the profound impact of your supervisor to the competitive environment you’ll face.

Discover the truth about the importance of publishing papers and the realities of funding and job security in academia.

We’ll also give you a glimpse into the daily life of a PhD student, and explore the highs and lows of this challenging yet rewarding experience.

So, buckle up and join us as we uncover the secrets of the PhD student experience that no one else will tell you!

The little known-facts that you need to know about the PhD experience,

This is what no one else will tell you!

What does the daily life of a PhD student look like?

Embarking on a PhD journey can be a thrilling yet demanding experience, as a doctoral student is constantly immersed in:

• academic responsibilities,
• and professional development.

From the early morning, the life of a PhD student begins with checking emails, planning the day, and setting priorities.

A typical day usually involves conducting experiments or research in the laboratory, analyzing data, and reading scientific literature to stay up-to-date with their field.

PhD students often participate in regular meetings with their supervisors, who provide guidance and advice on their research projects.

These meetings are crucial for maintaining momentum and ensuring a productive working relationship.

A typical daily schedule for a PhD student might look like this:

7:00 AM – Wake up, morning routine, breakfast

7:45 AM – Check emails, plan the day, and set priorities

8:30 AM – Arrive at the laboratory, set up experiments or research tasks

9:30 AM – Attend a class or seminar (if applicable)

11:00 AM – Conduct experiments or research in the laboratory

12:30 PM – Lunch break, socialize with fellow graduate students

1:30 PM – Analyze data and read scientific literature relevant to the research project

3:00 PM – Meeting with supervisor to discuss research progress and receive guidance

4:30 PM – Continue working on experiments, data analysis, or literature review

6:00 PM – Dinner break

8:00 PM – Draft or edit thesis, work on conference presentations or publications

10:00 PM – Wind down and engage in a hobby or leisure activity for mental health and work-life balance

11:00 PM – Bedtime routine, sleep

In addition to their primary research, many PhD students assist and mentor undergraduate students, contributing to a diverse and dynamic academic community.

Balancing the demands of coursework, research projects, and administrative responsibilities can make for long working hours, which is why it’s important for doctoral students to maintain their mental health and work-life balance.

Attending conferences, participating in social events, and engaging in professional development opportunities are important aspects of the PhD experience.

Given the commitment and dedication required, full-time PhD students often rely on funded positions to support their education and living expenses.

Despite the inherent difficulties, the experience equips students with a range of new skills and expertise, setting them on a path to contribute significantly to academia and the world beyond.

How stressful is being a PhD student?

Being a PhD student can be quite stressful due to the unique challenges and demands of the program.

It varies from person to person and the supervisor will have a huge impact on how stressful a PhD will be for a student.

Here is a case study of the highs and lows of a PhD from a PhDs student’s perspective:

This PhD student experienced frustration with experiments not working or yielding results, leading to feelings of imposter syndrome and demotivation. A lack of progress was a significant source of stress during this time, as well as comparing oneself to peers who seemed to be achieving more success.

However, there were also numerous highlights throughout the PhD experience. Attending conferences and presenting research offered opportunities to gain feedback, collaborate with others, and even travel. Engaging in scientific discussions and exploring the significance of one’s work provided a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Furthermore, working with cutting-edge equipment, such as advanced microscopes, allowed the student to appreciate the unique and privileged nature of their research.

The pressure to produce significant contributions to one’s field and the uncertainty of achieving results within a limited time frame can induce anxiety.

For instance, many students find themselves constantly juggling various responsibilities, such as conducting experiments, analysing data, attending meetings with their supervisor, and writing their thesis or papers.

Aside from academic pressure, managing work-life balance can be difficult as well. It’s not uncommon for PhD students to work long hours, often sacrificing personal time and relationships.

The lack of a structured schedule and the need for self-motivation can add to the stress and the competitive environment in academia and the constant pursuit of funding can further exacerbate stress levels.

PhD student workloads and holidays

The life of a PhD student is often characterized by heavy workloads and limited opportunities for holidays.

In a typical PhD program, students juggle numerous responsibilities, including research projects, coursework, and professional development activities, such as attending conferences and training.

This is particularly true for funded PhD students, who are expected to adhere to strict timelines set by their supervisors and the university’s academic calendar.

In the science field, the workload can be even more demanding due to the nature of research, which often involves conducting experiments that can take months or years to complete.

This commitment means that even during holidays, PhD students may feel the need to work in order to meet deadlines, leading to burnout and stress.

Later Stage PhD ( Doctorate Candidates )

When PhD students reach the later stages of their doctorate program, they become PhDs preparing to complete their research project and thesis.

This stage comes with an intense academic workload, with high demand for researcher-level skills and scientific knowledge.

A typical day for a PhD at this stage involves conducting research, analysing data, and editing their findings to complete their thesis.

In my experience it is WRITING, WRITING and more WRITING…with a touch of editing.

There are deadlines to meet, and students may face pressure, but the reward of completing a doctorate degree is worth it.

At this point, a PhD is expected to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to their field of study.

The latter stages of the doctorate program offer a rigorous and rewarding challenge for students who want to pursue a career in science, education, and research.

Wrapping up – PhD and Doctoral Student experience

The PhD student experience is a complex and multifaceted journey that offers a unique blend of challenges and triumphs.

As we have explored in this blog, the road to obtaining a PhD is filled with personal growth, professional development, and numerous hurdles to overcome.

But, for those who persevere, the rewards can be immense, leading to a sense of accomplishment, increased expertise, and the potential to make a significant impact in their chosen field.

In navigating this adventure, it is essential for PhD students to maintain a healthy work-life balance and develop strong support networks to help them manage stress and maintain motivation.

The journey may be demanding, but with the right mindset and guidance, the experience can be truly transformative.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

20 Affordable Online Colleges That Offer Credit for Work Life Experience 2024

Find your perfect school.

Reviewed By: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / First Covered: March 2024 / Reading Level: Grade 9

Key Takeaways:

• Over 2,000 American colleges offer credit for work life experience , rewarding nontraditional students with rich backgrounds.
• Top online schools in the US, like Charter Oak State College, recognize and award credit for life experiences.

There are various options these days when it comes to distance education. Most online learners have one thing in common, though—they want a degree, and they want it fast. Enter online colleges that offer credit for life experiences. These schools cater to the nontraditional student who has a rich background, whether it be professionally or experientially. They reward students for what they’ve already learned, even those who have never stepped foot in a college classroom before.

Featured Programs

Over 2,000 American colleges and universities offer credit for work life experience. Most of these are four-year universities, though some community colleges and some schools also award credit for prior learning and work experience. In this ranking, our editors highlight the 20 top schools in the United States that give credit for life experience.

Finding the Best College for Work Experience Credits

In our search for the online colleges that give credit for work experience and life experience, we began with an initial pool of 51 colleges and universities. These schools offer undergraduate and/ or graduate degree programs online and also award credit for life experience. To narrow this pool, CVO editors applied the tuition filter, eliminating schools with tuition costs exceeding $25,000 per year. Next, we used our site-wide methodology to rank the following 20 schools deemed the top online colleges that give credit for work experience/life experience.

#20—Post University

Waterbury, connecticut.

Tuition : $17,100

Post University is arguably one of the top colleges that give credit for life experience, especially for students seeking an associate’s degree. The university’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program allows students to apply up to 15 credits to an associate’s degree program or 30 credits to a bachelor’s degree program based on prior knowledge. To apply for this credit, students must enroll in a dedicated portfolio course and submit a portfolio proving their experience in a specific field. Admissions counselors work alongside students to help them earn the credit they are due. In some cases, state licensure exams may be required to earn credit. Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

• Nationally ranked online programs
• High acceptance rate
• Diverse student body
• Low graduation rate
• Larger class sizes
• Less affordable

#19—University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, south carolina.

Tuition : $11,583

Students attending the University of South Carolina – Upstate have five different pathways towards credit for life experience. These include:

• Credit for military training/courses
• Credit by exam
• Credit by portfolio
• Credit for workplace training/certification
• Credit for experience in world languages

Because of these diverse options, the school is often called one of the top colleges that accept life experience for credits. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Top-5 public school
• Smaller class sizes
• Slightly more competitive
• Lower graduation rate

#18—University of Memphis

Memphis, tennessee.

Tuition : $10,344

The University of Memphis awards credit for life experience through its Experiential Learning Credit (ELC) Program. Through the program, students can earn credit via three avenues:

• ELC Military Transcript
• ELC Pre-Assessed
• ELC Portfolio

Students can earn up to 30 credits for the program, but they are responsible for paying a fee of $75 per credit hour. Graduate students are required to pay an additional $25 fee per credit hour. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited the University of Memphis to award online credits and degrees.

• Nationally ranked public school

#17—Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, kentucky.

Tuition : $10,130

As one of the leading colleges that give credit for work experience, Eastern Kentucky University offers half a dozen different ways that students can earn credit prior to enrollment. These include:

• ACE credit for professional certification

With the numerous options available, it’s easy to see why EKU has been shortlisted as one of the best colleges for life experience credits. The school holds its institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Less diverse

#16—University of Massachusetts – Amherst

Amherst, massachusetts.

Tuition : $17,357

Called the University Without Walls, UMass- Amherst is not only one of the online colleges that accept the most transfer credits, but it also awards up to 30 credit hours for prior work and life experience. Students interested in applying for credit will submit a series of essays outlining their relevant experience. This experience could include volunteer work, professional experience, or military service among other life experiences. Many students save thousands of dollars on their cost of tuition through this program. The New England Commission of Higher Education has accredited the University of Massachusetts – Amherst to award these credits for life experience.

• Top-ranked national university
•  High graduation rate
• More competitive

#15—Baker College

Owosso, michigan.

Tuition : $12,810

Baker College is a nonprofit provider of online education as well as one of the best colleges that give credit for work experience. At Baker, students are encouraged to apply for experiential credits, which can be earned by submitting an electronic portfolio of relevant experience, whether it be work, volunteer, military, or general life experience. A facilitator will then review the portfolio, and those scoring a grade of 70% or above will be awarded applicable credit. There is a $250 fee for the review. The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited Baker College to award online credits and degrees.

• Small class sizes
• Portfolio review fee

#14—Texas State University

San marcos, texas.

Tuition : $11,450

At Texas State University, students can apply for credit for life experience through the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. Students with relevant work experience will enroll in a course entitled Prior Learning Assessment. Here, they will develop a portfolio showcasing their skill in a particular area of study. Other ways to earn credit through the university includes credit by exam and credit by noncollegiate instruction. Texas State is accredited to award online credits for life experience by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Cons : 

• Large class sizes

#13—University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, kentucky.

Tuition : $9,875

The University of the Cumberlands provides students with three distinct pathways to earn credit for prior learning:

• Knowledge exams
• Experiential credit
• Certification credit

While the experiential and certification pathways are free, students may have to pay a fee for proctored examinations. Exams may only be taken once. Students are paired with a Student Success Coordinator who can help them determine which pathway is best for them. The University of the Cumberlands is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Top rated for social mobility

#12—The Evergreen State College

Tacoma, washington.

Tuition : $8,999

To receive credit for life experience at The Evergreen State College, students will enroll in a course called Prior Learning from Experience Preparatory and Document Writing. In this course, they will work alongside faculty mentors to determine life experiences that may qualify for university credit. Once these experiences have been identified, students will compile a portfolio of documents proving their knowledge and experience in a specific area of study. Up to 30 credits may be awarded, depending on the scope of the individual student’s prior experiences. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has fully accredited The Evergreen State College to award credits for work life experience.

• Top-ranked public school

#11—Empire State University

Saratoga springs, new york.

Tuition : $7,630

Empire State University is widely known as one of the top colleges that accept life experience for credits. Its prior learning assessment program seeks to understand each student’s past experiences and how much college-level learning they already have. Experiences that may be redeemed for credit include:

• Volunteer work
• Professional experiences
• Community activities
• Independent study
• Prior coursework
• Standardized tests

A faculty mentor will help prospective students identify credit opportunities and determine the best way to demonstrate their prior learning. Empire State is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#10—Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, new jersey.

Tuition : $6,638

Thomas Edison State University’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program enables students to earn credit for a wide range of life and work experiences. Some of these include:

• Military experience
• Prior work experience
• Free online coursework
• Professional development
• Licensures and certification

Through its credit-by-exam approach, TESU rewards students for knowledge in subject matter, no matter where they learned it. As a contender for the best college for life experience credits, the school awards 38 credit hours per student on average for prior learning.  The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Thomas Edison State University to offer credit for life experience.

• Higher-than-average ROI
• Nationally ranked nursing program

#9—Columbia Southern University

Orange beach, alabama.

Tuition : $5,808

There are many ways students can earn credit for work and life experience at Columbia Southern University. The school has a generous policy for awarding transfer credits and also recognizes students’ prior learning. Credit can be awarded by exam or through evaluation of a student’s licensures and certifications. Many consider the school a “best” college for work experience credits. Columbia Southern has been accredited to offer online credits and degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• High return on investment

#8—University of Arizona Global Campus

Tucson, arizona.

Points : 10

Tuition : $13,626

There are half a dozen different ways students can earn credit for life experience at the University of Arizona Global Campus. For instance, veteran students can submit their record of military experience for evaluation. Moreover, there are various exams students can take to earn credit, including national examinations as well as the school’s prior learning assessments. UAGC has also partnered with several educational organizations such as Saylor Academy, Study.com, and StraighterLine to offer transfer credits. It’s easy to see why the school was chosen as one of the best colleges for life experience credits. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited the University of Arizona to offer these credits for work life experience.

#7—The City College of New York

New york, new york.

Tuition : $7,340

Students can earn up to twelve free credit hours from The City College of New York through the school’s online Life Experience Program (LEP). To secure credits, students must enroll in a non-credit online workshop for the purpose of creating a portfolio of relevant work. The portfolio will showcase the student’s skill in a chosen area. Once submitted, evaluators will review the portfolio to determine whether the student has the necessary skills to fulfill the requirements for a given course. Students may submit three different portfolios for a total of 12 credit hours. The school’s affordability combined with its generous credit for life experience program makes it one of the best online colleges that accept work experience for credits. The City College of New York is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#6—University of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, wisconsin.

Points : 10 Tuition : $6,750

The University of Wisconsin offers credit for life experience through a competency-based education program. By completing various assessments and projects online, students can earn credits by proving their prior knowledge. Whether the prior knowledge comes from work, military service, or past coursework, students can use it to earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Once enrolled in the program, students are assigned an academic success coach who will help them outline the path forward. The University of Wisconsin holds its institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Affordability

• Dedicated success coach

#5—Louisiana State University

Baton rouge, louisiana.

Points : 11

Tuition : $7,050

LSU Online offers a credit for prior learning assessment program where students can earn credits for professional certifications and military training. Examples of the types of certificates accepted for credit include:

• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Talent Management Institute (TMI)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Dedicated enrollment counselors are available to help prospective students navigate the process of applying credit for life experience. LSU is also one of the online colleges that accept the most transfer credits, allowing students to bring up to 90 credits from approved institutions. It holds its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Top-ranked online programs
• Transfer friendly

#4—Purdue Global University

West lafayette, indiana.

Tuition : $10,110

At Purdue Global, prospective or enrolled students can earn credit for work, military, or volunteer experience. There are multiple ways to earn this credit, including through skills assessments, portfolios, and/or online courses. Up to 33 credit hours can be earned through Purdue’s credit for life experience program. Fees required for courses and assessments may be covered by financial aid. The school’s website offers a credit for work experience calculator so students can anticipate the number of potential credits they could earn. For these reasons, Purdue has been selected as one of the top colleges that accept life experience for credits. It holds its institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.

#3—University of Arkansas- Grantham

Little rock, arkansas.

Tuition : $8,280

As one of the leading online colleges that give credit for work experience, the University of Arizona Grantham offers distance learners a variety of avenues towards college credit. Some of these paths include:

• On-the-job experience
• Workplace certifications
• Volunteer experience
• Public speaking
• Military training

In some cases, earning credit for work or life experience could be as easy as writing an essay explaining your qualifications. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission has accredited the University of Arkansas – Grantham to award credit for work life experience.

• 93% student satisfaction rate

#2—University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, maryland.

Points : 12

Tuition : $7,992

Students enrolled at the University of Maryland Global Campus have seven different ways to earn credit via work or life experience. These include:

• Credit for prior learning
• Credit for workplace experience
• Credit for professional certification
• Credit for military education
• Credit for vocational and technical education
• Credit for Google certificates

Moreover, students may also redeem completed online courses through third-party sites like Coursera and Study.com for UMGC credits. For this versatility, the schools earns a spot in our ranking of the top colleges that accept life experience for credits. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited the University of Maryland Global Campus to award online credits for work life experience.

#1—Charter Oak State College

New britain, connecticut.

Points : 13

Tuition : $8,506

Charter Oak State College is not only one of the top online colleges that accept work experience for credits, but it also offers credit for life experience. The school offers several different ways for students to earn credits before ever taking a single class. Examples include:

• Credit evaluation program

Veteran students may also submit their military transcript for evaluation. Charter Oak College is fully accredited to award online degrees by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

• Better-than-average ROI
• Less prestigious college

What Is Credit for Life Experience?

Credit for life experience is a type of credit awarded by colleges and universities to acknowledge what a student has already learned outside of the classroom. Different schools may have different policies for awarding this type of credit. And some schools may have different names for it as well. You may hear credit for life experience referred to as credit for prior learning or credit for work experience, for example. Because these labels can be ambiguous, it’s important for prospective students to confirm the details with their school of choice.

Who Can Earn Credit for Life Experience?

Almost anyone can qualify for life experience credits, but you will need one thing— experience! Usually, this excludes recent high school graduates (although not always). Instead, these types of programs typically favor nontraditional students who have been around the block a time or two, so to speak. They may have decided to return to school after a long professional career, for example. Or they might be a veteran student who has just returned from a tour of duty. Moms and dads who completed some college prior to embracing parenthood are also ideal candidates for credit for life experience programs.

Benefits of Credit for Life Experience

Distance learners have a lot of options in terms of where to attend school. For some students, it may make sense to prioritize online colleges that accept life experience for credits. In this section, we’ll discuss a few of the many benefits of attending a school that recognizes a student’s prior experiences.

Saves Time and Money

Time and money are two of the most important things to consider when looking for a school and degree program. Colleges that award credit for work and life experience can help you save on both. Credit for life experience can put you closer to graduation before you even take a single class. And while some schools charge fees for these credits, others do not. At the very least, you can expect to save some money on tuition when you apply your life experience to your degree plan. That’s not to mention savings on course fees and materials.

Boosts Morale

For many nontraditional students, it can be demoralizing to start school as a lowly freshman after years in the workplace. It could even feel like starting all over. With credit for life experience, though, these students get the boost they need to begin their educational journey with confidence. When colleges and universities award real credit for past experiences, they validate students’ knowledge and background, acknowledging that they have more to bring to the table than someone fresh out of high school.

Promotes Diversity in Higher Education

Credit for life experience programs stand to transform college classrooms across the country. Instead of virtual classrooms packed with young adults and recent high school graduates, these classrooms could see more representation when it comes to older adults and seasoned professionals. This diversity benefits everyone, not just nontraditional students. Adult learners with more real-world experience have the potential to enhance the curriculum for college degree programs, providing meaningful contexts for higher education concepts.

Downsides of Credit for Work and Life Experience

For many nontraditional students, the idea of receiving credit for life experience may seem like a dream come true. Still, nothing in life is perfect, and higher education is no exception. Thus, there are some disadvantages to programs that award life experience credits. It’s important to be aware of these downsides, so that you can weigh them against the benefits of such programs.

Problems with Verification

Having life experience that’s equivalent to college coursework is one thing, but proving it can be quite another. Depending on the school’s policies and its method for evaluating credit for life experience, some students may find it impossible to receive the credit they deserve. For example, if a significant amount of time has passed since the relevant experience, or if the student lacks adequate documentation, there may be problems with verification.

Non-Standardized Policies

Different schools have different policies for awarding credit for life experience, and this lack of standardization can cause problems for some students. For example, it may prevent students from attending the school they prefer or from transferring from one school to another.

Lack of Skills Alignment

Credit for life experience programs attempt to align skills learned in life with those taught in college classes. While this is a good idea in theory, it doesn’t always work out perfectly in practice. Sometimes, credit may be awarded for skills that have not yet been learned, which can have an adverse effect on a student’s academic performance. That is, they may be promoted to advanced classes that require certain prerequisite knowledge that they don’t actually have. In these cases, getting credit for foundational coursework may not actually work out in the student’s favor. They could find themselves struggling in upper-level classes without the skills they need for success.

What Qualifies As Life Experience for College Credits?

Credit for life experience can look different depending on the school you’re applying to. That’s because individual schools have unique policies for what type of experience qualifies for credit. Still, there are some common experiences that typically count towards a degree. Some examples include:

• Volunteer experiences
• Community work
• Professional certifications
• Non-degree online courses
• Military service

What Kind of Coursework Is Eligible for Life Experience Credit?

Not all coursework is eligible for credit for life experience, but ultimately, this will depend on the specific college or university you plan to attend. In this section, we’ll identify some of the common types of classes and credits that can be earned via life experience credit.

General Education Credits

General education credits include the coursework typically required for an undergraduate degree. This includes a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree. As their name implies, general education classes include general subject matter in areas such as liberal arts, humanities, mathematics, and science. Together, these courses make up the basic skillset and knowledge expected of a college graduate.

Elective Classes

Elective classes are those that aren’t specifically required for a degree plan. Instead, they’re offered as optional coursework. Students may be asked to complete a certain number of electives, depending on the curriculum guidelines for their degree. Sometimes, electives are used to tailor the degree to a specific sub-field or area of interest. Students may strategically choose electives related to their desired career path.

Core Classes

Core classes are those that make up the most substantial portion of the degree program. They are directly related to the student’s major and consist of coursework fundamental to the skills needed to graduate.

How Do Schools Award Credit for Life Experience?

Just as different schools have different policies for the types of experiences they accept for credit, they also have different ways of assessing these experiences. In this section, you’ll learn more about how potential credits are evaluated and awarded.

Credit By Portfolio

One of the most common ways colleges award credit for life experience is through a portfolio. To earn credit towards a degree, students will outline their experiences in portfolio format, showcasing how these experiences taught them concepts aligned with a certain course or degree. Depending on the school’s policy, they may be required to complete a project or write an essay for inclusion in the portfolio.

In some cases, students will enroll in a portfolio course where an instructor will assist them with the process of earning their desired credits. In other cases, students may be assigned online mentors who can aid them in the process of earning credit by portfolio. Most schools limit the number of credits a student can earn via the portfolio method, but this will vary by college or university.

Credit By Exam

A more straightforward method of earning credit for your life experiences is through a process known as credit by exam. Using this method, colleges and universities simply administer an exam for students to take in order to earn credit for a specific course. Many schools use standardized tests developed by the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DSST. Students must earn a passing score on the test to receive credit. If they fail, they will be required to take the course in question, regardless of any relevant experience in the subject. Schools who use this method sometimes refer to the credit awarded as “credit for prior learning”. This is perhaps a more accurate description, since credit is awarded based on the student’s knowledge of course material, rather than for a specific experience.

Credit By Certification

Another relatively simple way that schools can award credit for life experience is through credit by certification. Using this method, colleges and universities award credits for certifications students have earned in professional settings and through third-party educational platforms like Coursera, edX, and StraighterLine, for instance. Most schools that use this method follow the national guidelines set forth by the America Council on Education (ACE).

Credit for Military Service

Schools may award credit for military service in various ways. For instance, they may use one of the above methods of awarding credit. Or, they may have a special method reserved specifically for veteran students. For example, some colleges and universities require students with military experience to submit their official Joint Services Transcript (JST) for evaluation. Based on their review, they will award credits aligned with specific coursework that reflects the student’s experience.

The Importance of Accreditation for Work Life Experience Credits

Accreditation is the standardized process for evaluating and approving institutions of higher learning in the United States. It’s an important factor in determining where to attend school because it confirms that the college or university you’re considering is legitimate. Verifying a school’s accreditation status can help you avoid scams and ensure you get the quality education you deserve.

Some of the largest accrediting agencies in the U.S. include:

• The Higher Learning Commission
• The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• The New England Commission of Higher Education
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education
• The WASC Senior College and University Commission
• The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

You can check a school’s accreditation status on the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website.

Other Things To Consider When Finding a School for Work Life Experience

When looking for a college or university that accepts work life experiences, accreditation is a must. Still, there are other factors to consider as well.

Higher education is expensive, and tuition rates rise every year. It’s important for students to consider expenses when choosing a college or university. Affordability may be even more important for non-traditional students who are already juggling other financial responsibilities.

When considering which schools you can afford, tuition is just one of the factors to examine. Some schools offer financial aid such as grants and scholarships to help students fund their degree plans.

ROI—or return-on-investment—is another thing to keep in mind when looking for schools that accept credit for life experience. In terms of higher education, ROI refers to the amount of money on average that graduates of a specific college or university typically make weighed against the tuition they’re expected to pay. Schools with the best ROI have low tuition and are associated with high median salaries after graduation.

Flexibility

Flexibility can be important for any student, but it’s particularly crucial for nontraditional students and those seeking credit for work life experience. While online schools are typically associated with convenience and flexibility, some are more flexible than others. Depending on your availability, you may wish to choose an asynchronous program. These types of programs allow you to complete your school assignments when it’s convenient for you. Synchronous programs, on the other hand, require specific login times and may have more stringent deadlines. Other markers of flexibility include part-time scheduling options and multiple start dates.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Credit for Work Life Experience

It’s normal to have questions about enrollment in higher education. And when you’re considering credit for work life experience, the stakes are even higher. Here are some of the questions students like you often ask about credit for life experience programs:

Q: How many credits can I earn through credit for life experience programs?

A: Individual schools set limits for the maximum number of life experience credits they will award to each student. Talk to an admissions counselor or visit the school’s website for more information.  

Q: Do schools charge tuition for the life experience credits awarded through these programs?

A: It depends on the school. Some colleges and universities may award credit for life experience at no charge while others may charge a fee per credit hour. Still others may require students to enroll in a course prior to receiving life experience credits.

Q: How will credit for life experience affect my GPA?

A: It might not. Most schools apply credit for work and life experience on a pass/fail basis, so your GPA will likely be unaffected.

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): College Navigator
• PayScale.com
• U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges

Related Resources

• 10 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students
• 10 Online Courses for College Credit
• Best Colleges with Scholarships for Transfer Students

Online Students

For All Online Programs

International Students

On Campus, need or have Visa

Campus Students

For All Campus Programs

Get Degree Credit for Work and Life Experience Test out or earn credit for prior learning.

Take credit for what you know.

You've learned a lot outside of the classroom. And some of that knowledge may be worth savings – both in time and money – toward your degree.

Through a process known as credit for prior learning (CPL), you could get credit for what you've learned outside of college – through work, industry and IT certifications, and training, for example.

Commonly Transferred Experiences

• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

• Sophia Learning
• StraighterLine

Certifications

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Southern New Hampshire University accepts 600+ of these experiences as credit toward your degree. Even better: SNHU actually accepts up to 90 transfer credits  toward your bachelor's – that's 75% of your program  – so you can combine your CPL with other credits you've earned, like those from another college or through the military.

(By the way, SNHU is known for being one of the most transfer-friendly universities.)

Find out if what you know could help you finish your degree faster.

Talk with your admission counselor ( 888.327.SNHU ) to learn more or discuss experiences you may not see listed. If you're a current student, check with your academic advisor before completing an experience to find out if it can count toward your degree. 

Have military credits?

SNHU accepts those, too! Transfer your military experience .

Getting credit for work and life experience doesn’t just save you time toward your degree, it saves dollars in your pocket – a lot of them.

What SNHU Students are Saying

Jayson Camp '22

“I was really pleasantly surprised by the number of credits that transferred from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy.”

Frequently Asked Questions

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)  as well as several other accrediting bodies.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Main Navigation
• Skip to Search

Indiana University Indianapolis

American studies.

Ph.D. Program in American Studies

The program requires students take courses from faculty in various disciplines that offer a variety of ways to analyze and critique a US-based “American experience,” broadly defined. Students will accumulate significant experience collaborating with organizations and institutions throughout the city and region. By mandating a related internship of at least one full year, the program promotes the application of academic research outside of the academy. Universities like IUPUI offer an innovative and interdisciplinary mix of methods and theory courses to develop the knowledge and skills required necessary to thrive in all sorts of environments.

Degree Requirements

90 total hours; 60 hours beyond a M.A. or M.S.

Core courses (6 hours)

• AMST-A 601: American Studies in Theory
• AMST-A 602: American Studies in Practice
• AMST Doctoral Seminar (Research blog and in-person seminar for students)

Methods courses (18 credits)

Most departments consistently teach methods courses as part of their graduate programs. Such courses will comprise the foundation for the doctoral program in American Studies. The courses are distributed across three categories: analytical, digital, and quantitative/qualitative. Consultation between a student, the chair of the student’s committee, and, if possible, input from the internship director will help determine which courses are necessary.

Minor Concentration (12 credits)

Every student will have at least one minor concentration. The list below covers those areas in which minors either already exist or can be easily created. Students also have the option of creating, in consultation with their committee, a minor that brings together courses from a few disciplines.

Electives (24 credit hours)

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this Ph.D., the student will choose elective courses that complement this applied doctoral program. The student will work with her/his faculty committee to identify those courses that best complement the research questions of the Ph.D. concentration and that supplement the theories and areas of cultural study within American Studies. Electives also can be satisfied by coursework already completed prior to acceptance in the doctoral program such as a master’s degree or other applicable graduate-level work.

Qualifying Exam—Written

All students shall take a written, qualifying examination that aims to assess the student’s knowledge and readiness to carry out successful research. This exam must be completed by the semester prior to the start of the student’s dissertation.

Internship and Applied Dissertation (30 credit hours)

Among the chief aims of the program is to provide doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences with opportunities to train for careers outside of academia. The doctoral internship required of this program places interns in non-profit, for-profit, and government agencies where interns participate full time in the substantive work of an organization. The AMST Program works with the external organization to cover costs associated with graduate training, including health insurance and monthly stipends. The doctoral internship serves as part of the research for student dissertations and therefore must be guided by the student’s research committee.

Dissertation

The American Studies Program encourages a student to investigate problems connected with the internship; therefore, the final product will be an applied dissertation. The applied dissertation will contribute to the literature in a student’s concentration area. The dissertation must be an original contribution to knowledge and of high scholarly merit. The candidate’s research must reveal critical ability and powers of imagination and synthesis. The dissertation is written under the supervision of a research director and a research committee and cannot be a collection of unrelated published papers. There must be a logical connection between all components of the dissertation, and these must be integrated in a rational and coherent fashion. It is the responsibility of the student’s research committee to determine the kind and amount of published material that may be included in a dissertation.

The student must maintain a B+ average (3.3) or higher in order to graduate. In addition, the student must pass the comprehensive examination and complete either a thesis or an applied learning project in order to complete the degree requirements.

Admission Requirements:

Recruitment of candidates for this program will present opportunities that are somewhat atypical for doctoral programs in the liberal arts. Traditionally, doctoral programs attract students who wish to work with specific faculty members within specific disciplines in order to build expertise and future careers in that discipline. The program seeks to attract students who believe contemporary problems require understanding and analysis that a research degree anchored in the liberal arts can provide. Rather than recruit students to become future academics, this program uses academic training to develop expertise that can be applied primarily outside of classrooms. To that end, the recruitment of students will depend on establishing clear connections between external partners for internships, research centers at IUPUI, and faculty who will mentor students by helping them build programs that prepare them for fields in which they will intern.

Candidates are not required to hold advanced degrees in any particular discipline, but this program will likely attract students holding either a B.A. or M.A. in liberal arts disciplines or related degrees. Candidates should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing). While the program does not expect to institute a fixed minimum requirement, students shall be advised that successful candidates typically have scores above the 70th percentile in the verbal, quantitative, and analytic writing sections.

Beyond these measures for admission, the applicants shall submit a written statement of purpose for entering the Ph.D. program, three letters of recommendation from individuals in professional positions able to judge success (at least one letter from a tenured or tenure-track faculty), original transcripts, and a curriculum vitae.

Applicants should submit the following:

• Completed application form for Indiana University Gradu­ate School.
• Personal Statement.
• Official transcripts of all college level coursework.
• Three letters of recommendation (from university instructors and/or professional associates) sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies.
• *GRE scores are not required for admission to the program if the applicant has a graduate degree; however, GRE scores are required for those applicants who have not completed a graduate degree or who feel their scores will enhance their application.
• Interna­tional students must submit TOEFL scores. Information about TOEFL can be obtained from the International Affairs Office, 902 W. New York Street, ES 2126, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or 317- 274-7000.

Language Requirements:

For applicants whose native language is not English, IUPUI requires a 79 on the Internet- based TOEFL or 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or a 6.5 on the IELTS or a G011 or higher on the IUPUI EAP Placement Exam taken from within the last two years. However, because of the importance of writing skills on a program with a dissertation requirement, applicants should typically score above the 70th percentile (i.e., 94 on the Internet-based TOEFL). Final decisions on admission shall be made by the American Studies Advisory Committee.

Contact Dr. Raymond Haberski , Director of American Studies.

Related Links

• American Studies Minor
• Meet our Ph.D. Students
• Scholarships
• Career Readiness Starts Now!
• A Student Takeover for the 2022 Celebration of Scholarship!
• 2022-23 Student Ambassador Applications Due by April 3
• Why Graduate School at IUPUI?
• Anthropocene Household Project

• Accreditation
• PUT/ACU Alliance
• Church and State

Life Experience Credit

• Degree Programs
• Get Started
• Tuition, Fees & Requirements
• Developing Your MAP
• Your Thesis
• EAGLE FORUM
• MAKE PAYMENTS

College Credit for Experiential Learning

At primus you bring your knowledge to college.

Primus University of Theology is a revolutionary revival of the Biblical style of teaching and is a classic model of the original Ecclesiastical Open University System. Primus recognize that biblical knowledge is worthy of credit and acknowledgement, and that honor and recognition should be awarded to those who learn through revelation and independent study.

We are committed to responding to the need for lifelong learning opportunities by providing a full range of educational services adapted to the needs of ministers, business and church leaders. To accomplish this goal, the University recognizes transfer credits and awards credit for documented experiential learning, which is defined as college-level learning that takes place outside a college or university setting. Learning acquired through the following kinds of activities might qualify:

• Non-credit courses, Bible Study classes
• Workshops and internet courses
• Self-taught knowledge or skills/independent study
• Career/work experiences/training
• Volunteer work or community services
• Travel, mission trips and activity
• Avocations, e.g., art, music, dramatics
• Leadership roles in church, associations, politics and organizations
• Personal life experiences
• Hobbies, including extensive Christian reading
• Published articles, newsletters, books and other written works
• Development of classes and teaching materials
• Being fluent in a second or third Language

Through the development of your unique MAP – PAC © [Ministry Advancement Portfolio] you can earn lifelong learning credits for provable evidence of learning.

Unlike other Universities, we believe:

John 4:20-24 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where it is necessary to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… 23 But an hour is coming—and now is —when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for indeed the Father seeks such people to be his worshipers. 24 God is spirit, and the ones who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

Students may request credit for experiential learning by using the MAP – PAC © Process used for quantifying and granting college level credits.

• Find out more about MAP – PAC ©
• See our Degree Programs and Distinctions

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• CAREER COLUMN
• 08 April 2024

How we landed job interviews for professorships straight out of our PhD programmes

• Violeta Rodriguez 0 &
• Qimin Liu 1

Violeta Rodriguez is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Qimin Liu is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University in Massachusetts.

By staying organized in their job hunt, both authors received several job offers. Credit: Getty

We met during the last year of our PhD training, after securing placements at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry for our predoctoral internships — the final step of our clinical doctoral programmes. V. R. came from the University of Georgia in Athens and was pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology, and Q. L. came from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and was working towards a PhD in clinical science and quantitative methods. It was amid the academic rigour and personal stress of the last year of our programmes that we became friends. We bonded over being immigrants and not speaking English as our first language while navigating the complexities of academia. We both wanted to forgo postdoctoral training and instead immediately become junior professors. Now, we’re assistant professors: V. R. is at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Q. L. is at Boston University in Massachusetts.

The odds we faced in the academic job market had seemed insurmountable, particularly to immigrants, and we had been cautioned by mentors and even junior faculty members about the challenge ahead. But we succeeded: we received a combined total of 27 in-person interviews, leading to 15 tenure-track assistant-professor offers across departments of psychology, paediatrics or psychiatry, schools of education and academic medical centres. (You can check out our hints for nailing job interviews in our other article .)

How to move labs

Despite the positive outcome, the process was stressful, fast and unpredictable. Our friendship became a sanctuary: amid the daunting job market and our own self-doubt, we understood and encouraged each other. We want to offer what our friendship provided us — understanding, support and encouragement — to researchers hoping to stay in academia after earning a PhD, so we are sharing our reflections and insights.

We must first make clear: no amount of job-search tips and tricks can substitute for good science and a strong publication record. To gauge our readiness, we looked up the CV of the most recent hire in each department that we applied to. We also made sure we had backup offers of postdoctoral positions. While navigating this process, we learnt that institutions were interested in candidates who planned to pursue external funding.

Qimin Liu is now an assistant professor. Credit: Qimin Liu

We had both obtained federal and private funding before — making us more competitive. We urge aspiring professors to prioritize their research contributions, external fellowship and grant applications and academic achievements above all.

To readers who’ve successfully navigated this process, many of our reflections and insights could seem obvious. However, this kind of advice can be the hardest to follow during a fast-moving job hunt, with several moving pieces involved and new considerations and job offers or advertisements emerging unexpectedly. Treat this as a checklist before beginning to fill out job applications.

Tips and tricks

Start your search early. Allow ample time to prepare for the job hunt; research potential options, such as jobs in academic medical centres, standard department positions or tenure-track jobs in related fields; and submit applications. Plan to reply to job ads long before the first deadline. Starting early gives you time to collect and incorporate feedback from mentors and colleagues.

Training: Free course on peer review

Prepare your networks. The academic job market can be unpredictable, with opportunities emerging unexpectedly. It is important to think about who can write letters for you — sometimes at short notice. Most of our applications required three letters of recommendation from all applicants. Others requested letters from only shortlisted candidates.

Plan ahead. The final drafts of materials took, on average, one to two months in total to prepare and polish. The initial drafts took about 8 hours, and the research statement required a total of 16 hours. (The research statement summarizes your research programme, the work you’ve done so far and what you plan to pursue in future. It can also highlight why a particular institution is well-suited to support your work.) Preparing drafted statements in advance made it easier to adapt them to different positions later — tweaking materials for specific positions took 30–60 minutes per application.

Research potential job opportunities. Don’t just rely on word-of-mouth or googling specific positions to find things you’re interested in applying to. Use online job boards (such as HigherEdJobs or Nature Careers ), and tap into your professional network by sending e-mails or LinkedIn messages to your mentors and colleagues, letting them know you’re on the job market. Scour social media and department websites to find available positions. We both posted on X (formerly Twitter) that we were job hunting, and several people reached out with opportunities.

Develop job application ‘templates’. Create a set of well-crafted templates for your application materials, such as cover letters and statements, on which you can easily fill in your name, relevant details and where you’ve previously worked. Having adaptable documents allowed us to respond quickly to new postings.

Tailor your application materials. Templates can take you only so far. Take the time to customize your application materials, including your CV, cover letter (each of ours was one page long) and research statement, to highlight your relevant skills, experiences and research contributions. Tailoring your materials to each position demonstrates genuine interest and increases your chances of standing out to hiring committees. Generic applications are easy for hiring managers to reject. Mentioning centres or institutes that align with your research; available resources, such as early-career programmes, that you want to take advantage of; and the names of people whom you are interested in working with can help to personalize your application materials.

Stay organized. Maintain a well-organized system to track application deadlines, requirements and submission statuses. Be ready to remind your letter writers to submit their recommendations. Keep a calendar or spreadsheet to ensure that all required materials are submitted on time and to track when to follow up. An example spreadsheet is provided below.

Practise for interviews and job talks. Run mock interviews with your peers or mentors. Practise answering common interview questions and develop concise, compelling responses that highlight your expertise, teaching abilities and fit. Treat these seriously — you’re likely to be nervous in the real interview, so try to recreate that while rehearsing, perhaps by inviting a relatively unknown colleague or professor to join the practice runs. V. R. recorded her job talk on Zoom and sent it to others for feedback.

Practising your job talk — a presentation of your academic research that is often a spoken version of your research statement — until you know it backwards and forwards will prepare you for the unexpected. In addition, rehearsing how you plan to respond to different questions, and practising saying that you want people to hold their questions until the end, can be helpful.

Prepare a start-up budget to get your lab running. Many academic positions include a start-up fund for incoming faculty members. It is typically used for summer salary and staffing or research costs. You might be asked for an estimated budget before, during or after the interview stage — so you should have one ready in advance. When preparing your budget, keep in mind the spending norms at the institution and for your discipline. Ask for more than you think you need, because this amount will often be reduced during negotiations.

As we look back on our job-hunting experiences, we are reminded of how much we grew in this process, in ways that are not related to just our jobs — and this growth continued in our interviews .

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01044-1

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

Supplementary Information

• Example spreadsheet

Related Articles

• Research management

Deadly diseases and inflatable suits: how I found my niche in virology research

Spotlight 17 APR 24

How young people benefit from Swiss apprenticeships

I dive for fish in the longest freshwater lake in the world

Female academics need more support — in China as elsewhere

Correspondence 16 APR 24

Researchers want a ‘nutrition label’ for academic-paper facts

Nature Index 17 APR 24

How two PhD students overcame the odds to snag tenure-track jobs

Career Column 08 APR 24

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies