Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior learning is learning gained through life or work outside of structured higher educational courses. Many people learn through their experiences in life such as those in professional endeavors (business, the military, or other work/training experiences) or through other educational experiences (community work, family, travel, or personal study).

PLA is a process through which students identify areas of relevant learning from their experiences, demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation, and submit their materials so that they can be assessed and possibly awarded academic credit relative to specific course objectives at Middle 51动漫 State.

Prospective students who fit the following criteria are eligible to participate in PLA:

  • they are adults
  • they are non-traditional students
  • they have other learning experiences outside of a traditional college curriculum.

PLA will reduce the repetition of relevant course-related material for students with prior learning (or with prior degrees). PLA will also reduce the time and money required to earn an undergraduate degree although it will require the investment of both. Certain PLA components require fees such as testing (e.g., departmental examinations and standardized tests) and portfolio assessment. However, in general, PLA should take less time and money to complete than taking regular classes.

The Department of IT offers a PLA portfolio assessment at a cost of $175.00

*If students are wanting to use prior certifications as supplemental materials for their PLA, they should check to see if they can gain course credit directly for their certification instead: /computing/information-technology/certificates.php

The PLA Process

Currently, PLA options are available to Information Technology students for undergraduate Information Technology courses. Students who believe they might be eligible for PLA should contact Professor Jed Edge, Chair in the Department of Information Technology to determine if their prior learning experiences meet the criteria to earn college credit. The process includes:

  • Review the PLA Portfolio Rubric /computing/information-technology/docs/pla-evaluation-rubric.pdf.
    1. Students should also become aware of the course description and student learning outcomes of the course they would like to get PLA credit for.
  • Complete the Academic Honesty Statement and PLA Portfolio and submit it to the Department of IT for an initial review.
    1. The student’s portfolio will go through an initial review to make sure all documents are present and are correct.
  • Once your portfolio goes through initial review, please email Testingservices@mga.edu to sign up and pay for the PLA.
  • After a faculty panel reviews and makes an approval decision the portfolio packet, a grade of “K” will be awarded if approved. PLA can be repeated up to 5 times for 15 hours of credit.

*Please be aware that paying for your PLA slot through testing services does not guarantee portfolio approval.