What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Many students arrive at Southern with a wealth of prior knowledge and experience acquired through work or professional training that closely aligns with credit-level coursework in their area of study.
Many programs at Southern allow matriculated students to demonstrate this prior learning through a portfolio assessment or examination and earn academic credit for this learning acquired outside the traditional classroom.
This option helps recognize real-world expertise while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Prior learning eligible for academic credit following portfolio assessment must be:
- Aligned to the equivalent course outcomes of a specific credit-bearing course currently taught in an academic program at Southern.
- Well documented, thoroughly explained, and verifiable through evidence and an explanatory narrative.
- Based on experience that is of sufficient duration to acquire the level and amount of learning required by the program.
The amount of credits that may be applied through CPL varies by degree level and program. Many, but not all, programs at Southern accept credit for prior learning, and these credits can only be applied to a matriculated student’s degree program with program coordinator approval after the assessment has been thoroughly reviewed by faculty. Please refer to your specific program and the appropriate catalog for more information. For full details, visit the:
Undergraduate Catalog CPL Page
Credit for Prior Learning by Portfolio Assessment or Examination
How to initiate a portfolio assessment or examination
Step 1
Discuss with your advisor and/or coordinator how your work experience/professional training aligns with eligible coursework before initiating the process. Make sure to reflect on the types of evidence/documentation that you could provide as proof of learning.
Step 2
Complete the application form, which will be reviewed by the appropriate program.
Step 3
You will be contacted by the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning within 10 days with the next steps. If approved for review, a non-refundable $250 CPL fee will be charged per evaluation, regardless of the outcome. Please note: CPL fees are not eligible for payment with SCSU scholarship dollars and are not covered by financial aid.
Step 4
Once you complete your examination or submit your portfolio assessment, it will be reviewed by the appropriate faculty member, which can take up to six weeks.
Step 5
The Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning will notify you of the results of your assessment, and if awarded, the credits will be applied toward your degree. If credit is not awarded, you may submit a second portfolio challenging the same course and pay the assessment fee again. If credit is not recommended for the second portfolio, you cannot resubmit.
Your official transcript will display a grade of “EP” (pass by examination) or “P” (pass for portfolio assessment) for the course requested, along with the number of credit hours earned. The course will be transcribed to the term in which the assessment was evaluated.
What does a CPL portfolio assessment usually include?
Your graduate program will specify the expected content and organization of your online portfolio; however, portfolios typically include:
- Cover page and letter of intent
- Resume or CV
- An in-depth learning narrative
- Supporting documentation may include:
- Verification letters (on letterhead) from employers directly speaking to the learning outcomes
- Professional evaluations, commendations, and job descriptions
- Publications, writing samples, grant proposals written, and reports
- Recordings
- Licenses or professional certifications granted by state or national agencies, scores on licensing exams
- Evidence of promotion
- Completed workshops, micro-credentials,
- Other supporting evidence