How Colleges Award Credits for Work Experience

Berklee College of Music

• Online Degrees Available: Eight bachelor's degrees; four master's degrees
• School Type: Private
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Flat rate for all distance learners
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

At Berklee, you can earn up to 30 college credits for work and life experience. The prior learning credit (PLC) policy applies to undergraduates enrolled in a degree-granting program. You'll need to create a portfolio demonstrating how your prior learning aligns with a specific course in your program. For example, you can apply for credit in areas like songwriting, music production, or piano performance.

After submitting your portfolio, Berklee will review your description of the experience and learning outcomes. You can receive three credits per course for up to 10 courses. Berklee charges a $150 fee to review portfolios as of December 2023.

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Central Michigan University

• Online Degrees Available: 24 bachelor's degrees; 18 master's degrees; three doctoral degrees
• School Type: Public
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes; flat rate for all distance learners
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Both undergraduate and graduate students can use work experience for college credit at CMU. The credit for prior learning program allows up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree, 12 credits toward a master of science administration degree, or nine credits toward a master of arts in education degree.

Besides college credit for work experience, CMU also awards credit for workshops, professional development classes, and volunteering. You'll need to submit a portfolio with documentation and a self-assessment of learning. CMU charges $125 to review the portfolio as of December 2023, and you'll receive credits within 6-8 weeks.

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Colorado State University's Global Campus

• Online Degrees Available: 15 bachelor's degrees; 15 master's degrees
• School Type: Public
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes; flat rate for all distance learners
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Got years of work experience? You can turn them into up to 30 credits at CSU-Global. The prior learning assessment program can shave a year off a bachelor's degree. You'll need at least four years of work experience to qualify. Then, you'll need to submit a PLA application demonstrating that you've met the learning objectives for specific courses.

After you submit a portfolio showcasing your experience and a resume, CSU-Global will award college credits for work experience. You'll need to pay a $150 fee for each portfolio submission as of December 2023.

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Eastern Kentucky University

• Online Degrees Available: 29 bachelor's degrees; 16 master's degrees; three doctoral degrees
• School Type: Public
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes; flat rate for all distance learners
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

You can earn credit by exam or credit for work experience at EKU. The credit for prior learning options include department-specific exams to test knowledge and portfolio assessments.

You'll need to demonstrate competency in a specific EKU course to receive college credit. Current students with at least 12 credits at EKU can submit a portfolio. The portfolio should include documentation and a narrative on your learning.

Keep in mind that not every department awards credit for prior learning, and department limits on credits vary. EKU students should contact their academic advisor to learn more.

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Linfield University

• Online Degrees Available: Six bachelor's degrees
• School Type: Private
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Flat rate for all distance learners
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

At Linfield, you can earn college credit for life experience. That includes work experience, workshops, life experience, volunteering, and even travel. The prior learning portfolio process awards up to 31 credits toward the 125-credit bachelor's degree.

You can start the process by meeting with an advisor. Then you'll take a course on writing your portfolio with specific instructions on receiving college credit for work experience. In the portfolio, you'll provide evidence of your prior learning experience.

Linfield also awards credits through the American Council on Education (ACE), which offers exams related to business and industry skills.

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Pros of Work Experience Degrees

• Gain Hands-On Experience: Many schools with college credit for work experience offer hands-on experiences. These graduation requirements help students master in-demand skills they'll use in their careers.
• Study at Your Own Pace: Many nontraditional students who work benefit from a slower, self-paced curriculum. Other degree-seekers use this advantage to finish college courses in less than one semester.
• Skip Prerequisites: Degree-seekers can avoid taking unnecessary courses. Skipping prerequisites allows them to start gaining new skills immediately.
• Save Money: Students receiving college credit for work experience save money on their education. They may apply these savings toward another academic program or personal expenses.

Cons of Work Experience Degrees

• Earning Credits May take Longer: Online students in a self-paced curriculum may need longer to earn a degree than their peers. However, receiving college credit for work experience helps many learners graduate on time.
• Missing Out on the Traditional College Experience: Online degree-seekers miss out on the traditional college experience. However, this experience may not appeal to nontraditional students with a career or family.
• Lacking Textbook Knowledge of a Subject: Although some students have relevant work experience, not taking introductory courses may cause them to miss out on core knowledge and skills.
• Missing Out on Opportunities to Build Relationships and Network with College Peers: Online learners receive fewer opportunities to network with peers and professors. Colleges help students overcome this disadvantage by providing virtual academic and career-planning resources.