Prior learning credit recognizes the knowledge and skills you’ve gained outside the classroom—through work, military service, certifications, or life experiences. It’s a faster, smarter way to earn your degree. If you’re thinking about becoming an online degree completion student and you may have prior learning experience, Prior Learning Credit may be a great option for you!
Examples of Eligible Experiences:
- Professional Training or Certifications such as those acquired outside of an accredited college or university
- Military Training and experience
- On-the-job skills
- Volunteer work
- Independent study
Why Choose Prior Learning Credit?
- Save Time: Graduate faster by skipping courses you already know.
- Save Money: Reduce tuition costs by earning credit for experience.
- Recognize Your Achievements: Get credit for the hard work you’ve already done.
- Personalized for Your Learning: Your prior learning assessment is based on your unique experiences.
- Advance Your Career: Earn your degree and open new doors for growth
Get Started Today!
- Apply to UOlivet – Submit your application and take the first step toward earning credit for your experience.
- Submit Proof of Learning Portfolio – Provide documentation like your resume, certifications, or an employment verification letter (varies by program).
- Connect with Us – Meet a UOlivet representative to explore how your experiences can count toward college credit.
- Enroll & Share Your Story – Register for a Prior Learning Credit Course (IDS 499 or IDS 699, depending on if you are an undergraduate or graduate student), upload your documents, and write a brief paper on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained. You must pay this one-credit course’s online tuition rate.
- Earn Credit for Your Experience – Receive credit hours that recognize the expertise you already have.
Questions? If you have any questions about Credit for Prior Learning, please contact us at UOlivetOnline@UOlivet.edu.
FAQs
Yes, undergraduate as well as graduate-level students may take advantage of credit for prior learning.
- Undergraduate students may qualify for up to 30 credits
- Graduate students may qualify for up to 12 credits
The American Council on Higher Education (ACE) assigns military credit. For more information, please refer to the ACE Military Guide.
- Exams – high school AP exams, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP),
- Courses – Sophia.com, LinkedIn Learning, Study.com
- Certifications – non-academic training, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, etc.
Since prior learning credits are simply credit, they are not graded; you are simply granted a specific number of credit hours toward the completion of your degree.
Yes, if you are awarded a financial aid package, you may use it toward course payment.
If you feel you should receive more credit than were granted by UOlivet, you may send us a written appeal so long as it is received within three months from the date of the decision.
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