Prior Learning
Assessment
Earn credit for the learning you already
acquired through your life experience.
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What is PLA?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a progressive and unique evaluation in which college-level learning gained through many of your previous experiences are recognized for credit through the University of Redlands School of Business undergraduate programs. What you’ve learned often represents the level of learning and skill required in Redlands courses and contains both a theoretical and a practical base applicable in a variety of work and life situations. The services of the Assessment Center are offered at no charge to students.
Examples of college-level learning may include:
• Training provided by employers • Military service
• Non-credit courses • Workshops & seminars • Personal development courses • Previous college courses
Your work is identified, evaluated and compared to University of Redlands course requirements and translated appropriately into credits. These credits are applied toward the accomplishment of your undergraduate degree within the School of Business and are recognized upon completion of your program coursework.
Four methods used to assess credit:
• Redlands’ experiential learning course (HUMB310) • Review of transcripts of non-transferable credits • ACE-evaluated military and professional training • Professional and certified training
Take the First Step
Top 5% America’s Best Colleges, Forbes | Top 15% America’s 4-year Colleges, Princeton Review | Graduates’ salaries rank in the Top 30 colleges nationwide, Payscale.com | Ranked both an A+ School and a Best Value, U.S. News & World Report
Begin by contacting the University of Redlands
Assessment Center at [email protected]
A PLA advisor will consult with you to explore your experiences and learning and provide you with procedural advice and information. The PLA advisor can also help you in determining your eligibility for assessment and support you throughout the PLA process.
What type of experience do you have?
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Did you know you may already
qualify for one credit if you are a
certified scuba diver?
You may have PE credits if you have completed basic training in the military.
Your HUMB310 Portfolio
Top 5% America’s Best Colleges, Forbes | Top 15% America’s 4-year Colleges, Princeton Review | Graduates’ salaries rank in the Top 30 colleges nationwide, Payscale.com | Ranked both an A+ School and a Best Value, U.S. News & World Report
If you choose to enroll in the experiential learning course, HUMB310, then your prior learning can be demonstrated through the portfolio process. It requires detailed accounts of your life experiences and learning accomplishments. The portfolio process assists in determining whether a match can be made between your knowledge and expertise and the required outcomes of the Redlands’ course credits you wish to obtain. The portfolio process demonstrates the learning you have achieved.
Required Documentation for Professional Training
There are four pieces of training documentation required to be considered for PLA: • Certification of coursework completed
• Verification of instructional clock hours • Course description
• Statement of Learning Outcomes (SOLO)
These documents verify the nature and extent of your learning and assist in the evaluation of what you learned and how that learning will apply to your academic career at the University of Redlands.
Receive Credit for Your Experience
The Benefits of Prior Learning Assessment
It is possible to receive up to 30 free assessed credits within the School of Business undergraduate program through the process of PLA. Other benefits include:
• Assessment process is open throughout degree progression • Assessed credit may be used for general education requirements • Except for the tuition for HUMB 310, the services of the
Assessment Center are free
• PLA fills the gap for degree completion
• PLA significantly reduces time and cost to earn your degree
Learning occurs in a variety of settings:
• At work
• Through professional development • Through extra-curricular activities
Individuals interested in earning credit for their experiential learning may have been away from a classroom for years, but they have acquired a great deal of relevant knowledge from life experiences.
At the University of Redlands, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is designed to acknowledge learning and award students with the credits needed to complete an undergraduate degree.
“ We are enthusiastic about this program because it
recognizes that learning takes place in many different
environments. Assessment is convenient and streamlined
and moves students forward to achieve their
educational goals.”
— Michelle McBride
Earn credit for the learning you already acquired through your life experience.
You will be surprised at the volume and breadth of
knowledge you have acquired from the many learning
environments of life: family, work, military, professional
development, personal interests. Validate your learning
and earn admission and degree-completion credits with the
University of Redlands Prior Learning Assessment programs.
Military Credit:
Military credits are awarded for military training, not military occupations. The following reflect some credits already awarded to our veterans and active-duty military personnel:
• Basic Training – 4 credits
• Electrician’s Mate Class A – 7 credits • First Aid and CPR – 1 credit
• Fundamentals of Leadership – 2 credits
• Medical Supply Specialist – 4 credits • Military Science – 6 credits
• Personal Finance – 1 credit • Recruit and Retention School –
3 credits
• Solid State Devices – 2 credits • TATS Primary Leadership
Development – 2 credits • Terrorism Awareness – 1 credit
Professional Training:
• Dale Carnegie – 3 credits
• Life Insurance License – 2 credits • PADI Diving Certification – 1 credit • Pilot’s License – 3 credits
• Real Estate License – 2 credits • Six Sigma Green Belt – 4 credits
Corporate in-house training and training completed in the pursuit of personal interests in many subjects can also be considered for assessed credit.
University of Redlands
awards you up to
30 free credits toward
Earn credit for the learning you already acquired through your life experience.
Non-transferable Transcripted Courses that have received assessed credits:
• American Sign Language • Anatomy and Physiology • Basic POST Police Academy • Biomedical Ethics
• Digital Electronics • First Aid and CPR
• Paramedic Pharmacology • Principles of Public Relations • Teaching and Learning in
Secondary Schools • Waste Water Treatment • Wills, Trusts, and Probate
Administration
Experiential Learning Essays
Examples of U of R courses frequently challenged during HUMB 310
(Interpreting Experience): • Business Speech
• Death and Bereavement • Issues in Modern Religion
• Principles of Personal and Family Finance
• Small Business Management • Supervision
• The American Family • The Stress of Living • Theories of Coaching • Writing and Work
Many other courses and departmental offerings are available for experiential learning essays.
Why University of Redlands?
1200 East Colton Ave. PO Box 3080
Redlands, CA 92373-0999
[email protected]
909-748-8746
Adult & Professional Education Programs
Our Adult & Professional Education programs are designed to fit the needs of working professionals, with small classes that provide the personal attention you need. We understand busy schedules and commitments. Adapting to them is our specialty.
We offer:
• Convenience: Eight locations for easy access from work or from home
• Flexibility: Block and evening schedules so you can complete your
studies on your time
• Expertise: Supportive faculty whose credentials and experience make
them respected leaders in their fields
• Reputation: Quality education backed by more than 100 years of tradition
