Prior Learning Assessment

Recognize Your Experience, Earn Your Degree Faster

In our Learning Design and Technology programs, we value the knowledge and skills that you have gained outside of the traditional classroom. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy allows you to conver that professional experience into academic credit, helping you advance your education and career more efficiently. PLA only applies to the following programs:

• Master's in Learning Design and Technology
• Certificate in Learning Design and Technology

What is PLA?

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) exam is our process for evaluating the learning you have acquired already—through work, training, and other experiences outside a traditional academic environment. By earning PLA credits, you are demonstrating that you already possess the knowledge and skills taught in the courses listed below, potentially reducing both your time and cost needed to complete the degree.

Eligible Courses

PLA credit can be earned for the following courses:

• LDT 5301: Applied Learning Design in Professional Contexts
• EDC 6372: Teaching and Learning in Online Environments
• LDT 5310: Learning Design and Emerging Technologies
• LDT 5311: Learning Design and Applied Multimedia Production
• LDT 5313: Project Management in Learning Design

Student Eligibility

Students may receive up to 6 credits towards the MS or Certificate in Learning Design and Technology by way of PLA. Admitted students seeking PLA should notify their Graduate Academic Advisor when they enroll in the MS in Learning Design and Technology program. Once notified, the Graduate Academic Advisor will guide students through the registration process for the PLA exams.

Each PLA exam costs $200 and is non-refundable. 

The ideal candidate for PLA have flexibility in their degree plans and 4-5 years of professional experience relevant to the eligible courses.

Demonstrate Your Knowledge

A Faculty Panel will assess your knowledge and skills in the course area over three different evaluation metrics. PLA credits are awared on a pass/fail basis and will be recorded on your transcript, counting towards your degree completion. 

To earn PLA credit, students must demonstrate their knowledge for the course in three ways:

1. Exam: Students must take and pass an online exam over the key content knowledge from the course for which the student is seeking PLA credit.
2. Portfolio Project: Students submit a portfolio project that meets the criteria of the course they are seeking PLA credit. 
3. Presentation: Students will present their project to a faculty panel, demonstrating their understanding of the process, systems, and software that was used.