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ACADEMICS
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Felician University values both knowledge and skills gained outside of traditional academic settings. Students come to Felician from diverse backgrounds and bring with them significant experience obtained beyond the classroom, such as on-the-job training, civic leadership, and volunteer work. Through Felician’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), you can earn college credits for that experience.
If you believe you qualify for PLA credits, read on to learn about the assessment process or fill out the
PLA Interest Form now by clicking the button below.
Earn Credits. Save Money. Graduate Faster.
- Adult students with PLA credits graduate an average of 9-14 months faster
- Students with PLA credits save an average of $1,500-$10,200
- Gain up to 90 credits with PLA, transfer, and standardized exams
Eligible Prior Learning Experiences
PLA is based on college-level knowledge and skills that satisfy the learning outcomes of academic courses. Your unique personal and professional history holds the potential to accelerate your academic progress and save you time and money on your degree. Explore some of the life experiences that can earn you college credit today.
Business Ownership
Training & Licensure
Professional Work
Civic Leadership
Volunteering
Military Training
ACADEMICS
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA)
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
CONTACT INFORMATION
PLA Coordinator
Dennis Graham
Phone: 201.355.3315
Email: GrahamD@felician.edu
Eligibility
PLA Application Requirements
FAQ's
Eligibility
In order to qualify for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), at least one of the following criteria must be met:
- You’ve been out of high school for 4+ years at the time of initial registration into an undergraduate program
- You’ve had at least a 2-year interruption in higher education
- You must take less than 12 credits each semester due to significant, non-academic commitments
PLA Application Requirements
In order to earn academic credit via PLA, you must:
- Submit Felician’s undergraduate/graduate application (along with all relevant materials)
- Submit a PLA Interest Form
- Submit a PLA portfolio
- If applicable, submit a transfer-credit application
- If applicable, maintain the minimum grade point average (GPA) for courses taken to date within a Felician academic program/school
An award of credit(s) for courses at Felician University is contingent upon receipt of all documentation in support of the prior learning assessment.
FAQ's
Below are frequently asked questions regarding Felician’s PLA.
- How much credit can I earn through PLA?
The aggregate number of credits awarded through PLA, standardized exams, and transfer credit cannot exceed 90 credits. The number of PLA credits awarded, then, depends on whether a student is also receiving credit for standardized exams and/or transfer credits. - How many PLA awarded credits count toward degree completion?
All credits awarded through PLA count as institutional credit for degree completion. - Can I transfer PLA credits to Felician from another institution of higher education?
Yes, Felician University will allow the transfer of PLA credits (free of charge as transfer credits) if those credits correlate to the specific course(s) required for completion of your degree program. - Will other institutions accept PLA credits awarded by Felician University?
Maybe. Students who are planning to transfer their PLA credits from Felician University to another college/university should contact that institution’s admissions office for guidance. - How long will evaluation of the PLA portfolio take?
Evaluation of the portfolio will be completed within two weeks of the initial submission. - What does PLA cost?
A student is charged $300 for the portfolio evaluation once the student has been admitted to Felician and has made a deposit. An award of: 1 credit = $100; 2 credits = $200; 3 credits = $300. Veterans get all PLA fees waived. - What will appear on my Felician University transcript for awarded PLA credits?Title of the course, course number, number of credits, and a grade designation of “PLA.”
- Is PLA credit different from regular, academic credit for which I earn a grade?
No. PLA credit is considered equivalent to credit earned in the traditional manner for a letter grade. PLA credit contributes to the required number of credits needed for completion of a degree program. It is important to note, though, that PLA credit does not factor into the calculation of a student’s GPA (grade point average).
"With PLA, students can make their professional and other life experiences work for them. In saving both time and money, PLA credits help you get started on the path to career success and advancement quicker."
- Mike Markowitz, Vice President of Academic Affairs