Prior Learning Credits
Earn college credit for what you already know
Through Prior Learning Credit, you can earn college credit for the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained—on the job, in the military, through certifications, or other real-world experiences. By applying what you already know, you can save time, stay on track, and reduce your tuition by up to 85% per course. It’s a smart way to move forward faster—and finish your degree on your terms.
Prior learning credit for undergraduate and graduate students
Your life experience matters. Through our Prior Learning Credit (PLC) program, you can turn work experience, military service, professional training, or certifications into college credit — saving time and money as you work toward your degree.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree online or earning a graduate degree with CMU Online, our credit for prior learning options help you make the most of your experience.
Undergraduate students can earn up to 60 credit hours
Graduate students may earn up to 12 credit hours
How to earn credit for life experience
Review program requirements
Check the credit guide to see how many potential credits you may have already earned.
Explore the undergraduate and graduate programs that accept prior learning credits.
Undergraduate:
- Community Development: Community Services
- Community Development: Health Sciences
- Community Development: Public Administration
- Early Childhood Development and Learning
- Entrepreneurship
- Ergonomics Administration
- International Relations
- Organizational Leadership
- Personnel Administration
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public and Nonprofit Administration
- Teaching Grades Birth-Kindergarten
Graduate:
- Master of Science in Administration
- Master of Public Administration
- MA in Education: Curriculum and Instruction
- MA in Educational Leadership Design and Technology
- MA in Education Training and Development
How the process works
Getting college credit for what you already know is simpler than you might think. Once you’ve applied and been admitted to CMU, you’ll work with an academic advisor to explore how your prior learning can count toward your degree. You’ll submit a resume, build a portfolio (using fillable forms) that highlights your relevant knowledge and skills, and have it reviewed by faculty experts. If credit is awarded, you’ll only pay for the credits that apply directly to your program—saving you both time and money on your path to graduation.
Submit a resume
Your resume helps determine the areas where prior learning credit may be awarded.
Plan a portfolio
Once you’re admitted, you’ll be matched with an academic advisor who will help you review your prior learning experiences and determine how they may apply to your degree. From there, you’ll build a structured portfolio that showcases your knowledge, skills, and how they align with college-level learning outcomes.
Experienced faculty will evaluate your portfolio and determine if credit can be awarded—typically within 6–8 weeks.
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Pay associated fees
There is zero cost to have your resume reviewed.
Upon submission of your completed portfolio, you will be responsible for the $125 portfolio assessment fee.
Once awarded, you will see a charge on your CMU account of $110 per undergraduate credit hour or $125 per graduate credit hour for each credit you use.
