Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment Policy Statement 

The purpose of this policy is to require Alabama State University to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate prior learning that meets the criteria of college level learning, which has taken place outside of the confines of the traditional academic environment, including life learning acquired through employment experiences, state or nationally recognized credentials, or military training. Students are only allowed 30 credit hours of prior learning for undergraduate and nine credit hours for graduate students not to exceed the Central Requirements for Degrees policy, in that at least 25 percent of the credits are required in the curriculum at the university.

Prior Learning Scope of the Policy Statement 

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a pathway for assessing learning gained outside a traditional academic environment, which could be learning acquired through prior employment, military, corporate training, independent study, non-credit courses, or other relevant experience. PLA is a process of evaluating a student's knowledge at the college-level, derived from these experiences, to award college credit. 

Eligibility for Credit by PLA

• Only matriculated students seeking a degree at Alabama State University are eligible to apply for a possible award of prior learning assessment credit;
• A student must be in good academic standing at Alabama State University; 
• The PLA credit requested must fit within the student’s degree requirements;
• A student has not previously attempted, completed, or transferred the course(s) for which PLA credit is sought into the institution from another accredited institution;
• A student has not previously failed the course(s) for which PLA credit is sought;
• PLA credit earned at ASU may or may not transfer to other institutions; 

Advanced Placement (AP) Admission Standards and Advanced Placement Credit allow students with special competence to qualify for advanced placement and/or course credit on the basis of scores earned in the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP). Alabama State University may award credit to first time freshmen entering the university who score 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced Placement Examinations.

“Transfer Credits” allows the acceptance of transfer credits through careful consideration of their previous academic record and proposed program of study at Alabama State University. An eligible transfer student may expect to receive equivalent semester hours of credit for college-level course work completed with a grade of “C’’ or higher at any college or university that is fully accredited by the regional accrediting association. In all major courses, core courses, and selected minors, the minimum grade of “C” is required. Junior- and senior-level courses from junior and community colleges will not be accepted as transfer credits.

CLEP- Alabama State University may accept satisfactory test scores for course credits from the College Level Examination Program in approved subject areas.

DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)– Undergraduate credit may be allowed for college-level courses completed for subject examinations administered by the Armed Forces Institute or institutions approved by the Armed Forces Institute.

Joint Services Transcript (Military) – Alabama State University may accept credits earned through formal military training.