Credit By Examination Learning Assessment

What is Credit by Portfolio Experiential Learning Assessment (PELA)?

Credit by portfolio experiential learning assessment is an opportunity for students to earn course credits based on relevant knowledge and skills gained from prior professional training or learning experiences. The learning can be from prior experience such as:

• Employee development and training at a work site
• volunteer work 
• community service 
• military service 
• professional organization conferences/workshops

The learning outcomes that are the result of prior learning experience must align with a specific SEU course’s learning outcomes in order for students to earn credits for the course. Students wishing to earn credit by portfolio assessment must prepare a portfolio that fully describes the learning experience, the learning objectives of the experience, and the learning outcomes that resulted. A faculty member evaluates the portfolio and determines whether or not course credit is approved. If approved, the course is treated as transfer credits without a grade.  There is no effect on the student’s grade point average.

How to Apply

• Identify a faculty member who agrees to evaluate your portfolio for course credit. The faculty member should be in the department that offers the course for which you are applying.
• Each portfolio you submit can be for one or two courses at a time (3-6 credits). Students can earn up to 24 credits via PELA.
• You’ll pay a $350 fee to cover the costs of the review, regardless of whether credit is awarded. 
• Complete the Portfolio Experiential Learning Assessment Registration Form

For more information go to the University’s Portfolio Experiential Learning Assessment Policy.