Perspectives on Prior Learning
What is Perspectives on Prior Learning?
NLU realizes that many aspects of your life and work experiences have been valuable learning experiences. Perspectives on Prior Learning is a means to recognize, document, and validate your learning from those life and work experiences for possible college credit.
How is it possible for me to get college credit from my life experiences?
The Assessment Center of National Louis, located at the Wheaton Campus offers the following programs:
Credit by Examination
If you have achieved acceptable scores on either the (AP) Advanced Placement or the American College Testing Programs, certain programs at National-Louis will accept these scores as recognition of certain proficiencies and award credit accordingly.
The College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES subject Standardized Tests (DSST’s) are exams that can be taken, for a fee, that cover specific subject matter. Passing either the CLEP or DANTES can result in credit for the specific subject matter of the test. DANTES exams may be taken at NLU and are scheduled on a regular basis. Here are some links to sites with more information about these tests:
CLEP Home page:http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html
Dantes Home page: http://www.getcollegecredit.com/
Credit by Portfolio
Credit by Portfolio is possible at National-Louis University in some degree programs. A wide variety of suggested papers may be written which you will draw from your prior life learning experiences. These papers will be assessed and credit granted by content-area experts. Certain licenses and certifications have been reviewed by faculty and approved for standard credit awards, as well. The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the American Council on Education (ACE) together with the NLU faculty establish the guidelines for assessed credit. Participation in a Perspectives on Prior Learning course is necessary, as well as fees to cover the cost of evaluations. Up to 60 credit hours may be applied toward your Bachelor’s degree.
Credit by Proficiency
A test may be administered in specific content and evaluated by a faculty member of that content area to demonstrate the required competencies in that course. Upon passing you would receive credit for that course. Fees are charged to cover the cost of administration.
Who is eligible?
If you are an NLU student who is enrolled in the following bachelor’s programs; Applied BehavioralSciences, Management, Health Care Leadership, Management Information Systems, Human Services, or the Master Arts in Teaching (Elementary or Early Childhood Education), you are eligible to participate in the Perspective on Prior Learning program.
How do I get started?
You must register through the Assessment Center. This is a very popular program and registration is limited. Register early if your goal is graduating by a particular time. The Assessment Center may be reached at 1-800-443-5522 ext. 4318.
