Prior Learning Degrees
Prior Learning are degrees that help students succeed in their career and job, even if they've never attained a diploma in a particular field of study. Attaining a Prior Learning Degree is fair since the student will have the same opportunities for development and learning as compared to a student who has obtained experience through conventional means of learning and by studying in the real world.
Research and Requirements for Prior Learning
First and foremost, students seeking a Prior Learning degree should research distance learning schools that will consider granting Prior Learning credits. Once a student has found a distance education program that interests student and that offers Prior Learning online degrees credit, the student will want to contact school officials to see what steps student need to take to apply for these credits. Many online learning programs require students to fill out a Prior Learning application and put together a portfolio of their work experience. Different schools have different requirements as well, so keep in mind when applying for Prior Learning Degrees credit student may be asked to provide a list of references, meet with members of the school's staff or pass a test to receive credit.[1]
Provided the school student is interested in requests a portfolio of the students experience, there are several things that may be included for consideration. Naturally, this depends on the subject matter and the Prior Learning student has had. For most Prior Learning internet degrees, the student portfolio can contain items such as resumes, job descriptions, references, work samples, awards student have received and many more. Once a student compiles an educational portfolio, he or she should arrange it in such a manner that will convince the College Board that student have sufficient experience to grant student Prior Learning Degrees credit. [2]
Earning Credits Based on Prior Learning
Any reputable colleges and universities allow you to earn credit for Prior Learning. They do not, however, allow students to earn your entire degree through Prior Learning. Only diploma mills make those kinds of promises. How credit is awarded and assigned varies widely by university, but there is always a specific limit to the number of alternative credits you may earn toward your degree. Most of the colleges listed below offer a combination of portfolio credit, credit by examination (CLEP, etc.), and military experience/training credit.[2]
All portfolio credit programs are NOT created equal. Some colleges, others simply ask for a page or two description of your experience with supplemental proof.
Benefits of Prior Learning
With Prior Learning credits, a student reflects what he or she has learned outside the classroom. Whether the student has taken language classes abroad or worked in a particular field with hands-on experience, there are several distance learning programs that will assess the student experience and grant student Prior Learning credits for the student work. Not only do Prior Learning Degrees credits offer students a chance to be recognized for their work, but it saves time and money because student don't need to take a course student has already mastered elsewhere. [1] While going through the Prior Learning Degrees process may seem like a lot of work, it's a much better alternative than paying money for classes student already have sufficient experience in. As long as student are wary of Prior Learning Degrees offered through diploma mill schools, student should be able to find an online college that will grant Prior Learning credits for work student've completed outside of a classroom. All of the work is worth it, and student will receive the recognition student deserve. [1]
Earning a Prior Learning at the Under Graduate Level
On the undergraduate level, you can earn an entire associates or bachelors degree through a demonstration of prior learning. Demonstrating prior learning typically involves using transfer credits, credit by examination, or portfolio development and evaluation. Note that prior learning assessment is a more formal procedure than so-called credit for Prior Learning and is recognized as a legitimate means of granting credit. If you can demonstrate that you've learned something equivalent to content taught in a college course, then you can earn college credits and apply them an undergraduate degree. [3]
References
1. http://www.jobbankusa.com/CareerArticles/Educational/ca111306a.html
3. http://www.bakersguide.com/Articles/Articles/Life_Experience_Degrees:_Are_They_Legitimate?/