Credit for Prior Learning
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Questions? Contact Us.
Heather Scheurer
- Director of Credit for Prior Learning
- Heather.ScheurerFREEuafs
- 479-788-7027
- Business & Industrial Institute 105
Turn Your Experience into College Credit
You have worked hard to build skills through your job, military service, or professional training. If you are thinking about returning to college to earn your degree, the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program at UAFS can help you make the most of that experience. CPL recognizes college level learning gained outside the classroom and may allow you to apply it toward your degree.
CPL allows you to earn up to 30 credit hours for your prior learning, saving you time and potentially thousands of dollars. Each student brings different experience, so the credits you earn will depend on your background and program of study.
If you would like to talk with a CPL advisor about your experience, you can use the Request Information form on this page to get started.
Who Credit for Prior Learning helps
UAFS's CPL program supports adults who bring valuable experience to their academic career. It may be good if you are:
- A Working Adult
- Skills gained through your job or professional development may align with UAFS courses.
- Returning to Finish a Degree
- If you have college credits or training from earlier in life, CPL can help you move forward again.
- Active Military or a Veteran
- Training on your Joint Services Transcript or CCAF may apply toward degree requirements. We will help you understand how your experience connects to your program.
- Skilled in a Trade or Technical Field
- Experience in welding, HVAC, electrical work, health care, information technology, or similar areas may meet the learning outcomes of UAFS programs.
CPL recognizes the knowledge you have gained through real-world experience and helps you apply it toward your academic goals.
How Credit for Prior Learning Works
The CPL process is simple and supportive. You will have guidance at each step.
- Tell us about the experiences you have gained through work, service, or training.
- Provide documents such as certificates, training records, or transcripts.
- Your materials are reviewed to determine where/if they may align with college level learning.
- Approved credits are added to your degree plan.
- You continue with fewer classes to complete.
Your advisor will help you understand how your experience may fit within your academic program and walk you through the process.
Popular Degree Paths for Working Adults
Credit for Prior Learning can be applied to most degrees at UAFS. Many working adults choose programs that offer flexibility, clear career pathways, and support for students balancing school with work and family responsibilities. Three of the most popular options include:
- Organizational Leadership (Online) - Organizational Leadership is a flexible option for adults who want to advance in supervisory or management roles. The program is offered completely online and works well as a completion degree for students who have already earned an associate degree or at least 45 credit hours. CPL may help recognize your prior training or professional development, which can shorten your path to a bachelor’s degree. Explore Organizational Leadership.
- Early Childhood Education (Online) - Early Childhood Education is a strong choice for students already working with children
in schools, childcare centers, or community programs. CPL can help connect your experience
such as paraprofessional work or early childhood certifications to degree requirements.
This program supports adults who want to grow in the education field and expand their
career opportunities. Explore Early Childhood Education.
- Criminal Justice (Hybrid) - Criminal Justice is a practical option for those currently working in law enforcement or related public safety roles. The hybrid format combines online and on-campus learning, making it manageable for professionals who work varied shifts. CPL may help recognize previous training and field experience, which can support faster progress toward your degree. (Explore Criminal Justice)
Your CPL advisor can help you explore how your experience fits with these and other UAFS degree programs.
Why Credit for Prior Learning Matters
Returning to college takes commitment, and you want to make sure your investment is worthwhile. CPL helps you honor what you already know and move closer to your degree in a way that fits your life.
Each student brings different experience, so CPL credits vary by person and degree. Some students earn as many as 30 credit hours, which can take months off their timeline and potentially save thousands of dollars in tuition.
Many adult learners also qualify for scholarships and financial support from federal,
state, tribal, employer, or private sources. Visit our Scholarships and Financial
Support page to learn more.