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Credit for Prior Learning

EXPLORE MORE OF UMGC

What you've learned over your lifetime can translate to college credit at UMGC.

At UMGC, students bring a wealth of experience to the classroom—from their workplace, their community, volunteer efforts, and more. We value the learning you've acquired over your lifetime, so we offer ways to turn those experiences into credit.

Benefits of UMGC’s Prior Learning Programs

  • Save time: The average degree-seeking student at UMGC who works full-time will complete 9 credits of coursework per year. Developing a portfolio or taking course-challenge examinations can cut years off of your degree.
  • Save money: Credits awarded through prior learning assessments are evaluated for a fee that is lower than the cost of tuition.
  • Gain understanding: The prior learning process helps you understand the many ways you have acquired learning outside the classroom through your full or part-time jobs, your community activities, and your volunteer activities.
  • Value knowledge: Earning credit through UMGC’s prior learning programs helps you find value in lifelong learning.

How to Earn Prior Learning Credit

Before you can participate in our prior learning programs, you will need to apply and be accepted to UMGC. Once you are a student at UMGC, you can learn more about signing up. UMGC provides two prior learning programs designed to translate experiential learning (targeted toward UMGC courses) into college credit.

  • Course Challenge: Through Course Challenge, you earn credit by passing the equivalent of a final exam; credit can be earned for almost any undergraduate course for which UMGC can prepare and administer a suitable examination or assessment; some courses are excluded.
  • Portfolio: Portfolio is a unique way for you to document and verify the college-level learning that you earned through previous experience; you are guided through the process in two courses: EXCL 301 and EXCL x001.
I did some college before the military. But the (most credit for prior learning) came from the military credits. UMGC pretty much accepted all of those. By the time I started, I was already halfway through my bachelor's at UMGC.

Pedram A., Alexandria, VA BS in Cybersecurity Technology

 

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Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center.

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