At University of Maryland Global Campus, our students bring a wealth of experiences—from the workplace and community and volunteer activities—to the classroom. We value the learning you've acquired outside of the classroom, and we offer ways to turn those experiences into credit by demonstrating what you know.
UMGC provides two Prior Learning programs designed to translate experiential learning into college credit: Course Challenge and Portfolio.
Through Course Challenge, you can 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. Read the Course Challenge criteria to see if you qualify.
Portfolio provides a unique way for you to document your college-level learning through previous experience. You are guided through the process in two courses:
Please read our frequently asked questions about portfolio development before applying for these courses.
Contact priorlearning@umgc.edu.
Applications for EXCL 301 and EXCL x001 must be submitted before registering for the course. For specific session dates, please view the academic calendar.