Credit for Prior Learning
Credit fo Prior Learning (CPL) provides graduate students in specific programs an opportunity to gain course credit by utilizing their professional experience and acquired knowledge. Through the submission of a portfolio, students' applicable experiences are reviewed to determine if the content and rigor of coursework has been met.
CPL GUIDELINES:
- Graduate students must be accepted into the program offering CPL.
- Prior to beginning the CPL process, students must consult the graduate program coordinator to determine if CPL is appropriate and, if so, the steps to create/submit a portfolio. Portfolios should reflect the primary content of the CPL course syllabus and demonstrate achievement in meeting the course learning objectives. Portfolio could include evidence such as: professional development courses, experiential learning, writing samples, certification and/or licensure, etc.
- Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee credit will be awarded for a graduate course.
- Partial credit for submitted portfolios will not be awarded. Students will earn either the grade of Credit or No Credit for all approved CPL portfolio submissions.
- Regardless of portfolio evaluation outcome, students will be responsible for all fees associated with the CPL portfolio submission and review process. (Waivers cannot be applied to any CPL fees.)
These fees include:
Portfolio Evaluation fee: $100
Course Credit fee: $300
- A maximum of nine (9) credit hours may be awarded by a graduate program through CPL.
- All credits earned through CPL are considered residential credits. Graduate Programs may elect to limit the number of CPL and/or transfer credit hours applied to the degree study plan beyond those listed in the EIU Graduate School catalog.
For more information, graduate students should reach out to the Graduate Coordinator of their program to determine if CPL is available and appropriate. Details on the evaluation process can be found by clicking here: CPL Submission and Review Process.
