Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Turn Your Real World Experience Into Real College Credit

At MIU, we know that learning happens everywhere—on the job, in volunteer work, in the military, through certifications, or through life itself. If you’ve already gained valuable knowledge and skills, you shouldn’t have to start from zero.

Our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program helps you receive credit for the learning you’ve already done, so you can move through your degree faster, more affordably, and with confidence.

Why Students Love CPL

• Perfect for Working Adults: Many of our students return to finish a degree later in life. CPL honors the expertise you’ve gained along the way.
• Supportive, Step by Step Process: Our 2 credit guided course helps you build a professional portfolio that clearly shows what you already know.
• Many Paths to Credit: Military experience, certifications, workplace leadership, community service, self taught skills, and more can all be evaluated.
• Nationally Aligned Standards: We follow best practices from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to ensure your credits are academically solid and widely respected.

What Can Count Toward Credit?

CPL may be awarded for learning gained through:

• Professional or workplace experience
• Industry certifications or apprenticeships
• Military training or public service
• Volunteer leadership and community projects
• Self directed learning and personal projects
• Professional writing, presentations, or trainings
• Continuing education and noncredit courses

If you’ve learned it — we’ll help you showcase it.

How the Process Works

1. Explore: Talk with your MIU advisor about your background. They will help you enroll in the required 2 credit portfolio course.
2. Prepare: Take AAS 200 – Adult Learning Theory and Portfolio Development for Academic Credit, offered on campus or online.

   In this course, you will:

   • Study major theories of adult learning to understand how experience leads to college level learning
   • Learn how to evaluate and document your own experiential learning for academic credit
   • Learn how to write a clear, academically grounded narrative that demonstrates your learning and supports your credit request
   • Build a complete Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolio ready for submission

   After completing the course, you will submit your portfolio and pay a $50 application fee.

3. Earn Credit

   MIU faculty review your documentation and award credit when standards are met.

   • For students who pass AAS 200, the first 4 credits are free
   • Additional CPL credits cost $100 per credit

Don’t Start Over — Start Ahead

If you’ve learned from life, work, or service, we’re ready to recognize it.

Let’s turn your experience into momentum and help you move confidently toward your degree.

Your story matters. Let it count.