What is the Prior Learning Assessment?
Thinking about all the stuff you've learned outside of class? Moody Bible Institute's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program lets you turn that real-world knowledge into college credit.
If you're 24 or older, you're good to go. Just sign up for GSU-1108, our online Introduction to Portfolio Development course. It's just one credit and guides you in identifying relevant life experiences that may qualify for PLA credit and provides essential information on creating an acceptable portfolio. Plus, it counts as an elective credit!
Don't wait too long, though – portfolios need to be wrapped up by specific dates: August 1 for fall grads, January 1 for spring grads, and March 1 for summer grads. Miss the deadline, and you'll have to wait for the next round. PLA credits are not reflected on your official transcripts until the portfolio is closed.
Your portfolio will include documentation demonstrating outside learning through either course match narratives (linking specific courses to prior learning experiences) or general credit narratives (credit earned from general life experiences). The completed portfolio is submitted to the Moody PLA coordinator for faculty evaluation and credit consideration.
PLA credit will be consolidated with other forms of credit, including transfer, test, credit by examination, military, or other granted credits. A maximum of 75% of a program can be completed through transfer, test, examination, or prior learning assessment credits. However, the total of test credits or credit by examination cannot exceed 25% of the program requirements.
Upon submission of the portfolio to Moody, a $500 opening fee is paid. The fee is not contingent on the number of credits granted. To close your portfolio, there's a $100 fee to get those credits officially on your transcript.
So, get your portfolio in, pay your fees, and watch those credits show up on your transcript.
GSU-1108, Introduction to Portfolio Development Course Description
This online class provides an introduction to developing a prior learning assessment (PLA) portfolio. The PLA portfolio is a document prepared by you, compiled and assembled in an approved format demonstrating college-level knowledge gained through professional training and/or lifelong learning experiences.
PLA process:
1. Must be accepted into a degree program at Moody Bible Institute.
2. Must take and pass GSU-1108, Introduction to Portfolio Development (pass/fail), 1-credit hour (counts as elective credit).
3. Submit your portfolio to Moody Bible Institute with an opening fee ($500.00).
4. Portfolio narratives will be submitted to the appropriate academic departments for assessment, evaluation, and credit award.
5. Additional course narratives may be added after the portfolio has been submitted but not after it is officially closed.
6. To close the portfolio, submit the transcription fee ($100.00) at which time credits will be applied to the student’s degree program.
The PLA Student Handbook (PDF) containing forms, fees, and field guidelines, is provided here.