• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Examinations and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) – these examinations, which are administered at testing centers throughout the country, are offered in a variety of different subjects and allow students to demonstrate their level of proficiency in a wide range of subject areas. Upon successful completion of a CLEP or DANTES exam, scores may be transferred to Martin University for automatic college credit.
• Credit for programs approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) or preapproved by Martin University – these training programs and examinations cover a wide variety of industries including insurance, real estate, law enforcement, and military training programs. Students will work with the PLA Director to obtain credit for these courses through the portfolio process.

Adult learners who enroll in the six credit hour PLA course (PLA 130) will meet twice per week as a class and have the opportunity to work individually with their PLA instructor to develop Petitions for PLA Credit which will be compiled into PLA Portfolios. Students will also receive extensive guidance from other Martin university faculty and staff members to assist them in drafting petitions that demonstrate college-level learning that is appropriately balanced between an understanding of theory and practical experience.

Once completed, the PLA portfolio will be reviewed by faculty members with knowledge in the areas for which credit is being sought and appropriate credit award recommendations will be submitted to the PLA Director and Vice-President of Academic Affairs for final approval. Once approved, copies of the credit award letter are sent to the student for notification and to the university Registrar for transcription.
Please note: PLA credit is not available to students in their final semester at the university or to graduate students.

PLA for Program Studies

Martin University offers unique PLA programs which greatly enhance the ability of professionals in the areas of Insurance and Criminal Justice to shorten their degree programs. Qualifying insurance agents with 40 or more credit hours in an Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) program are eligible to utilize all 40 credit hours towards a BA in Insurance (PLA). Students who qualify for this program are also eligible to earn an additional 20 credit hours in other subject areas to reach the 60 credit hour maximum number of credits that may be earned through the PLA program.

Martin University also offers college credits to qualifying law enforcement officers who complete training through a qualified law enforcement agency. Credit awards range from 12 to 24 hours and vary based on the amount and specific type of training completed. Officers are also eligible to earn an additional 36-48 hours to reach the 60 credit hour maximum number of credits in other subject areas that may be earned through the PLA program.

In addition to these two major areas, there are a host of certifications and training courses in all majors which translate automatically into college credit at Martin University. For example, Martin University if proud to accept all military training courses that have been approved by the American Council on Education. Please call 317-917-3329 or email rshaw@martin.edu to contact Dr. Robin Shaw, PLA Director/Academic Coordinator, for more information about the program and to find out if your training and/or certifications are eligible for PLA credit!

General PLA Guidelines

• Students transferring from unaccredited colleges or universities may not use PLA as a means to transfer courses. 
• Students may not enroll in PLA 130 or petition for credit during their last semester of coursework.
• Students enrolled in graduate programs may not enroll in PLA 130 or petition for credit. 
• The PLA 130 course fulfills six hours of liberal arts or social science electives of the general core curriculum of the degree plan. 
• PLA credit is awarded for college-level learning, not for experience alone.
• College-level learning is defined as:
•  Learning that is grounded in theory, concepts and principles;
• Learning that relates to subject areas generally taught in colleges; and
• Learning which is at an achievement level comparable to college norms.
• Credit should be awarded only for learning that has a balance, appropriate to the subject matter, between theory and practical application. 
• The determination of competence levels and of credit awards must be made by appropriate subject matter and academic experts.
• Credit granted will be appropriate to the degree plan and university.   
• Students will pay standard tuition and fees for the six hour PLA 130 course, however, any credits awarded through the PLA portfolio process are awarded without further fees or tuition.
• Students who gain additional college-level learning after completion of the PLA course may petition the PLA Director to reopen the portfolio.  A $500 fee will apply. 
• Students who wish to appeal credit award decisions may do so, in writing, to the PLA Director and Vice President of Academic Affairs within one semester of the completion of the PLA course. Appeal letters must include the reason for appeal and any additional documentation which would support the student’s request for additional credit. A final decision will be returned to the student within 6 weeks of the date of appeal.