DonatePrior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) recognizes your life and work experience by awarding college credit for your knowledge and skills that are equivalent to college-level learning.
Consider how much you have learned in your life, and think about all the skills that you have gained from your experience. PLA recognizes that learning comes from many sources: employment, volunteer work, community service, church activity, adult education courses, in-service training, seminars, workshops, military service, travel, hobbies, reading, and other life situations. Martin University encourages you to earn college credits by demonstrating what you already know. While testing options are available, most students choose the internationally recognized Portfolio Assessment method. Credits gained towards PLA can only be used towards a Martin University Degree.
Portfolio Assessment
Martin University faculty will guide the preparation of your portfolio, which includes (1) an autobiography, (2) a resumé, (3) requests for college credit, (4) a degree plan, and (5) supporting documentation.
The portfolio not only helps you gain college credit, but also becomes a personally valuable record of your life and accomplishments. During the preparation process, you will strengthen your skills in writing, critical reading, and self-presentation.
Qualified Martin University faculty members will evaluate your portfolio and grant college credit, as appropriate. Both PLA and transfer credits can apply toward a degree, but in all cases you must also complete at least 34 in-residence hours and meet the course-distribution requirements of the degree program.
Credit Hours and Fees
Students will enroll in a three-credit-hour PLA course where they will learn how to develop a portfolio which serves as the basis for obtaining college credits. Qualified students may be offered the opportunity to complete their portfolios through Internet communication and small-group meetings. Students qualifying for college credits will be assessed a fee for portfolio processing and review. The PLA course will be treated like other 3 credit-hour courses in terms of tuition and other fees. All subsequent credit hours awarded through the portfolio process are provided without tuition or additional charges.
Testimonials
George Stuteville was a reporter for the Indianapolis Star-News based in Washington, D.C. He covered Congressional issues that related to Indiana.
Occasionally, he taught night classes in news and feature writing at Georgetown University and has received numerous awards for writing and reporting.
I wanted to close the hole in my resumé left by my lack of a college degree. I was 34 years old and successful in a career I loved as a newspaper reporter. Yet, I worried that I would pay a professional price in the future. I didn’t want to be denied a job promotion or a career opportunity because I had no college degree. More than that, I was always embarrassed because I had dropped out of college. I didn’t want to be a quitter.
I selected Martin University because it allowed me to earn college credits for journalism skills I had already learned on the job. There were other reasons, too. I didn’t want to go to college with kids. Martin University students are grown-ups with adult pressures who are seriously focused during classes. I was also impressed by the quality of Martin University’s faculty. Finally, my decision allowed me to associate myself with and to invest my money in a college with a social mandate which I completely endorse.
It took two years to get my degree. That time was among the most valuable and enriching experiences in my life.
Ermil Thompson retired from the Finance Center and has invested her life in founding the Lifeline Community Center to serve the Indianapolis west-side community. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Community Psychology from Martin University. Ermil testifies that much of her academic success came from her lifelong learning that was affirmed in the Prior Learning Assessment.
PLA was a challenge to me, especially writing my autobiography. I found myself reviewing my whole life, and it made me see myself in a new way. I realized I had attained many goals in life, and PLA helped me set higher goals. By using PLA, and with the help of my new mentor, I was able to attain my degree in three years. I face new experiences with confidence that I can accomplish even more."
For More Information
Contact Kamia Jackson, Director of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), at kjack@martin.edu or 317-917-3308 to receive a brochure and introduction to Martin University and the PLA Program.