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Prior Learning Assessment

Credit For Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a series of nationally and internationally recognized methods where learning outside the traditional college classroom can be assessed for college credits. These methods include credit by examination, evaluations of credit for workplace learning, and by prior learning portfolio assessment. As a career-focused university by mission, Sullivan University recognizes that student learning may be acquired through non-traditional means and that college-level competencies can be attained by means other than through institutions of higher education.

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StraighterLine at Sullivan University

Sullivan University's degree programs are intentionally designed for the busy, working lifestyle. Partnering with StraighterLine is just another option Sullivan University offers to reduce the time and cost involved in achieving your dream of earning a degree. Through our partnership with StraighterLine, students are offered time and cost efficient course offerings to meet general education or elective needs. For more information, visit: https://www.straighterline.com/colleges/sullivan-university/

Credit by Examination

The university recognizes prior learning by accepting a full range of direct examinations, such as those offered by the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) and DSST® examinations sponsored through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.

Sullivan University accepts scores of 50 or above as a credit-granting score for each CLEP® or DSST® examination. Credits earned through CLEP® and DSST® examinations are recorded as transfer credits on a student’s transcript and do not count in GPA calculations. Descriptions of the examinations can be found at https://clep.collegeboard.org/exams  and http://getcollegecredit.com/exam_fact_sheets.

Credit by Examination Courses

Provider

Exam

Credits

Equivalent Course

DSST

Principles of Financial Accounting

4

ACT 101

CLEP

Financial Accounting

4

ACT 101

CLEP

Introductory Business Law

4

BUS 204

DSST

Business Law II

4

BUS 405

CLEP

Chemistry

4

CHM 211

DSST

Principles of Public Speaking

4

COM 214

DSST

Introduction to Computing

4

CSC 106

CLEP

Information Systems and Computer Applications

4

CSC 106

DSST

Management Information Systems

4

CSC 300/400 elective

CLEP

Principles of Microeconomics

4

ECO 201

CLEP

Principles of Macroeconomics

4

ECO 202

CLEP

College Composition

4

ENG 101

DSST

Technical Writing

4

ENG 204

CLEP

American Literature

4

ENG 244

CLEP

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

4

ENG 244

CLEP

English Literature

4

ENG 244

DSST

Principles of Finance

4

FIN 324

DSST

Business Ethics and Society

4

HRL 340

CLEP

American Government

4

HST 274

DSST

Introduction to Business

4

MGT 114

CLEP

Principles of Management

4

MGT 114

DSST

Principles of Supervision

4

MGT 274

DSST

Human Resource Management

4

MGT 284

DSST

Organizational Behavior

4

MGT 344

CLEP

Principles of Marketing

4

MKT 114

CLEP

College Mathematics

4

MTH 101

CLEP

College Algebra

4

MTH 201

DSST

Fundamentals of College Algebra

4

MTH 201

DSST

Principles of Statistics

4

MTH 202

CLEP

Calculus

4

MTH 300

DSST

Introduction to World Religions

4

PHL 244

DSST

Ethics in America

4

PHL 464

DSST

Introduction to Law Enforcement

4

PSA 160

CLEP

Introductory Psychology

4

PSY 214

DSST

Lifespan Developmental Psychology

4

PSY 274

CLEP

Human Growth and Development

4

PSY 274

CLEP

Introductory Sociology

4

SOC 214

Course Level Bypass

Currently, bypass assessments are offered by several academic units. Credits earned through course-level bypass assessments are recorded on a Pass/Fail basis and are reflected on a student’s transcript as “P” to indicate a passing score. Credits earned through bypass assessments do not count toward GPA calculations.

Click the button below to access a PDF document with the learning outcomes, exam format, passing score, suggested resources, exam schedule, and contact information for each of the bypass assessments.

Credits by Course-Level Bypass Assessment

Examination

Credits

Equivalent Course

Principles of Accounting

4

ACT 101

Keyboarding Essentials

4

AOM 105

Basic Culinary Theory

4

BFS 104

Basic Culinary Skills Laboratory

6

BFS 106

Garde Manger Theory

4

BFS 214

Garde Manager Laboratory

6

BFS 216

Advanced Culinary Techniques Laboratory

4

BFS 264

Food Service Sanitation

4

CAM 134

Basic Nutrition

4

CAM 174

International Cuisines

6

CAM 256

Food and Beverage Control

4

CAM 284

Computer Concepts

4

CSC 106

Computer Applications 1

4

CSC 118

Computer Applications 2

4

CSC 218

English Composition 1

4

ENG 101

English Composition 2

4

ENG 102

Advanced Writing

4

ENG 204

College Mathematics

4

MTH 101

Principles Of Mathematics

4

MTH 115

College Algebra

4

MTH 201

Baking Science

4

PBA 124

Baking Fundamentals

6

PBA 126

Introduction to Law and the Legal System

4

PLS 114

Legal Research

4

PLS 134

Legal Writing

4

PLS 144

Criminal Law

4

PLS 200

Estate Planning and Administration

4

PLS 214

Litigation

4

PLS 224

Real Estate Law

4

PLS 234

Domestic Relations / Family Law

4

PLS 244

Credit For Workplace Learning

Sullivan University accepts credit recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE®) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS®) for military training, corporate training, licensures, and professional certifications. Credit recommendations made by ACE® and NCCRS® are evaluated on a student-by-student basis and are typically approved for transfer when equivalent to courses offered by Sullivan University. Credits earned by virtue of ACE® and NCCRS® credit recommendations are recorded as transfer credits on a student’s transcript and do not count toward GPA calculations. To see the list of ACE-approved training, license, and certifications, visit the National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training.

To find out more about the National College Credit Recommendation Service.

Prior Learning Portfolio

Sullivan University students may challenge undergraduate courses for which they believe they possess the requisite knowledge and skills by completing prior learning portfolios that demonstrate mastery of the learning outcomes required for each of the challenged courses. Students will complete either a for-credit or non-credit course on how to build a portfolio and may submit one or more portfolios to challenge Sullivan University courses.

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