Prior Learning Assessment

The Minot State University Prior Learning Assessment Program (PLA) for graduate courses is designed to offer students the opportunity to apply learning and proficiency received from prior learning and work experience toward a Minot State graduate degree. Program faculty approve PLA on a course-by-course basis. PLA may not be available in all programs.  

A current graduate student may request credit toward a graduate program for extensive prior learning or work experience in an area that meets the learning outcomes of a particular course. Up to 30% of program credits may be awarded from PLA. Credits earned through PLA count toward the 30% of program credit transfer limit. PLA credits include a non-refundable fee of 50% of the regular per credit tuition charge.  

Successful completion of a PLA course establishes satisfactory credits that are recorded on the student’s permanent record. To transcribe PLA credit, documentation must be submitted by the student and approved by the student’s program coordinator, department chairperson, and the head of the Graduate School. No letter grades or honor points are posted to the permanent record. Credit established by PLA will not count toward a student’s term load. PLA credits posted to the Minot State University transcript may not be accepted for transfer by other institutions. Additionally, 

  • The student must be enrolled in at least one course in a graduate degree program.  
  • The prior learning or work experience must be reflected in particular courses in the enrolled graduate program's curriculum.  
  • The prior learning or work experience must align with and meet or exceed the learning outcomes of the course for which the credit will be applied.  
  • The program faculty must evaluate the prior learning or work experience to determine the applicability of credit.  
  • Credit for prior learning or work experience may not be awarded for any course a student previously attempted, audited, or completed at Minot State University.  
  • Credits earned through PLA are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. 
  • The department is responsible for maintaining documentation of the exam instrument. 
  • PLA credit cannot be used for thesis, project, capstone, or any other culminating experience. 

Four options are offered to earn PLA credit:  

  1. Written examination  
  2. Oral examination  
  3. Certification evaluation  
  4. Portfolio development and review