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Receive college credit based on your work experience!
At Georgia Southwestern State University, we value the diverse experiences of our students. Our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) methods honors your past achievements by allowing you to showcase your acquired knowledge and skills. By providing appropriate documentation and aligning your experiences with specific course objectives, you have the opportunity to potentially earn academic credit. This not only acknowledges your prior learning but also streamlines your academic journey by minimizing redundancy in coursework.
Prior Learning Assessment Program
Judy Orton Grissett, Ph.D.
Director, Prior Learning Assessment
229-931-2316
judy.grissett@gsw.edu
Taking one of these exams and achieving a score of the 50th percentile or better can get your credit for General Education classes and some introductory major classes. CLEP tests generally cost $95.00, but you can receive three to four credits for a successful test, a savings of $427 to $601. Visit https://clep.collegeboard.org/ for more information about the exams. You can take one of these exams at the GSW Testing Center.
GSW awards credit for standardized examinations of DSST. Veterans who took one of these exams during their service can submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST) directly to the Office of the Registrar. Credit awarded is based upon credit recommendations and minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education. For more information contact the Office of the Registrar.
Veterans who have had training during their military service can submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST) directly to the Office of the Registrar. Common training that may result in credit includes Military Police and Paramedic training. Credit awarded is based upon credit recommendations and minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education. For more information contact the Office of the Registrar.
Some departments have exams that can be taken to gain credit for introductory courses not covered by CLEP. Generally, challenge exams are administered at no cost. To find out more about challenge exams contact academic units that offer the exams.
Candidates for baccalaureate degrees are required to satisfy the provisions of the section §20-3-68 of the Official Code of Georgia, as amended by The General Assembly, which requires all candidates for a degree to pass two specific courses in or an appropriate examination on the history of the United States, the history of Georgia, the United States Constitution, and the Constitution of Georgia. For students who may have take American Government or US History in a state other than Georgia, GSW offers challenge exams to fulfill the Georgia History and Georgia Constitution requirements. These challenge exams are offered free of charge. To find out more about these exams, contact Dr. Bryan Davis, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Students without pre-assessed learning experiences like those listed above are able to seek academic credits by developing a portfolio. The portfolio serves as a reflective narrative of the student's previous learning experiences and includes supporting documentation. Portfolios are evaluated by faculty to determine any credit award. Each portfolio submission costs $250, but is less expensive and less inconvenient than taking a course for which a student has already mastered the learning outcomes. For more information contact Dr. Judy Grissett, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Director.
By earning credit towards the desired program, you can get a jump start towards completion
Credits earned will save students on tuition and fees for otherwise required courses
By earning credits and credentials, students can open doors to new career opportunities
Credit for prior learning can be earned through any combination of credit by departmental examination, correspondence courses, extension work, advanced placement (AP), or PLA by portfolio credit in order to be used toward an applicable program.
Georgia Southwestern is one of 13 University System of Georgia campuses forming the Adult Learning Consortium. This Consortium is designed to assist in improving adult learner-focused services, programs and outreach to Georgia adults who are interested in completing college.
Whether you have some college credit, have no college credit or simply have valuable work experience, Georgia Southwestern is committed to assisting you reach your educational goals to advance your career.
I had the desire to finish what I started years ago. I was given several credits for my experience and training as a retired law enforcement officer through the Prior Learning Assessment. I will graduate as the first male in my family to have a college degree. I feel this college experience has expanded my knowledge and experiences. I currently serve in many positions in my community.