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Credit for Learning from Experience 

 

Life and work experience can be just as valuable as what is learned in the classroom. Experience provides a broad, dynamic understanding of theories and concepts that can only come from applying them in the real world.

Pacific Oaks College recognizes that students can obtain college level learning in a variety of ways outside the traditional classroom. Due to this thinking and understanding, Pacific Oaks College honors learning completed in a variety of different areas by offering students the opportunity to turn their real-world experience into credit towards a degree through Credit for Learning from Experience (CLE).

Students may earn up to 24 credits through CLE, with a potential savings of $7,200.

To receive CLE credit

Bachelor’s students with fewer than 87 transferrable credits enroll in GEN 289 and receive three credits in English/Communication. The course teaches students how to write for empowerment and persuasion and how to provide documentation of skills and abilities gained through life experiences.

Students who wish to pursue CLE credits then enroll in GEN 299 to complete and submit their portfolios. Up to eight portfolios may be submitted, addressing the learning outcomes in each of the eight courses included in CLE. Pacific Oaks College faculty evaluate each portfolio, and based on the writing and documentation, will award between zero and three credits in each course, up to a total of 24 credits for all eight courses.

Learning outcome subjects include:

  • Development
  • Diversity
  • Self-reflection
  • Research
  • Leadership

Requirements

  • Be admitted into a Pacific Oaks Bachelor’s Degree
  • Five years of relevant, verifiable work or life experience
  • Successful completion of GEN 289 (3 credits, general elective)
  • Enrollment in GEN 299 (No enrollment in Gen 299 is permitted in the final semesters prior to expected graduation)

 

Additional Prior Learning Assessment Credits Opportunities

AP Exams

Students who successfully pass and complete testing through Advanced Placement (AP) with scores of 3 or higher will be considered for college level credit. Students who have previously completed AP exams will need to submit official score sheets to Pacific Oaks College prior to matriculation to the institution.

CLEP Exams

Students who have successfully passed the College‐Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams may enter into Pacific Oaks College. Exams are required to be passed with the minimum American Council on Education (ACE) Credit Recommendation. Scores lower than the ACE Recommendation will not be considered for transfer credit. Students will need to submit an official score sheet to Pacific Oaks College prior to matriculation to the institution.

IB Exams

The International Baccalaureate Exams (IB Exams) are also considered for college level learning to Pacific Oaks College. Students who have completed testing from IB should contact the Office of the Registrar for possible acceptance of this credit. Students should provide Pacific Oaks College with an official transcript for possible credit review.

DSST Exams

Students who have successfully passed the DANTES Subject Standardized Exams may enter into Pacific Oaks College. Exams are required to be passed with the minimum American Council on Education (ACE) Credit Recommendation. Scores lower than the ACE Recommendation will not be considered for transfer credit. Students will need to submit an official score sheet to Pacific Oaks College prior to matriculation to the institution.

Military students

Previous military experience is reviewed for college transfer credit at Pacific Oaks College. Students with previous military experience terminated under honorable conditions in any of the United States Military Branches may submit their official transcripts or a certified copy of DD‐295 to the Office of the Registrar. Credit review will be based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Credit Recommendations.

Professional Training and Certification

Professional training that is recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) can also be submitted for review. Students who have completed training will need to submit their official transcript from ACE and are required to inquire on the cost of this request. Students should submit these transcripts prior to matriculation with Pacific Oaks College. Trainings and certifications not recognized by ACE will not be reviewed for transfer credit.

Propero Course

Prospective students needing to meet the Pacific Oaks College general education requirements may fulfill the remaining general education requirements through the successful completion of Propero online courses prior to matriculation to the institution. Propero is a 3rd party vendor that offers a variety of courses for students in general Education areas. Students will need to complete the course(s) through Propero and then submit an official transcript of the ACE Recommended Credit to Pacific Oaks College for the credit to be accepted by the institution. Students wishing to pursue this PLA option should contact the Registrar’s Office.

Straighterline.com Partnership

Prospective students needing to meet Pacific Oaks College general education requirements may fulfill the remaining general education requirements through the successful completion through the Straighterline.com Partnership prior to matriculation to the institution. Straighterline and Pacific Oaks College have established a partnership that will allow students to complete a variety of courses in select general education areas. Students will need to complete the course(s) through Straighterline and then submit an official transcript of the ACE Recommended Credit to Pacific Oaks College for the credit to be accepted by the institution. Students wishing to pursue this PLA option should contact the Registrar’s Office.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation is the process of evaluating courses to determine whether coursework completed at one institution will meet requirements for Admissions, transfer credit, general education, and/or major preparation at another institution. Articulation agreements are formal, written agreements agreed to and signed by the faculty at two colleges.

To help you transfer easily into Pacific Oaks College, we have developed articulation agreements with local colleges. However, official evaluation and awarding of the transfer credits resides with the Academic Evaluation department.

Contact us to learn more

877.314.2380

[email protected]

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