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Credit for Prior Learning at NKU

College-level learning acquired through non-college experience such as work or community service is called “prior learning.” One way to receive college credit for prior learning is by developing a portfolio that describes and documents that learning.

The NKU portfolio program is course specific. Exceptional nontraditional students with prior learning that is equivalent to the learning outcomes for a specific undergraduate course may apply for credit for that course by developing a portfolio.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
PORTFOLIO CREDIT

1. What is meant by the term “prior learning”?
College-level learning acquired through non-college experience is called prior learning.  Credit is not granted for the experiences you have had but rather for the learning that has resulted from those experiences. Some nontraditional students with exceptional work and life experiences have been able to earn college credit through the portfolio process.

2. What is a portfolio?
A portfolio describes and documents prior learning.  In its simplest form, a portfolio can be described as a document used to test out of a specific undergraduate course.  A student can earn a maximum of 32 hours toward a bachelor's degree through this method.

3. How does the portfolio process work?
o When students have identified a course they would like to attempt through portfolio, they contact the chairperson of the academic department and the Office of Educational Outreach.
o If portfolio is an option, the chairperson will appoint a faculty evaluator. Next, the evaluator, the student and a representative from Educational Outreach will meet to outline the expectations for the portfolio.
o After the student submits the portfolio to the Educational Outreach office, it is reviewed by the evaluator, the chairperson and the college dean.
o Credit appears on the student's transcript under the heading “Prior Learning” with a grade of “P” for passing.

4. What are the costs?
The portfolio fee is 60% of the tuition for the class that is being petitioned and is paid when the portfolio is submitted for evaluation.

5. Can I get credit in any course?
Credit can only be awarded in areas where a thorough evaluation can be made.  Some highly theoretical subjects do not lend themselves to portfolio evaluation.  Also, some courses are not options for portfolio development due to certification or departmental guidelines.  Credit can be requested only for UNDERGRADUATE courses listed in the University Catalog.

6. How much time will it take to complete a portfolio?
This depends on your regular course load and time management skills.  However, 8 weeks is an average amount of time. To be successful, it is necessary to have basic writing skills and to be independently motivated.

7. How do I get started?
After consulting with your academic advisor, contact the Educational Outreach office at 859-392-2400.