Northwestern Christian University

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA) GUIDE

General Requirements

  • PLA is mandatory for all Bachelor degree programs.
  • PLA is NOT mandatory for Master’s and Doctoral programs, but may be used for extra credit.

PRINT THIS GUIDE before beginning.

About the Prior Learning Assessment

All NCU accelerated degree programs are research-based and do not require a core curriculum.

  • Bachelor Programs: PLA is mandatory.
  • Master’s & Doctoral Programs: PLA is optional (extra credit only).

PLA Outline for Preparing Your Portfolio

Bachelor Degree Requirements

For Bachelor programs, use the 17-criteria list below to compile prior life experience for assessment.

  • 90 credit hours awarded for approved PLA completion and Core Course Completion.
  • 30 credit hours awarded for Bachelor Thesis.
  • Total: 120 credit hours

See the Thesis/Dissertation Guide on the website menu for instructions.

Master’s & Doctoral Degree Requirements

  • PLA is NOT mandatory.
  • For an extra 30 credits, PLA may be replaced by a detailed resume/bio-data if you have extensive ministry, work, or educational experience.
  • Accccelrated degrees require a thesis or dissertation only.
  • Full Curriculum degrees require multiple Core Courses and a Thesis or Dissertation.

⚠️ PLA credit applies to ONE degree program only.

Bachelor Degree PLA List (Mandatory for Bachelor Students Only)

  1. Employment positions (job title, dates, place of employment)
  2. Schools attended and dates of graduation
  3. Diplomas awarded
  4. Advanced degrees awarded
  5. Certifications earned
  6. Seminars or non-school classes attended
  7. Special training attended
  8. On-the-job training and dates completed
  9. Public speaking events
  10. Church meetings presided over as preacher
  11. Church meetings served as teacher
  12. Service as department head (work or church)
  13. Military training and experience
  14. Awards and commendations not already listed
  15. Special skills or personal areas of expertise
  16. Hobbies, sports, passions
  17. Detailed resume/bio-data

INSTRUCTIONS: Address each of thwe 17-criteria above with a descriptive response. NCU also provides Core Courses to help fulfill the 90-credit requirement.

Optional PLA (Master’s & Doctoral Only)

  • Submit detailed bio-data/resume plus copies of prior degrees, certifications, etc.
  • Worth 30 credit hours if experiencne is verified.
  • PLA is NOT mandatory.

Important Notes

  • The listed criteria for Bachelor students recognize multiple experiences and translate them into credit hours.
  • Bachelor degree PLA is not limited to the 17 items. Additional life experiences may also qualify.
  • PLA is not mandatory for master’s and doctorate degrees.

NCU CORE CURRICULUM (Optional)

Special New Courses Added!

  • Enhance knowledge of certain majors with core courses
  • Text book based with essays provide 5-10 cr. hrs for each course.
  • Primarily for Bachelor students in addition to PLA credit.
  • Mandatory for all Full Curriculum degrees.

Degree Program PLA & Thesis/Dissertation Credit Totals

Bachelor Degree (120 Credits – PLA Mandatory)

  • PLA/Learning Assessment and Core Courses= 90 credits
  • Bachelor Thesis = 30 credits
  • Total = 120 credits

Master’s Degree (60 Credits – PLA Optional)

  • PLA (resume/bio-data) = 30 credits
  • Master’s Thesis = 30 credits
  • Total = 60 credits
  • *Full Curriculum degrees require additional Core Courses

Thesis-only option: 30 credits without PLA.

Full Curriculum: 75 credits including Core Courses and Thesis.

Doctorate Degree (60 Credits – PLA Optional)

  • PLA (resume/bio-data) = 30 credits
  • Dissertation = 30 credits
  • Total = 60 credits
  • *Full Curriculum degrees require Core Courses.

Dissertation-only option: 30 credits without PLA.

Full Curriculum: 75 credits including Core Courses and Dissertation.

PLA Instructions

  1. Prepare your PLA by completing the requirements listed above.
  2. Send your completed PLA as an email attachment to:
    NCUamerica@gmail.com

Special Note

For Master’s and Doctoral students, PLA may be replaced by a detailed resume/bio-data if you have extensive ministry, work, or educational experience.

Closing Notes

Happy Studies!
Submit your application today and begin your degree program tomorrow!

For questions: NCUamerica@gmail.com

Apply Now: APPLICATION

“Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman who need not be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” — II Timothy 2:15

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