Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows undergraduate degree-seeking students to earn Michigan State University credit for college-level learning gained outside of a traditional college classroom.
- Prior learning may be considered through methods such as:
- Standardized examinations
- Military coursework and training
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) and other approved programs
- Departmental challenge examinations
- Professional credentials, licenses, certifications, apprenticeships, and other recognized credentials
- Academic portfolio assessment
Academic departments determine whether prior learning is appropriate for review and whether it is comparable to the learning expected in an MSU course or other approved area of credit. To earn CPL, a student must demonstrate college-level learning at a level equal to a grade of 2.0 or higher and meet the learning outcomes required for the credit being awarded.
Students may not receive credit more than once for the same learning. Credit awarded through CPL is recorded as test or other credit on the student's academic record and does not count toward the student's grade point average (GPA).
The availability of CPL depends on the type of prior learning and the academic area. Not all courses or learning experiences are eligible for CPL, and submitting a request or documentation does not guarantee that credit will be awarded.
For more information about Credit for Prior Learning Processes, email priorlearning@msu.edu.