With the Prior Learning Assessment, University of Phoenix Continues to Demonstrate Its Commitment to Student Success and Positive Outcomes

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University of Phoenix offers students and new applicants the opportunity to save on tuition and reduce the time it takes to graduate with the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Here we talk about what the PLA is and how, along with other student services and resources, the PLA demonstrates the University’s continued commitment to enhancing student outcomes.

When University of Phoenix was founded in 1976, students graduating with degrees from traditional colleges and universities were often unable to perform the tasks required by industry. Understanding that there were better ways to teach adults, University of Phoenix developed courses and an instructional framework to help busy, adult learners learn what they needed to learn to excel in the workplace.

University of Phoenix courses are developed by faculty who are experienced practitioners in their fields. By integrating academic theory and lifelong learning with professional practice, the University’s courses are designed to support the needs of adult learners and students who will soon join the workforce. These are all professionals who require industry-relevant training to succeed in the ever-evolving workplace.

One of the hallmarks of the University’s programs are convenient classes offered online. University of Phoenix also provides students with an innovative learning platform, career services and a wealth of educational resources such as an online library and writing and math labs. These are all designed to enhance the student experience and lead to better student outcomes. The University also gives its students many different ways to save on their time and tuition, one of which is the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).

Prior Learning Assessment

The PLA is one of many ways University of Phoenix students and applicants can reduce their tuition costs as well as the time it takes to complete a degree program. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of skills, competencies and subject areas. Based on skills, certificates or demonstrated experiences, students can earn course credits that count toward their graduation requirements.

There are two primary ways that students can earn course credits through the PLA. The first is by creating a professional portfolio that reflects certificates, licenses and relevant on-the-job training that can count toward learning requirements. The other is by completing a journal-style essay on a preapproved topic to show what the student learned from their career and life experiences.

Many certifications, licenses and subject areas are preapproved for consideration when it comes to PLA professional portfolios and experience journals. Examples include IT certificates, in-person training, stress management, parenting and sign language. Topic areas covered span the humanities, physical and biological sciences, physical education, science and technology. A full list of topic areas that can be considered for experienced-based credit awards under the PLA can be found here.

In addition, University of Phoenix provides students and applicants with a job-related skills search tool. This allows PLA applicants to search for current or prior employers to see if any of their trainings or certificates are approved by the University for course credit.

For every three credits approved through the PLA, students can save almost $1,200 in tuition expenses while reducing their time to graduate by five weeks. In 2020, PLA students saved, on average, over $4,500 thanks to work-based and experienced-based course credits.

By giving credit where it is due and recognizing that experienced professionals have valuable knowledge in their own right, University of Phoenix makes it even easier for aspiring working adults to pursue their higher education. When student skills and expertise can count toward graduation requirements, they can enjoy the benefits of their training and experience within the context of their degree program.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 to help working adults achieve the higher education they needed to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace. Using context-based rather than content-based instruction, the University aims to help working adults master industry-relevant skills and gain the knowledge needed to create value for themselves, their organizations and their communities.

University of Phoenix offers associatebachelor’smaster’s and doctoral degree programs and a variety of certificate programs. All of these are designed to help students match their education to their personal interests and professional goals.

Learn more about the University to see how it can help you pursue your educational and personal dreams. Please visit University of Phoenix today at https://www.phoenix.edu/.

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