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Credit for Prior Learning

MSC is one of a growing number of colleges and universities which are receptive to the idea of awarding credit for the learning acquired through non-college experience prior to entering or returning to the pursuit of a college degree. You may be able to earn college credit for what you've already learned throughout your life or your career. Your formal church/synagogue, ministry, corporate training or job experience, as well as many other experiences, could help you finish your degree program faster by allowing you to earn credit for specific coursework in your degree program.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that helps you earn credit for the skills and knowledge you already possess regardless of how or where your learning took place. PLA involves identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning outcomes acquired outside of the traditional classroom. This mostly applies to Adult applicants over 30, but can apply to anyone. Find out more about our PLA…

Experiential Lifelong Learning (ELL)

ELL, the MSC Experiential Lifelong Learning program, is similar to PAL except it enables students to apply for credit for prior learning by putting together a portfolio of essays demonstrating knowledge equivalent to 100 & 200-level college courses. Students write their essays as part of a portfolio development course (known as the (ELL Seminar) that carries 3 credits.

College Examinations (CLEP)

CLEP is the College Level Examination Program. It is a series of standardized tests that allows students to earn lower-level course credit. CLEP offers General and Subject Matter exams. You can receive credit through college credit examinations and advanced placement without taking the class. College credit examinations are available in more than 150 subject areas and are similar to the final examinations you would take if taking the class. See our list of exams eligible for college credit.

Challenge-for-Credit

Challenge-for-credit is available for many MSC courses*. You should consider the challenge-for-credit option before submitting your portfolio. If you successfully challenge courses, you will receive course credits on your transcript. If your challenge is not successful, you may submit your evidence of learning as part of your portfolio.

* Some MSC courses are not eligible for challenge. Please review the listing of courses unavailable for challenging before requesting the challenge-for-credit option.

Credit for Church, Ministry, Missionary, experience or Training

You can also receive credit for ministry service and church classes or training.This option primarily apply to Adult applicants over 30 who have years of ministry experience and church/ Synagogue experience. Mount Sinai College will evaluate local training programs for credit provided the student is able to furnish all required documentation. Speak to your academic advisor for more information. See Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) page and read manual.

The National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction

The National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI) evaluates courses of instruction and makes the results available to colleges to use as a guide in awarding credit for noncollegiate course work. Mount Sinai College recognizes National PONSI credit recommendations.