Earn College Credit for What You Already Know
Credit for Prior Learning - CPL
The College of Interdisciplinary Studies understands the importance of college-level experience gained outside the traditional university setting through:
- Learning in the workplace
- Military service and training
- Training Programs
- Certifications and licenses
Prior Learning Experience Can Benefit you Through University Credit
- CPL is the maximum of 24 elective credits that may be requested for college-level learning achieved through work or volunteer experience that (a) closely relates to the major; (b) equates with skills, knowledge, or perspectives currently taught in courses required for the major; and (c) involves analysis or reflection at the undergraduate level or higher. The earner must have at least five (5) years professional experience. *(Actual CPL credit varies based on YOUR past work and training)
- How can I earn credit?
Submit a portfolio
- Instructions for submitting a portfolio (Adobe PDF file)
- To be considered by the review committee, portfolios must be received by January 31st and August 31st.
Mail to: Attn: Director, COIS Student Success Center, Southwest Hall, Room 146, Campus Box 5176, Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
Email scanned copy (preferred) to: COIS@tntech.edu - Evaluation Rubric
- Redacted Sample Portfolio
- Note: Students cannot submit a portfolio during their final semester and cannot receive course match credit or emphasis/concentration area credit.
Report Previous Military Experience
- Preview the course-specific information
- Which degrees can I get CPL credit?
- Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor's in Professional Studies
- Bachelor's in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Bachelor's in Communication
On average, adult degree earners with 12 or more CPL credits saved 9 to 14 months.
Adult students who earned CPL saved $1,500 to $10,200 in tuition dollars.
Overall, adults who earn credit for prior learning are 17% more likely to graduate
than adults who do not. The CPL completion benefit is 25% for adults at community
colleges, 24% for Hispanic adults, 13% for Black adults, and 19% for Pell Grant recipients.
The CPL process of reflecting on past learning is often a positive experience that
improves adult students' confidence in themselves as learners, research shows.
Source: www.cael.org/lp/cpl-pla
Source: www.cael.org/lp/cpl-pla
For More Information
COIS Student Success Center | COIS@tntech.edu
