Graduate Studies Credit for Prior Learning
Prior learning is non-college or experienced-based learning that has been attained outside of accredited postsecondary education systems. Credit for Prior Learning includes learning acquired from work and life experiences. It is awarded for graduate-level learning involving knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained. The Graduate Program Director/Coordinator will describe the requirements and the process for obtaining prior learning credits. Individual graduate program may or may not authorize credits for prior learning.
Credit for such experiences may be given if the following conditions are met:
- The experience must be directly similar to the content of internships, field courses and/or laboratory courses in the regular curriculum;
- The student must describe in writing the nature of the experience and what he or she learned through it;
- Evidence documenting the prior learning experience is to be provided by the student. Documentation must include a detailed account of the nature, frequency and duration of the duties; and
- A paper integrating the experiences with subsequent or concurrent classroom instruction must be submitted and approved.
The maximum number of graduate credit hours allowed for prior learning is six. Credit for prior learning is granted only for experiences gained within 12-years from the date the degree is expected to be awarded. Credit for prior learning experiences is subject to the approval of the program director/coordinator and the dean of the college/school in which credit is requested.
Graduate Work Taken by Seniors
CSU Pueblo students who are in their senior year of undergraduate work may take graduate courses for graduate credit (see information for specific programs) with the approval of the appropriate program director/coordinator.
Graduate level courses (500 level) cannot be used simultaneously to satisfy baccalaureate and graduate degree requirements with the exception of approved joint-degree (3+2) programs.