Accelerate Your Degree
Complete your degree with passion, commitment, and focus on spiritual wisdom and religious realities.
Accelerate Your Degree with Passion, Purpose, and Achievement
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Guide
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program recognizes that valuable learning happens beyond the traditional classroom. Knowledge and skills gained through professional work experience, military service, vocational training, certifications, ministry involvement, independent study, and other life experiences may qualify for academic credit.
Through PLA, students can have their prior learning evaluated through portfolio reviews and standardized assessment methods, potentially earning academic credit toward their degree and significantly reducing both the time and cost required to complete their educational goals.
What Is Prior Learning Assessment?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that evaluates documented learning acquired outside a traditional academic setting. Rather than repeating material you have already mastered, PLA allows qualified students to receive credit for demonstrated knowledge and experience.
Our accelerated online degree programs are designed to help students complete their educational objectives as efficiently as permitted by university policies and state regulations. PLA serves as an important component of this process by recognizing previously acquired competencies and translating them into legitimate college-level credit.
Bachelor's Degree Credit Opportunities
Qualified bachelor's degree students may receive up to 90 credit hours through the Prior Learning Assessment process.
Degree structure may include:
Up to 90 credits through PLA
30 credits through completion of the Bachelor's Thesis
Total program completion of 120 credit hours
Not every student will possess the experience necessary to qualify for the maximum PLA credit award. However, students with substantial professional, educational, or life experience may benefit significantly through reduced coursework requirements, shorter completion timelines, and substantial educational savings.
Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs
Master's and Doctoral programs do not require Prior Learning Assessment for admission or degree completion. However, PLA remains available as an optional opportunity for qualified students seeking additional academic credit.
Students may utilize one (1) PLA assessment, which can provide:
Up to 30 credit hours based on documented prior learning and experience
An additional 30 credit hours earned through the completion of a Thesis or Dissertation
A potential total of 60 credit hours
This structure recognizes both prior achievement and advanced scholarly research.
A Proven Educational Path
Today, colleges and universities throughout the United States and around the world recognize the value of Prior Learning Assessment. PLA has become an increasingly popular method for translating meaningful life experience, professional accomplishments, and independent learning into academically recognized credit.
For qualified students, this approach can result in:
Reduced degree completion time
Lower educational expenses
Recognition of professional and personal achievements
Greater flexibility in reaching academic goals
The Tradition of Research-Based Degrees
Accelerated degree programs, as well as degrees earned through a Thesis or Dissertation, are well-established models within higher education. For decades, research-focused degree pathways have been widely accepted and utilized throughout Europe and other international academic systems.
Historically, students demonstrated mastery of their field through extensive research, scholarly analysis, and the successful completion of a Thesis or Dissertation. This tradition remains a cornerstone of advanced education today.
Subject-Matter Mastery
Each Thesis or Dissertation should focus directly on the student's major area of study. The purpose is to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the discipline and mastery of its core principles, concepts, and applications.
By concentrating research within the chosen major, students develop deeper expertise, strengthen critical-thinking abilities, and contribute meaningful scholarship to their field. This focused approach ensures that the final research project reflects both academic rigor and professional competence.
Your Experience Matters
Whether gained through employment, ministry, military service, leadership roles, specialized training, or independent study, your prior learning represents a valuable educational asset. Through the Prior Learning Assessment process, qualified students can transform that experience into academic credit and take a faster, more affordable path toward achieving their educational and professional goals.
Up to 75% Credit exemtion
How to Apply for PLA
Consult with an Advisor: Connect with our academic advisors.
Select the Assessment Method: Choose the best PLA method for your experiences.
Submit Documentation: Provide required documents showcasing prior learning.
Assessment & Evaluation: Your submission will be evaluated by a faculty member.
Earn Credits: Accredited credits will be added upon approval.
Cost of PLA
The fee for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) varies based on the type of assessment and number of credits evaluated. Financial aid may not cover PLA costs, so inquire about specific expenses early in the application process.
Save time and money
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Almadinah Islamic University, U.S.A is a religious exempt institution to grants religious degrees in religious fields for religious purposes within a religious organization under Arizona state board of private postsecondary education statue A.R.S.32-3022(E) in Arizona state.
Al-Madinah Islamic University U.S.A
101 N 1st Av , Phoenix, AZ , 85003 U.S.A
