PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

PLA GUIDE

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Is mandatory For All Bachelor Degree Programs.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is NOT mandatory, but may be used as extra credit for any Master’s or Doctorate degree.

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Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

All NCU accelerated 90-day degree programs are research based and do not require a core curriculum.

  • PLA is mandatory for all Bachelor degree programs.
  • PLA is optional (for extra credit only) for all Master’s and Doctoral programs.

PLA Outline for Preparation of Your Portfolio

Bachelor Degree Requirements

  • Use the list below to compile your prior life experience for assessment and award of your PLA credit (required for your NCU Bachelor degree).
  • 90 credit hours awarded for approved PLA completion.
  • 30 credit hours awarded for your Bachelor Thesis.
  • Total = 120 credit hours

See the Thesis/Dissertation GUIDE on the website menu for instructions.

Master’s & Doctoral Degree Requirements

  • PLA is NOT mandatory.
  • For extra 30 credits, PLA may be replaced by a detailed resume/bio-data if you have extensive ministry, work, and/or educational experience.

Note: PLA credit is only applicable to one degree program at NCU.

Mandatory PLA List (Bachelor Degree)

Provide details for the following:

  1. Employment positions — job title, date, and place of employment
  2. Schools attended and dates of graduation
  3. Diplomas awarded
  4. Advanced degrees awarded
  5. Certifications earned
  6. Seminars or non-school classes attended
  7. Special training attended
  8. On-the-job training and dates of fulfillment
  9. Public speaking events
  10. Church meetings presided over as preacher
  11. Church meetings served as teacher
  12. Service as department head (work or church)
  13. Military training and experience
  14. Awards and commendations (not already mentioned)
  15. Special skills or personal areas of expertise
  16. Hobbies, sports, passions
  17. Detailed resume/bio-data

Note:

  • For students with limited experience unable to meet the 17 criteria, NCU provides optional Core Courses to fulfill the required 90 credit hours.
  • Use documentation, certificates, lists, or written summaries to support your PLA portfolio.

FULL CURRICULUM Degrees Require Core Courses as well as a thesis or disseration. *PLA is optional for additional credit.

Optional PLA for Master’s & Doctoral Programs

  • Provide a detailed bio-data/resume along with copies of prior degrees, certifications, etc.
  • Worth 30 credit hours (optional, not mandatory).

Credit Breakdown by Program

Bachelor Degree Credits (PLA Mandatory)

  • PLA/Learning Assessment: 90 credits
  • Bachelor Thesis: 30 credits
  • Total: 120 credits

Master’s Degree Credits (PLA Optional)

  • PLA (resume/bio-data): 30 credits (optional)
  • Master’s Thesis: 30 credits
  • Total: 60 credits
  • You may earn a 30-credit thesis-only Master’s degree without PLA.
  • *Full Curriuclum degrees require completion of core courses in addition to a master’s thesis

Doctoral Degree Credits (PLA Optional)

  • PLA (resume/bio-data): 30 credits (optional)
  • Dissertation: 30 credits
  • Total: 60 credits
  • You may elect to earn a 30-credit dissertation-only Doctoral degree without PLA.
  • *Full Curriculum degrees require core courses and a doctoral dissertation

Instructions for Submission

  1. Prepare your PLA portfolio based on the requirements above.
  2. Send as an email attachment to: NCUamerica@gmail.com for review and possible credit.

Important:

  • For Master’s and Doctoral students, PLA can be replaced by a detailed resume/bio-data if you have extensive ministry, work, and/or educational experience.

New Core Curriculum Option

  • Special Core Courses now available to enhance knowledge in certain majors.
  • Textbook review and essays for core course completion.
  • Up to 10 extra credits per course.
  • Available for Bachelor students with inadequate PLA credit.
  • Core Courses are required in all Full Curriculum degree programs.

Key Reminders

  • PLA is mandatory for Bachelor programs.
  • PLA is optional but can add 30 credits for Master’s and Doctoral programs.
  • NCU accelerated programs are Research Based (Thesis/Dissertation only) following the European model.
  • Core Course are mandatory for Full Curriculum degrees.

Apply Today!

  • Submit your application today and begin your 90-day degree program tomorrow!
  • Questions? Email: NCUamerica@gmail.com
  • Apply Now: APPLICATION

Scripture Inspiration

“Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman who need not be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”
— II Timothy 2:15

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