Credit for Prior Learning

Some students in the MALS program may qualify to earn credit for prior learning through Lehman’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process. “Prior learning” refers to learning of an academic nature that has taken place outside a traditional classroom and can come from a range of experiences including current and prior employment, volunteer activities, military service, acquired licenses and certifications, and more. MALS students may be able to earn up to 6 PLA credits towards their Master’s degree, if they did not earn PLA credit as an undergraduate, and if they can demonstrate prior learning that is relevant to their degree focus.

With guidance from MALS Administrative Director Pamela Hinden, students develop a portfolio documenting their learning as it applies to the MALS degree focus. Once the portfolio is completed, it is sent to the relevant academic department for evaluation. Faculty can award the student 0-6 graduate credits.

Credits awarded for prior learning count as electives and transfer credits and do not count toward Lehman College residency requirements.