Get college credit for what you already know.

The Prior Learning Program allows students to gain credit for their professional and educational experiences that apply to their current coursework.  There are three pathways of Prior Learning credit that students can pursue.

Pathways

Pathways

Knowledge Exam

(Undergraduate students only)

A comprehensive exam to demonstrate mastery of the subject.

1. You can see a complete list of available knowledge exams here: 

Knowledge Exams

  • Please work with your Student Success Coordinator and the Prior Learning office to schedule your exam. Some exams have pre-scheduled offerings, while others are scheduled based on student interest.

2. You are only permitted to pursue each exam once.

3. These exams are proctored by either UC Faculty or a proctoring service.  If proctored by a service, there is a fee of $20.50.

Demonstrate mastery of the subject by providing a narrative of your experience through guided prompts that align with the course objectives. We offer a traditional portfolio option and a modified portfolio with an interview option.

1. You can attach artifacts such as a marketing plan, news articles, certifications, and more to provide as examples of work completed.

2. The cost of pursuing Experiential Credit is $0. 

Demonstrate mastery of subject by providing a valid certification that aligns with the course.

1. Examples: 

  • Certified Nursing Aide = NURS 100 Medicaid Nurse Aide
  • Global Information Assurance Certification = MSDF 531 Windows Digital Forensics
  • Food, Nutrition, and Health Development = HESS 333 Nutrition, and more!

2. The cost of pursuing Certification Credit is $0. 

The faculty and staff of Cumberlands have always been exceptionally helpful, and it is clear Cumberlands has a passion for student success. 

Michael Crabtree

Interested in pursuing a Prior Learning Pathway?

If you are interested in pursuing Prior Learning:

  • Complete this SURVEY to see how you might earn Prior Learning credits. 
  • Discuss it with your Student Success Coordinator (Undergrad on-campus | Undergrad Online | Graduate) to see if there are opportunities within your degree plan.  
  • If you are a current student and if you are ready to apply, please review these instructions for completing the form and the application can be found through UCLogin and selecting “UC Reporting and Request Form” then selecting “Prior Learning Request” on the Report Type drop-down.


Prior Learning Program Contact: priorlearning [at] ucumberlands.edu (priorlearning[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)

My experience with UC was amazing. Despite being an online student, I felt connected. The program exceeded my expectations.

Laura Bennett
Graduate Student

Limitations

There are some limitations to earning Prior Learning credit:

Undergraduate:

Students must complete 25% of their degree through University of the Cumberlands coursework and Prior Learning does not count towards this.

Graduate:

Students may earn a max of 50% of the credit in the academic program for which they're enrolled through Prior Learning, and at least 50% of the total semester hours in any degree requirements must be completed at UC. (Prior Learning won't meet this.)
Students must enroll in Prior Learning opportunities before their last semester at Cumberlands.
Some programs limit Prior Learning opportunities due to accreditation as well, including but not limited to education, counseling, and executive programs.

I am extremely thankful I attended Cumberlands. I am a better person and leader because of my time there.

Christopher Ratcliff
Graduate Student

FAQ