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Complete your degree with passion, commitment, and focus on spiritual wisdom and religious realities.

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PLA Assessment Guide

The PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) Guide helps students
earn academic credit by evaluating their prior learning
experiences, such as work, training, or self-study,
through standardized assessments or portfolio reviews.

At Summit Theism University, we value the knowledge and skills you have gained through life experiences, work, training, or other non-traditional means. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows you to earn academic credits for these experiences, helping you fast-track your degree and reduce the cost of your education.

Prior Learning Assessment

Accelerated online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in as little as possible according to University and state regulations in numerous majors. This is possible for Bachelor's degree programs through a process involving PLA: Prior Learning Assessment reflecting valuable life and educational experience for a value of up to 90 credits toward your degree. The Bachelor Thesis provides an additional 30 credits allowing a total of 120 credits. Not everyone has the qualified experience to earn PLA credit, but for those who do it can result in saving a tremendous amount of time and expense Master's and Doctorate programs do not require PLA assessment. However, the PLA is an option for additional credit. Only (1) PLA may be utilized. PLA f completed for a Master's or Doctoral program may reflect valuable life and educational experience earning an additional 30 credits. An additional 30 cr. hrs. is granted for Thesis or Dissertation providing a total of 60 credits Today numerous colleges and universities are providing the great benefit Of PLA: Prior Learning Assessments to their mature, more experienced students to translate lifetime learning experience into credits to be legitimately applied to degree programs.

This translates into huge savings in both time and educational expenses. STU is providing this great benefit to all qualified students Many accelerated degree programs are available at schools throughout the United States as it has become a popular trend. Master's by Thesis only and Doctorate by Dissertation only is not a new concept. It has been a popular way of earning a research-based degree in Europe and International countries for well over a century.

Historically in Europe, the standard has always been that students prove mastery of their subject major, through research and performance of a Thesis or Dissertation. Each Thesis or Dissertation Will focus directly on the course major only, to master subject matter related to the major.

I completed my degree faster than expected, thanks to the supportive guidance.

John Smith

New York

The dissertation process was smooth and focused on my interests, making it enjoyable.

Emily Davis

Los Angeles

★★★★★

★★★★★

Types of Learning Eligible for PLA

Summit Theism University recognizes several types of prior learning, including:

• Work Experience: Professional experience in your field.

• Military Training: Verified military coursework or training.

• Certifications: Industry-recognized certifications or credentials.

• Independent Study: Learning from personal study, workshops, or other training programs.

• Community Service and Volunteering: Leadership roles or significant involvement in community organizations.

• Previous study: Learning from another college or university even if you earned a certificate or diploma relevant to your program of interest.

Outline For Preparation of Your Mandatory Bachelor Degree PLA.

*Not mandatory for Master's and Doctoral students

Preparing your PLA portfolio is a simple process:

1. List all employment positions, job title, date and place of employment
2. List all schools that you have attended and dates of graduation.
3. List all diplomas you have been awarded.
4. List all advanced degrees that you have been awarded
5. List all certifications that you have earned
6. List all seminars or non-school classes that you have attended
7. List any special training that you have attended
8. List any on the job trainings and dates of fulfillment
9. List public speaking events
10. How many Religious meetings have you presided over as a preacher
11. How many Religious meetings have you served in as teacher
12. Have you served as a department head at work or at a Religious place۔
13. List military training and experience
14. List all awards and commendations not already mentioned
15. List your special skills or areas of personal accomplishment
16. List your hobbies, sports, passions
17. Include an up-to-date copy of your CV/ Resume

Not all applicants can fulfil this crucial requirement. Do not feel confined to or limited by the 17 items listed above. You can use other experiences from life (beyond the above list) as a basis for essays as well. You may have experiences not relative to the above list. You may also find that some of the items listed above do not apply specifically to your life answer such as N/A. (non-applicable) However there is no need to be limited by this suggestive list, feel free to add any additional experiential descriptions to be considered for credit approval.

Up to 75% Credit exemtion

Get credit for your previous learning

How to Apply for PLA

1. Consult with an Advisor: Speak with one of our academic advisors to determine your eligibility for PLA.

2. Select the Assessment Method: Based on your experience, choose the most suitable PLA method.

3. Submit Documentation: Provide the necessary documentation or portfolio demonstrating your prior learning.

4. Assessment & Evaluation: Your submission will be reviewed by faculty or a PLA specialist.

5. Earn Credits: Upon approval, the appropriate credits will be applied to your academic record.

Cost of PLA

The cost of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) depends on the type of assessment used, such as standardized tests, portfolio reviews, or challenge exams, and the number of credits being considered. Fees may cover the evaluation process, administrative tasks, and faculty review. Financial aid may not apply to PLA fees, so it's essential to inquire about specific costs early in the process. Contact us for more detailed information on potential fees and payment options.

How to Apply for PLA

1. Consult with an Advisor: Speak with one of our academic advisors to determine your eligibility for PLA.

2. Select the Assessment Method: Based on your experience, choose the most suitable PLA method.

3. Submit Documentation: Provide the necessary documentation or portfolio demonstrating your prior learning.

4. Assessment & Evaluation: Your submission will be reviewed by faculty or a PLA specialist.

5. Earn Credits: Upon approval, the appropriate credits will be applied to your academic record.

Cost of PLA

The cost of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) depends on the type of assessment used, such as standardized tests, portfolio reviews, or challenge exams, and the number of credits being considered. Fees may cover the evaluation process, administrative tasks, and faculty review. Financial aid may not apply to PLA fees, so it's essential to inquire about specific costs early in the process. Contact us for more detailed information on potential fees and payment options.