Credit for Prior Learning

Undergraduates

Catalog Reference - Credit for Prior Learning

The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Program offers an opportunity for Towson University students to receive college credit for abilities they may have acquired through life experience, personal study, and/or military course work by taking challenge tests in the area of their proficiency, presenting portfolios and providing documentation of military course work/experiences.

A maximum of 45 units for non-traditional learning may be granted through the Credit for Prior Learning Program (this includes any CLEP, AP, or IB credit granted in transfer). Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) units can be used to fulfill core curriculum, electives, and/or major requirements. CPL units are eligible to be recorded on the TU transcript if the candidate is an undergraduate student seeking their first degree (this is not an option for second bachelor students) and has at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA. Please note that some academic departments may accept a lower maximum number of CPL units toward the major. Please check with the major department first to find out if such restrictions exist.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP) Tests

Credit for Prior Learning - Chart of Courses and Fees (pdf)

Check for a College Board Test Center in your area.

Send scores to Towson University, 5404.

Departmental Exams

TU offers departmental challenge exams in Languages. The languages include French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, and American Sign Language.

Individualized Assessments

Students who wish to earn credit for courses which do not have standardized departmental or CLEP exams may contact the academic department to determine if individualized assessment is possible. This type of assessment may include portfolio review, oral or written examination, demonstration (e.g., dance or music), or written report/paper.

Military Course Work/Experience

Towson University is a member of Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC). Students who have served or are currently serving in the United States military may receive college credit for basic training, military occupational specialties, and other military course work. Official documentation must be submitted. Work will be evaluated per the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services by the American Council on Education (ACE).

Military courses and experiences are evaluated by University Admissions. To request an evaluation, contact .

Graduates

Catalog Reference - Credit for Prior Professional Learning

The credit for prior professional learning (CPPL) offers an opportunity for Towson University graduate students to receive graduate credit for abilities they may have acquired through non- credit courses, structured, non-credit professional development programs, and professional work experiences. Students will be assessed $30 per unit for assessment for CPPL and $30 per unit for posting of units to the transcript. Students can apply for CPPL by contacting their department. Departments should contact the Registrar's Office when students apply for CPPL to determine billing procedures.