Alternative Degree Pathways

The Professional Learning Track (PLT) is available to fully online students in specific eligible programs.  PLT provides students an opportunity to earn 30 academic credits through employment related to their major and chosen career field. This program recognizes the enhanced learning acquired through in-depth application of course-work knowledge and skills through job-related experiences. Students who are actively employed in an area related to academic training and career objectives may apply to this program. This program saves time and money for students who are eligible and interested.

Eligibility

Students considering this program must meet the criteria for eligible employment.

a.     Full-time employment of not less than 30 hours per week in a position related to the student’s degree program.

b.     The applicant must have worked for the company/organization for at least one year.

c.     The position may not be considered entry-level.

d.     The position must be professional in nature and related to the student’s degree.

e.     Employment must be approved by the Program Manager.

f.      Students are required to work at least 1200 hours to earn 30 credits.

Eligible Programs

Early Childhood Education and Care

Human Services

Management

FAQ’s

How does this program work?

Students who are accepted into the PLT should complete at least 30 academic credits toward the degree before taking the next step.  At that time, working with the Program Manager, the student will take a 1 credit course related to building their portfolio to demonstrate the learning required.  After completing the course, the student may begin working on their portfolio.  Once completed the portfolio will be evaluated and if it meets the requirements, the student will be awarded 30 credits toward their degree.

What is the cost for PLT?

Students will pay for the one credit portfolio course and then when their portfolio is to be evaluated, they will pay $100 for each credit for a total of $3,000 which represents a considerable savings over the cost of taking 30 academic credits.  This program saves time and money for eligible and interested students. 

How do I apply for PLT?

Current students should speak with their advisor who will facilitate the application process between the student and the Program Manager.  New students should speak with their admissions representative.

The Degree Completion Program (DCP) provides a more focused pathway for students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program to earn their undergraduate degree.

This program is available for both online students and day students, ensuring flexible learning options to accommodate various schedules. Students can apply college credits previously earned from an accredited institution, as well as credits earned for life experience through the College’s Prior Learning Assessment Program, towards an eligible degree program.

The DCP offers a solid foundation in academic coursework alongside interdisciplinary courses that focus on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree offered at the College in their chosen academic discipline.

Degree Completion Programs are currently available for the following bachelor's degree majors:

• Communication and Media Studies

• Criminal Justice
• Early Childhood Education and Care (online only)
• English
• Human Resource Management (online only)
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Liberal Arts
• Management
• Marketing
• Psychology
• Sport Management (Boston Campus only)

Eligibility

• Have earned at least 45 college-level credits from accredited institutions, with a GPA of 2.3 or better

Fisher College recognizes life and work experiences are a valuable component to one’s education. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) evaluates training and learning that occurs outside the traditional classroom and assesses how that knowledge relates to specific course content for college credit. Students gain college-level knowledge from a variety of sources.

Common ways students may be eligible to earn credit through the PLA program are full- or part-time employment, non-credit courses, volunteer work, military service, organizational membership, hobbies or recreational pursuits, and travel study.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits could I earn through PLA?

Bachelor degree candidates may compete for up to 30 PLA credits. The combination of PLA credits and transfer credits may not exceed 90 credits. 

Associate degree candidates may compete for up to 15 PLA credits. The combination of PLA credits and transfer credits may not exceed 30 credits. 

How do I earn credits through PLA?

First, you will identify the course(s) you believe you have gained college-level knowledge through life or work experiences. For each course, you will prepare a well-documented Portfolio Assessment that demonstrates your knowledge of the learning objectives required in the course. You must submit an application for approval to complete a Portfolio Assessment for each course. The Portfolio Assessment will be reviewed by appropriately qualified faculty to make a determination on awarding course credits. Credit will be awarded through sufficient demonstration of college-level learning standards; not for experience alone. No credit is guaranteed to be approved for credit.

What is the cost for PLA?

If approved to complete a Portfolio Assessment, you will be charged $100 per credit for the evaluation process. The evaluation fee is non-refundable should a portfolio not be approved for credit. 

How do I apply for PLA?

To be eligible, students must be accepted and enrolled in a degree program. Interested students may submit an application for Prior Learning Credit to the Dean of International Academic Operations and Curriculum Development. Please reach out to your academic advisor or Dean Nancy Pithis (npithis@fisher.edu) for additional information.

Your application will be reviewed for eligibility, and if approved, you will be advised on the next steps to begin building your portfolio. 

Experiential Credit for Internships

Bachelor's degree students who have graduated from the Police Academy are eligible to apply for PLA credit for CJ460 Criminal Justice Internship I and CJ461 Criminal Justice Internship II. There is no fee associated with this process.

To Apply, students must submit:

• A complete Police Academy transcript
• Police Academy program overview, hours, and course descriptions
• A resume and cover letter that includes a formal introduction of your experience and the documents you are submitting to support your petition for credit. 
• Email all documents to Dean Nancy Pithis, npithis@fisher.edu.

PLA Credits for Criminal Justice Courses

Police officers, whether or not they have graduated from the Police Academy, may petition for PLA credits for any criminal justice course that is not an internship. Students interested in pursing these PLA credits will complete a Portfolio Assessment along with answers to a set of specific questions for the course you are competing for PLA credits.

Please see the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) section above for answers to frequently asked questions and to submit an application.

Students who have been awarded their Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in either infant/toddler or Preschool, are eligible to apply for PLA credit for up to 7 credits, including a practicum (4 credits) for the age group the CDA is awarded in, and one other Early Childhood Education course (3 credits). There is no fee associated with this process.

To apply, students must submit:

• ECE PLA Application
• CDA certificate that is current and in good standing
• Email all documents to your academic advisor

ECE PLA Application