American Sentinel University recognizes that many students have already established and achieved substantial professional goals. We acknowledge students' life and work experience* and the learning achieved from those experiences by awarding credits toward the completion of your degree requirements. Maximum credit that can be achieved under life/work experience: Associate degrees -15 credits, Bachelor's degrees- 30 credits and Master's degree- 9 credits.

One of the common misconceptions about credit for prior learning (PLA) is that it is awarding credit for a person's life or work experience. Credit is granted for the learning that results from experience. The focus is on the learning outcome, not the path used to get there. Additionally, life and work experience credits are awarded only for college-level learning. American Sentinel follows nationally established guidelines and adheres to national standards for PLA.

How to Request Life and Work Experience Credit

You must submit an application that lists the professional experience and the learning outcomes achieved for the credit you wish to earn based on your Life and Work Experience.

In order to be considered for life or work credits, forms must be submitted no later than 30 days after enrolling.

Evaluation Criteria

Your life and work experience will be evaluated by American Sentinel faculty on the following criteria:

• Analysis - you should be thorough and convey your experiences and the learning that resulted from that experience clearly. Analysis of your experience should show how it relates to a specific course and the learning outcomes identified for that course.
• Documentation - you should validate your learning by submitting evidence to support your analysis.
• Quality of Presentation - the general appearance of your assessment should display a high degree of professionalism, be well organized, and demonstrate your ability to use the English language in a written format.

Credit will be awarded after your application is reviewed by the Evaluation Committee. Call 1-800-729-2427 for further information

* Alabama law prohibits schools from granting experiential credit. Individuals residing in Alabama will not be eligible for LEAP credit.