MACU Wordmark

PRIOR LEARNING

Turn Your Experience Into College Credit

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) at Mid-America Christian University (MACU) empowers adult learners to earn college credit for knowledge gained outside the traditional classroom. Whether through work experience, military service, professional certifications, ministry leadership, or entrepreneurial ventures, CPL can help you finish your degree faster and more affordably.

“CPL acknowledges and rewards the knowledge and skills that students have acquired in their professional and personal lives.”
— MACU Enrollment Guide

Why Choose CPL?

Save Time

Students using CPL typically accelerate their graduation by 9–14 months.

Save Money

CPL can reduce tuition costs by $1,500 to $10,200.

Increase Your Success

Students who earn CPL credits are 17% more likely to graduate.

How to Earn Credit

MACU offers two primary methods to convert your experience into credit:

1. Learning Application Essays (LAEs)

Write essays demonstrating college-level learning gained through real-world experience.

2. Sponsored Professional Training (SPT)

Submit documentation for completed certifications, licenses, or training programs.

How It Works

  1. Enroll in UNIV2503: Professional Development Review
    • 3 credit hour course
    • Offered every 5 weeks
    • Required for all CPL participants
    • Helps you build your CPL portfolio
  2. Submit Your Portfolio
    • Includes LAEs and/or documentation for SPT
    • Reviewed by qualified MACU faculty
  3. Earn College Credit
    • Credit may be applied to elective or program-specific courses
    • Awarded credit appears as “CR” (Credit) on your transcript

What Kinds of Experience Qualify?

  • Professional work and leadership roles
  • Military training (Joint Services Transcript accepted)
  • Ministry or religious service
  • Unaccredited college or vocational school coursework
  • Industry certifications (e.g., Real Estate, Insurance, FAA, Paraprofessional)
  • Trade certifications (e.g., Healthcare, Cosmetology, CLEET)
  • Business or entrepreneurial experience

How Do I Get Started?

You must be a fully admitted undergraduate student in good academic standing.

Steps to Begin

  1. Enroll in UNIV2503
  2. Develop your portfolio with help from a CPL advisor
  3. Submit for faculty evaluation and receive applicable credit

Remember: Credit is based on documented college-level learning, not just experience alone.

CPL credits will be applied to your degree program once you have completed 12 credit hours with MACU.