White paper describes how learning and experience assessments can support adult learners in credit mobility culture that encompasses graduate programs

University of Phoenix has released a new white paper, “Advancing Graduate Education Through Credit for Prior Learning: A Framework for Equity, Access, and Academic Success,” by authors Ryan Williams, MM, MIS, senior manager, Operations, and Natalie Pratt, M.Ed., MC, MBA, associate dean, Business Programs, both in the College of Business and Information Technology. The white paper draws upon academic research and institutional practices to propose a framework supporting the assessment of graduate level credit for prior learning (CPL), and underscores the benefits including accelerating time to graduation, enhancing student motivation, and improving graduation rates.

“Acknowledging the infrequency of graduate-level PLA within the broader landscape of higher education, University of Phoenix undertook a deliberate initiative focused on ensuring that students leverage credit for prior learning at the graduate level, and similar to the undergraduate process, adhere to requisite standards and also demonstrate the competencies and skills relevant to the courses they seek to substitute,” states Pratt. “The process at University of Phoenix grants graduate credit for prior learning options across multiple subject areas so more of our students can pursue this evaluation.”

Despite the prevalence of workplace experience among graduate students, the adoption of graduate-level credit for prior learning remains relatively uncommon in academia. The white paper delves into the framework provided by CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning), which outlines 10 standards for assessing learning and granting credit based on demonstrated relevant prior learning or learning from work experience. It examines the strategies utilized by universities including University of Phoenix, to implement these programs at the graduate level, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment methodologies and faculty support.

The authors stress in their conclusion the importance of strategic expansion of credit for prior learning offerings at the graduate level to increase accessibility to higher education and alleviate financial burdens for diverse student populations.

“The standards highlight the importance of assessment as integral to the learning process, fostering equity and access while providing guidance and support to learners,” states Williams. “Since 2020, University of Phoenix has awarded 111 credits to 37 graduate students who have successfully completed CPL utilizing our graduate level prior learning assessment package, and we want to increase awareness of this opportunity.”

The white paper explores graduate credit for prior learning as a natural extension of creating a credit mobility culture, as featured in a previous publication.

As a Senior Manager of Operations, Williams works on multiple projects such as Prior Learning Assessment workstreams, covering topics on policy for the College of Business and Information Technology, and staff communication as well as managing a team that oversees all content in the College courses. He is a member in the local Arizona chapters of Epsilon Pi Tau and Eta Theta, where he also serves as treasurer. Williams holds a master's degree in information systems and a master’s degree in management, both from University of Phoenix.

Associate Dean Pratt supports the College of Business and Information Technology in curriculum design and development, faculty support, vendor relationships and academic operations. She is a member of Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and SHRM and has more than 16 years of experience in education, currently holding a secondary education teaching certificate for the State of Arizona. Pratt has a Master of Education in Cultural Studies degree from Ohio University, a Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Ohio University. She completed her MBA at University of Phoenix.

The full white paper is available at University of Phoenix Thought Leadership hub and as a direct link here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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