Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have knowledge or work experience that may be worth college credit?   Try asking yourself the following questions:

• Have you worked at a job or volunteer position that requires a very specific set of skills?
• Have you completed a training program for a job, a volunteer position or a professional certificate?
• Have you received professional training that was sponsored by the military or a government agency?
• Are you proficient in a foreign language, or American Sign Language?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, then a Prior Learning evaluation could help you earn credits towards a degree from Adelphi’s University College.

How does the Prior Learning process work?

You must meet with a University College academic adviser to review your work history and begin the application process.  You will also have to speak to an Adelphi faculty member in the field of your work experience and provide verification of the experiences you are seeking Prior Learning credits for.  When the number of Prior Learning credits is determined, you will be required to pay a fee to have them accepted as credit on your transcript.

When should I begin the Prior Learning process?

Students are strongly urged to register for Prior Learning after one semester as a University College student. By entering the process at this juncture, you will quickly learn how much potential credit you can garner and in what academic areas. This will allow you to avoid duplicating courses that you may recieve Prior Learning credit for and also enables you to plan your academic plan of study with soem degree of foresight.

How long do I have to complete the Prior Learning process?

You have one year from the day you are given your assignment by the faculty evaluator. In extenuating circumstances, extensions may be granted.

How can I register for Prior Learning?

You can register for Prior learniing anytime during the semester; the process is the same as registering for your courses. Contact your University College Academic Adviser for more information on beginning this process.

How do Prior Learning credits appear on my transcript?

In most cases Prior Learning credit is granted for equivalent coursework (i.e. BIO 203 Anatomy & Physiology, 3 credits, AMC 261 Introduction to Computers, 4 credits, etc). This enables prospective employers or graduate schools to effectively evaluate your knowledge and training. In some cases where the Prior Learning does not parallel an Adelphi course but falls within the purview of the evaluator's expertise, you will receve and elective (i.e. History elective, 3 credits).

Do all Prior Learning assignments involve written work?

Prior Learning is a competency-based evaluation procedure. Students must demonstrate to the faculty evaluator that they possess knowledge relevant to specific academic fields. In most cases this involves written assignments; in soem cases it may involve other methods of demonstrating knowledge; i.e. presenting a portfolio of art, taking an exam, etc.

What are some examples of students who have completed the Prior Learning process?

Student A
Job: Pathology Assistant
Work Experience: Responsible for all Histology and Cytology procedures
Prior Learning Process: Student met with a faculty evaluator from the Adelphi Biology department and it was decided the student would document and monitor the laboratory controls and statistics and write a report.
Credit Result: This student received twelve credits in three lab sciences.

Student B
Job: Medical Assistant
Work Experience: Suburban Technical School
Prior Learning Process: Receive precedented Prior Learning credit for this work.  Precedented Prior Learning credits are training and work experiences that have been previously evaluated by the government, Adelphi faculty, etc.
Credit Result: This student received twenty credits in lab sciences.

Student C
Job: Prep School Teacher
Work Experience: Taught kindergarten class basic subjects including, reading, math and writing.
Prior Learning Process: The student worked with a faculty evaluator in the School of Education. This student completed her assignment in six months.
Credit Result: This student received eight credits.

Student D
Job: Computer Systems Operator
Work Experience: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, XMS Expense System, and Contact Management.
Prior Learning Process: The student met with a faculty evaluator in Computer Sciences and completed his assignment in three months.
Credit Result: This student received eight credit in computer Science

Student E
Job: Customer Service Representative
Work Experience: This student was fluent in German and Turkish.
Prior Learning Process: Student took and Passed the New York University Foreign Language Proficiency Exams for German and Turkish. This process took six months.
Credit Result: This student was granted sixteen credits in German and fourteen credits in Turkish.

Student F
Job: US Army Specialist
Work Experience: US Army Course Work — Health Care Specialist, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Basic Combat Training.
Prior Learning Process: On the recommendation of the American Council Of Education—Department of Army student received precedented Prior Learning credits.
Credit Result: This student was granted forty credits.

Contact For additional information, please contact: University College p - 516.877.3412 e - ucinfo@adelphi.edu Hagedorn Hall, Room 201 Adelphi University Garden City, NY 11530

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