Returning to school as an adult learner can feel daunting, especially when balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. But what if the education you’ve already gained could help you get closer to your degree?
Regis understands the unique challenges adult learners face, from balancing work and family responsibilities to managing the cost and time commitment of returning to school. “We think it’s really important here at Regis to build our degree completion programs to accommodate adult learners who have multiple roles, like being a parent or a professional,” says David Rudder, the Dean of Professional Studies at Regis College.
Credit for prior learning offers that opportunity giving career changers or professionals looking to stay on track in a competitive job market the option to use prior professional training, college credits, and certifications to accelerate their degree completion when returning to school.
Key Takeaways
- Regis awards prior learning credits for coursework completed at accredited institutions, allowing students to leverage past education toward their current degree program.
- By transferring eligible credits, students can reduce the number of required courses, accelerating degree completion and lowering tuition costs.
- Regis provides a user-friendly electronic platform for submitting transcripts and documentation, simplifying the evaluation and credit transfer process.
- With flexible degree completion programs and dedicated advising, Regis accommodates the needs of working professionals, parents, and those balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.
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What Is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for prior learning refers to the opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of a specific degree program or professional certifications. This can include coursework completed at other accredited institutions that aligns with the requirements of your new degree program. By recognizing this prior academic work, colleges allow students to build on their achievements and make progress toward graduation without starting from scratch.
This process offers significant benefits, particularly for working professionals. For example, earning credit for prior learning can save time by allowing students to bypass courses that cover material they’ve already mastered. This allows them to focus on new subjects that will move them closer to their academic and career goals.
Credit for prior learning also reduces tuition costs by cutting down on the number of courses required to complete a degree. This financial relief can make returning to school more feasible and less of a burden, especially for those balancing education with work and family responsibilities.
If you’re wondering how to take advantage of these benefits, here’s how you can apply for prior learning credits at Regis.
Four Steps to Apply for Prior Learning Credit at Regis College
1. Reach out to Admissions
The first step is to connect with the Regis admissions or academic advising team. “Our advising process ensures students understand what credits will transfer and how that impacts their degree path,” Rudder says.
They’ll guide you through the process, answer any questions, and provide clarity about what you need to do to apply for prior learning credit. Whether you’re unsure about eligibility or have questions about documentation, the admissions team is there to help. Be sure to reach out early to ensure you have the information and support needed to proceed confidently.
2. Identify Credit Sources
After connecting with admissions, the next step is to identify the academic experiences you’d like to submit for evaluation based on your conversation with the admissions team. Take a thorough inventory of your prior coursework from accredited institutions, focusing on classes that align with your current program. This step is critical to ensure you’re maximizing all eligible opportunities and building a strong case for credit transfer.
3. Gather Required Documentation
Documentation is key to the prior learning credit process. Once you’ve identified your eligible credits, gather all necessary materials to support your application. This typically includes official transcripts from previous institutions, along with any supplementary materials on professional training and certifications that help verify the coursework you’ve completed.
4. Submit Application
Once your documentation is ready, it’s time to submit your application for prior learning credit. To make this process easier for students, Regis has developed an electronic platform to make this process seamless and user-friendly.
“We’ve created an electronic platform where people can upload documentation directly,” Rudder adds. “Once submitted, we’ll confirm receipt and assess it, providing students with feedback on what credits can transfer.”
After submission, you’ll receive updates on the status of your application and learn how your credits will apply to your degree program.
Save Time and Money with Prior Learning Credits at Regis College
Regis understands the unique challenges adult learners face, from balancing work and family responsibilities to managing the cost and time commitment of returning to school.
Don’t let the effort you’ve already put into your education go unrecognized. Prior learning credits can save you time and money while helping you stay on track toward graduation. Contact Regis today to learn more about your eligibility and take the next step toward achieving your academic and career goals.
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