Albany State University (ASU) recognizes that learning occurs both in and out of the classroom. Through the University’s Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) membership, students may take a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to earn credit hours from learning outside a traditional academic environment.

“Prior learning assessment is the key to unlocking the full potential of one's educational journey, enabling individuals to receive recognition for the knowledge and skills they have already acquired. By embracing the power of prior learning assessment, we open doors for adult learners to accelerate their path to a degree, saving time and money while honoring the value of their real-world experiences,” said Dr. Jason Armstrong, Associate Dean for the College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies.

One career that benefits from this membership is law enforcement. Certified law enforcement officers have earned valuable training and experience through their chosen career path. By awarding officers’ credit for learning they have already acquired, the time to graduation is reduced, and students spend less money on tuition. 

The Criminal Justice Department at ASU has a program in place to award Georgia P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officers college credits for their prior learning. More than 49 law enforcement officers have already utilized this program at ASU to earn college credits for their P.O.S.T. training. ASU students awarded at least one course graduated 75% of the time with a college degree. 

Corporal Kisawanda James with the ASU Police Department is a current student who has taken advantage of the PLA program. “The academic advisors and professors at ASU care about the student's future. I love that there is clear communication so that any concerns can be addressed in a timely manner. The prior learning credits were definitely a plus when making the decision to attend ASU. I have earned college credit for courses I took at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center Academy, and it allowed me the opportunity to pick up where I left off. I did not have to start over and take classes that I had already taken. This made the decision to enroll easier.”

CAEL defines PLA as learning and knowledge students acquire while living their lives: working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, volunteering, or doing community service.

Officers interested in the program can contact Dr. Robert Ausby at [email protected].