Accelerating Academic Success: How a Police Lieutenant Leveraged Prior Learning Assessment for Her Master's Degree

APUS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows learners to earn academic credit for skills and knowledge gained through various experiences, including formal education, work, independent study, and hobbies. Learners create a portfolio demonstrating their expertise, which is evaluated by subject matter experts to determine if it meets the standards for academic credit.

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) recognizes diverse learning experiences and can accelerate a student’s academic progress, helping them save money on educational costs.

Katie Gierach, a police lieutenant in Wisconsin, is pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice. She chose her university because of its support for veterans and first responders, as well as its flexibility and affordability. Katie used the PLA to earn graduate credits based on her law enforcement experience and leadership courses, allowing her to complete her degree in about 18 months.

Katie recommends the PLA to other experienced professionals, as it lets them gain academic credit for their life and career experiences. She shared that the PLA process helped her turn her work experience into a strong portfolio that was approved for academic credit. This approach allowed her to quickly progress in her studies, aligning with her past approach to education, where she completed degrees in short, focused bursts. Katie encourages others with significant experience in a subject to consider the PLA as a way to accelerate their academic journey.

Note: A similar version of this article was originally published on AMUEdge.com and APUEdge.com.  

For more information, visit our Prior Learning Assessment page or email [email protected]. You can also chat with the PLA Experiential Learning Specialist, Marsha Metzer - Book time with Metzer, Marsha: PLA Office Hours.