College Credit For What You Know
Experiential Learning Credit
Experiential learning credits are college credits awarded through the evaluation of learning gained through life experiences.
What are the sources of experiential learning credit?
Up to 24 semester hours of college credit can be awarded to a
student who can validate that knowledge gained through
experience is worth college-level credit. Credit is not
granted for experience but rather for the knowledge gained by
means of experience. The Council for Adult and
Experiential Learning (CAEL) lists seven major categories that
may potentially yield learning that qualifies for college credit
in non-traditional degree programs such as P.A.C.E.:
1. Occupation, including military
2. Volunteer work
3. Non-credit courses (i.e. workshops, seminars, in-services)
4. Travel
5. Recreation
6. Hobbies
7. Independent reading, viewing, and/or listening to and conversing with experts
How and when is credit awarded?
Experiential learning credit is awarded when the evaluator is satisfied that the documentation gives evidence of college-level learning. Credits can then be officially recorded on the student's transcript after successful completion of the first four courses of P.A.C.E.
How may I use experiential learning credits?
Credits may be applied to satisfy general education requirements or elective credits. They cannot be used in place of any of the 13 P.A.C.E. core courses.
What assistance does P.A.C.E. provide?
Each student must complete an experiential learning online course
with Houghton's experiential learning advisor that guides students
through the process of
1. Identifying those areas which may warrant college credit.
2. Gathering any necessary documentation to support proposals for credit.
3. Writing experiential learning essays.
What is the cost?
There is a $50.00 per credit hour fee for all awarded credits.
