Department Prior Learning Assessment Plans

Kennesaw State University Offers many opportunities for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Get to know the CPL Options at a Glance and explore each department below t to discover the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) opportunities available in Kennesaw State University's academic departments. 

For information regarding Credit by Exam opportunities for AP, IB, CLEP, FLATS, DSST, and others please see the Registrar's Office website Credit by Exam 

The Departments listed below offer additional opportunities to assess prior learning through skills assessment, portfolio review and challenge exams. Please complete a PLA Inquiry Form to initiate the process. 

College of Architecture & Construction Management

  • Kennesaw State University students with a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience may qualify to earn course credit through departmental challenge exams in the Department of Construction Management if they meet the following requirements: Within 30 days of admission, the student must submit:

    • A portfolio of job documents (e.g., estimates)
    • Letters from CEOs of the employing organizations confirming that the student-produced these documents while employed by the organization. One letter from the CEO of each organization the student worked for is required, and the letters must be related to the job documents provided as evidence of prior learning experience in the portfolio.

    Evaluation of Portfolios

    Beyond the basic requirements described above, the portfolio needs to include a cover letter from the applicant describing competencies gained on the job (e.g., estimating, scheduling, and project management).

    A hard copy of the portfolio along with original letters from the CEOs needs to be submitted in person to the chair of the Department of Construction Management. After initial scrutiny, each portfolio shall be referred to the faculty teaching that particular course or an outside professional to determine if the student meets the Credit for Prior Learning requirements for taking the departmental challenge exam. The faculty may also refer to the CEO of the employing organization to confirm prior learning competency achieved by the student. If the student’s portfolio fails to meet the requirements of prior learning, the student will not be offered a departmental challenge exam for that course.

    Faculty assessors will consult the relevant course syllabus when evaluating a student's portfolio, including learning outcomes and catalog descriptions. 

    Portfolios are generally assessed within two weeks of submission.

     

    Departmental Challenge Exams

    Departmental challenge exams, also called institutional advanced standing exams, are created by faculty within a specific department in order to assess qualified students’ prior learning.

    The faculty member who assesses your portfolio will determine which departmental challenge examinations you are qualified to take, and the Department of Construction Management will work with you to schedule those exams. 

    If you pass the exams with a score of 80 or above, you will receive credit for the associated courses.  

     

    Contact Information

    Construction Management Department

    Building H, Suite 333
    Kennesaw State University
    1100 South Marietta Parkway
    Marietta, GA 30060-2896
    Phone: (470) 578-4215
    Fax: (678) 915-4966
    Email: constructionmanagement@kennesaw.edu

College of the Arts

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Dance recognizes and values the labor, achievements, and knowledge of professionals in the field of dance. For consideration of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), the department requires the equivalent of seven to ten years of professional performing experience in a nationally or internationally recognized dance company.

    The performing experiences of career practitioners differ widely, so CPL for students will be considered on a case-by-case basis by a faculty committee. After review, faculty evaluators make a recommendation to the Chair who approves the PLA credit in the Department. Thirty credit hours is the maximum allowable credit for CPL, typically used to test out of 2000 and 3000-level courses.

    Department Contact Information

    Phone: (470) 578-7673
    E-mail: KSUDance@kennesaw.edu

  • All prospective Kennesaw State University School of Music majors and minors are required to submit an application form to the College of the Arts and perform an audition in their principal area of applied concentration. Applicants may also elect to audition on more than one instrument or an instrument and voice.

    Auditions

    Auditions, conducted by the music faculty, are held on the Kennesaw State University campus on specific dates. A description of the audition process, including specific dates and requirements, is detailed in the Supplemental Application for the School of Music located on the School of Music website. Questions regarding the audition process, audition dates, or requirements can be directed to the College of the Arts Office of Admissions and Student Services, 470-578-6614; COTA-Admissions@kennesaw.edu.

     

    Level Placements and Prior Learning

    The School of Music holds the exclusive authority to determine appropriate admission-level placements in applied concentrations, music theory, music history, piano proficiency, and continuity of study. These placements are determined by the audition and various proficiency exams administered by the school prior to the start of each fall and spring semester. Additionally, students with a prior learning experience in areas outside of those listed above (e.g. conducting, diction, improvisation, etc.) may seek advanced standing opportunities via placement exam by permission of the Director of the School of Music. For questions regarding placement, please contact the Bailey School of Music 470-578-6151

Michael J. Coles College of Business

  • The Information Systems department at KSU offers the following Credit for Prior Learning options to enrolled students who can demonstrate college-level learning.

    Departmental Challenge Exams

    • IS 2200: Information Systems and Communication, 3 credit hours

    • ISA 3100: Principles of Information Security, 3 credit hours

     

  • Professional Certification

    The Kennesaw State University Department of Management and Entrepreneurship offers credit for MGT 4003 to students who have obtained CAPM or PMP certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI) within the last 5 years. 

    Please complete the required Application for Advanced Standing form and submit a copy of your certification (can be PDF) to the department.

     

College of Computing and Software Engineering

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Computer Science offers the following Credit for Prior Learning options to students who can demonstrate college-level learning.

    Departmental Challenge Exam

    A challenge exam for CS 1301 is available to qualified students. Please complete the required Application for Advanced Standing Examination form.

    * From the College of Computing and Software Engineering Advising website: 1T00 "means that the course has come in and your credit still counts on your account, but could not be evaluated as a direct one-to-one equivalent for a KSU course and therefore is not being used in your degree requirements. If you would like to utilize this credit toward one of your degree requirements you should obtain a course syllabus (preferably) or a course description and bring it to your advisor for the next steps in getting a course substitution."

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Information Technology offers Credit for Prior Learning options to enrolled students who can demonstrate college-level learning. 

    Department Challenge Exams 

    The following courses have a challenge exam available for PLA credit: 

    • IT 1113
    • IT 3203
    • IT 3123
    • IT 3423

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Software Engineering and Game Development offers the following Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options to enrolled students who can demonstrate college-level learning.

    Departmental Challenge Exams

    Challenge exams are available for the following courses:

    • CSE 3153, SWE 5123 (the minimum passing score: 75)
    • CSE 1321, CSE 1321L, CSE 1322, CSE 1322L (80% pass rate)
    • CGDD 2012 (includes a portfolio of the design of a game, exam, and/or interview; the minimum passing score: 70)

    Credit by Portfolio Review

    CGDD 4303: Educational and Serious Game Design

Clarice C. and Leland H. Bagwell College of Education

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education does not offer Credit for Prior Learning opportunities to currently enrolled students.

    Teaching as a Profession Pathway

    High school students who successfully complete all three courses and receive a certificate from the GaDOE will receive course credit for EDUC 2110: Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education.

    Early Childhood Care Education II Pathway

    High school students who successfully complete and earn a certificate for Early Childhood Care Education II Pathway from accredited high schools will receive course credit for ECE 2250: Child Development and Early Learning.

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Secondary and Middle Grades Education does not offer Credit for Prior Learning opportunities to currently enrolled students.

    Teaching as a Profession Pathway

    High school students who complete all three courses and receive a certificate from the GaDOE will receive course credit for EDUC 2110: Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education.

Southern Polytechnic Collge of Engineering and Engineering Technology

  • Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities may be available for students who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering examination or who can produce evidence of achieving the outcomes associated with relevant Kennesaw State University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering courses.

    Faculty Assessors: As department subject matter experts who evaluate prior learning, you may request evidence such as a work portfolio or satisfactory scores on relevant examinations.

    The first step for students seeking credit for prior learning in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is to consult with a faculty advisor. If you are not sure who your faculty advisor is, the department’s administrative staff will be happy to assist you: (678) 915-4220.

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the following Credit for Prior Learning options.

    Departmental Challenge Exams

    Upon approval of the subject matter expert, students may take challenge exams for EE 2301: Circuits I and EE 2501: Digital Logic Design; otherwise challenge exams are only available with a portfolio submission.

     

    Professional Certifications

    Candidates with an Electrical Engineering Technology degree and an EIT or Professional Engineer License for Georgia can get credit for: EE 2301, EE 2302, EE 2401, EE 2501, EE 3501, EE 3601

     

    Portfolio Review

    Candidates can present a portfolio of work representing course outcomes as stated in the most current course syllabus on a case-by-case basis. Candidate shall be interviewed by the subject matter expert and/or required to take an exam.

    The portfolio shall include an affidavit from a direct supervisor or company official stating the portfolio represents the candidate’s work and no other.

     

    Demonstration Review

    EE 4800, Senior Design, is available on a case-by-case basis.

  • The first step for students seeking credit for prior learning in the Kennesaw State University Department of Mechanical Engineering is to consult with a faculty advisor. If you are not sure who your faculty advisor is, the department’s administrative staff will be happy to assist you:

    Phone: (470) 578-2737, Email: mechanical@kennesaw.edu

    The Department of Engineering Technology offers the following Credit for Prior Learning options.

    Departmental Challenge Exams 

    EDG 1211: Engineering Graphics I (SolidWorks)

    ME 1311: MATLAB for Engineers with Applications

    Upon approval of the subject matter expert, students may take challenge exams for ME 1311: MATLAB for Engineers with Applications; otherwise challenge exams are only available with a portfolio submission. For EDG 1211: Engineering Graphics I (SolidWorks), the assessment will be done by the Department Chair (Dr. David W. Stollberg, P.E.) of Engineering Technology by the recommendation of Engineering Technology Department CPL committee members.

    Please use this form: Application for Advanced Standing Examination.

    Professional Certifications

    Candidates with Mathworks “Certified MATLAB Associates” and “Certified MATLAB Professional” can get credit for ME 1311.

    Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

    Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be available for students who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering examination or who can produce evidence of achieving the outcomes associated with relevant Kennesaw State University Department of Engineering Technology courses.

     

    Portfolio Review

    Candidates can present a portfolio of work representing course outcomes as stated in the most current course syllabus on a case-by-case basis. Candidate shall be interviewed by the subject matter expert and/or required to take an exam.

    The portfolio shall include an affidavit from a direct supervisor or company official stating the portfolio represents the candidate’s work and no other.

     

    Demonstration Review

    ME 1311: MATLAB for Engineers, is available on a case-by-case basis. Schedule an appointment with the CPL coordinator, Dr. Sathish Kumar Gurupatham. Faculty assessors of ME department subject matter experts who evaluate prior learning (Dr. Nasseri, Dr. Farfan, and Dr. Ruhala) may request evidence such as a work portfolio or satisfactory scores on relevant examinations.

  • The first step for students seeking credit for prior learning in the Kennesaw State University Department of Engineering Technology is to consult with a faculty advisor. If you are not sure who your faculty advisor is, the department’s administrative staff will be happy to assist you: 470-578-7274.

    The department offers KSU students the following Credit for Prior Learning opportunities.

    Departmental Challenge Exams

    Upon approval of the subject matter expert within the department, students may take a challenge exam, which requires the Advanced Standing form.

    Currently, the Department of Engineering Technology offers challenge exams for the following courses:

    • EDG 1210 – Survey of Engineering Graphics (AutoCAD)
    • EDG 1211 – Engineering Graphics I (SolidWorks)
    • EDG 1212* – Engineering Graphics II (SolidWorks)

    * Note: Before applying for prior learning credit for EDG 1212, students must have credit for EDG 1211.

    Eligibility for other challenge exams will be determined on a case-by-case basis through consultation with the department chair; otherwise challenge exams are only available with a portfolio submission. 

     

    Professional Certifications

    Candidates with a Certified SolidWorks Associate or Certified SolidWorks Professional certificate and relevant work experience may receive credit for EDG 1211 and/or EDG 1212.  The candidate must provide evidence of certification and work experience to the faculty assessor within the department. Other industry certifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering offers the possibility for students to receive credit for any MTRE course by demonstrating mastery of course content gained through prior learning experiences. The process for this demonstration typically involves scoring the equivalent of a C grade on the course final exam. Most MTRE courses also include laboratory exercises, and the final exam may include a lab practical component. Those interesting in exploring this opportunity are encouraged to contact the Department at mechatronics@kennesaw.edu. 

  • The first step for students seeking credit for prior learning in the Kennesaw State University  Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering is to consult with a faculty advisor. If you are not sure who your faculty advisor is, the department’s administrative staff will be happy to assist you: (678) 915-7243.

    The department offers KSU students the following Credit for Prior Learning opportunities.

    Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

    Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be available for students who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering examination or who can produce evidence of achieving the outcomes associated with relevant Kennesaw State University Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering courses.

    Faculty Assessors: As department subject matter experts who evaluate prior learning, you may request evidence such as a work portfolio or satisfactory scores on relevant examinations.

     

    Professional Certifications

    American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certifications


    Candidates with any of the following certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) can get credit for IET 3407 Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing: CSSBB, CSSGB, CQE, CQIA, CQPA, Green Belt or Black Belt. Candidates with a CMQ/OE certification from ASQ can get credit for IET 3356 Quality Concepts and System Design. Other ASQ certification combinations and other quality certifications – including a Green Belt or Black Belt awarded by an organization other than ASQ – will need to be evaluated individually by the department. The candidate must provide evidence of certification to the faculty assessor within the department.

     

    Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

    Candidates with a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification can get credit for ENGR 3250: Project Management for Engineers or IET 4135: IET Project Management.  The candidate must provide evidence of certification to the faculty assessor within the department. 

     

    Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

    Candidates with a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification from APICS can get credit for IET2449/ISYE3350 Logistics & Supply Chain Management/Logistics & Supply Chain Systems. The candidate must provide evidence of certification to the faculty assessor within the department.

     

    Project Management Professional (PMP)

    Candidates with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can get credit for ENGR 3250: Project Management for Engineers or IET 4135: IET Project Management.  The candidate must provide evidence of certification to the faculty assessor within the department.

Wellstar College Health & Human Services

  • Exercise Science

    The Exercise Science program does not offer Prior Learning Assessment opportunities.

     

    Sport Management

    The first step for students seeking credit for prior learning in the Sport Management Program would be to consult with the program coordinator. If you are not sure who the program coordinator is, the department’s administrative staff will be happy to assist you: 470-578-7600. You must be a current Sport Management major and meet the required GPA of 2.75.

    The department offers KSU students the following Credit for Prior Learning opportunity.

     

    Sport Management Portfolio Review

    Candidates can present a portfolio of work representing course outcomes as stated in the most current course syllabus on a case-by-case basis. Candidate shall be interviewed by the subject matter expert and/or required to take an exam.

    The portfolio shall include an affidavit from a direct supervisor or company official stating the portfolio represents the candidate’s work and no other.

  • Challenge Exam & Portfolio

    Kennesaw State University students who:

    1. successfully completed one or more college or university wellness courses that were not accepted for transfer credit, or who  
    2. hold relevant health promotion certifications and worked for a minimum of 5 years in the health and wellness industry, may apply to earn course credit for WELL 2000. Qualification will be through a challenge exam and, if successful, submission of a guided portfolio.

    To begin applying to submit the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) materials to the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education (HPE), the student should:

    • Complete the required form: Application for Advanced Standing Examination
    • Submit a letter of intent and supporting documents to the HPE Department within 30 days of admission to the university. The letter should indicate the student’s interest in beginning the CPL, courses previously taken, and/or a list of certifications held and work experience, plus contact information. Supporting documents will include, as appropriate:
    1. Unofficial transcript with applicable coursework highlighted, a description of the course, and a syllabus from the course taken, if possible.
    2. Documentation of certifications held, showing expiration dates
    3. Documentation of continuing education in the health and wellness field
    4. Letters from employers documenting work experience in the health and wellness industry

    The student will receive notification of denial with an explanation, or permission to take the PLA challenge exam, within 2 weeks of the HPE Department receiving the letter of intent and supporting materials. 

    • The PLA challenge exam must be taken within 2 weeks of the date on the notification of permission.
    • If the student successfully completes the challenge exam, (s)he will be provided with the materials for the guided portfolio within 2 weeks and will have one week to complete the portfolio and submit it to the HPE Department for evaluation.
    • Materials will not be returned to the student, but a written evaluation will be provided.

     

    Credit by Certification

    PHE 4490: Special Topics in Public Health Education

    KSU students completing the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), can earn 3 credit hours for PHE 4490 with a valid SHPEP certificate.  The Summer Health Professions Education Program is a free summer enrichement program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions.  To learn more about SHPEP, please visit their website.

Norman J Radow College of Humanities & Social Sciences

  • The Kennesaw State University School of Communication and Media has adopted a Credit for Prior Learning policy that allows a process for students admitted to KSU and the School of Communication and Media to apply for college credit for learning acquired from other sources, such as professional work experience or military training.

    A student may apply for course credit through the appropriate major within the School. The application must be submitted within the first month of fall semester to the School Director and faculty leader of the major that offers the course (Public Relations; Journalism and Emerging Media; Media and Entertainment Studies; or Organizational and Professional Communication) by emailing the School of Communication and Media: socm@kennesaw.edu. 

     

    Portfolio

    The application for Credit for Prior Learning through the School of Communication and Media and sample cover letter can be found on the School’s web site. An assessment fee will be charged by the School (through the Bursar’s Office) for each assessment.

    The School offers a portfolio-based assessment. The portfolio submitted must include:

    • A cover letter
    • A letter from an employer (on letterhead) confirming that the work is original to the student
    • An original body of work that demonstrates the learning objectives of the course for which credit is sought

    In some cases, full-time professional-level experience may be required. Faculty subject-matter experts will evaluate portfolios and make credit recommendations to the School Director.

    No more than nine credit hours may be awarded by the School through portfolio reviews.

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of World Languages and Cultures offers KSU students the following Credit for Prior Learning options.

    Departmental Challenge Exams 

    Challenge Examinations are available for the following 3-credit courses in French, German, and Spanish:

    • FREN / GRMN / SPAN 3200: Critical Reading and Applied Writing
    • FREN / GRMN / SPAN 3302: Practical Conversation
    • FREN / GRMN / SPAN 3303: Grammar and Composition

    Please use this required form: Application for Advanced Standing Examination

     

  • The Kennesaw State University Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice accepts the following examinations for credit.

    Departmental Challenge Exam

    CRJU 3315 - Criminal Procedure exam is available only to those students who can document completion of any state or federal Basic Law Enforcement Certification Training course. If you have questions about your eligibility, please complete the CPL Inquiry Form.

     

College of Science & Mathematics

  • Departmental Challenge Exams 

    Advanced Standing Examinations are available for the following courses in Biology:

    • BIOL 2251/2251L: Anatomy and Physiology I
    • BIOL 2252/2252L: Anatomy and Physiology II
    • BIOL 3317: Pathophysiology

    Please be sure to discuss your plans with the Biology program prior to registering for any exam. 

  • Precalculus and Calculus I

    Students who successfully complete Calculus I (MATH 1190) with a grade of C or better may petition for advanced standing credit for Precalculus (MATH 1113) by completing and submitting a form available in the Kennesaw State University Department of Mathematics. For more information, please contact the department at (470) 578-7235.