Policies

Transfers are required to have at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (C average) from all schools previously attended for admission to most programs. The evaluation of credits from other institutions of higher education is the responsibility of the Office of Admissions and the academic college dean who has jurisdiction over the student's desired major.

Portfolio Assessment Fees A fee of $15 will be charged to students applying for prior learning evaluation, and a fee equal to one-half of the prevailing tuition fee will be charged for all credits granted in the portfolio application.

An undergraduate student in a program requiring 124 credits must complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree without exceeding 165 credits, including transfer credits and IUP registered credits. For majors with graduation requirements in excess of 124 credits, the maximum number of IUP registered credits plus transfer credits would increase proportionally.

1998-1999 Undergraduate Catalog Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705 Academic Policies Prior Learning Assessment Programs IUP offers several methods for earning university credit for college-level learning gained through work and life experience. Credits earned through prior learning assessment may not be applied towards university residency requirements for awarding of degrees.

1998-1999 Undergraduate Catalog Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705 Academic Policies Policy on Prior Learning Assessment IUP has authorized a policy for assessment of prior learning that took place outside traditional classrooms in a procedure known as Portfolio Assessment. 3. Each department will determine the maximum number of credits to be awarded for prior learning for its major. In no case will more than one-half of the major be earned through CLEP, challenge examinations, and other forms of prior learning assessment. 9. The title of the course, the semester hours, and the indication that credit was earned through Assessment of Prior Learning will be recorded on the academic record Portfolio Evaluation: Procedures 1. Student meets with the assistant dean for Credit Programs in the School of Continuing Education to determine the feasibility of earning credit through portfolio evaluation.

9. The registrar will list the course title, credit, and an indication that credit was earned through Assessment of Prior Learning.

This policy also applies to transfer credit. Students receiving transfer credit for an IUP course may not repeat that course at IUP. Similarly, students who have already earned a passing grade in an IUP course may not subsequently receive transfer credit for that same course.

Prior Record: Previously accepted transfer credits and IUP courses in which grades of C or better were earned prior to readmission will be reviewed in terms of appropriateness (applicability, timeliness) to the new degree. Those courses approved by the college dean or designee will be counted as semester hours earned and applied toward graduation in the manner of transfer credits.

Forms for approval of off-campus coursework are available in the Office of Transfer Credit Evaluation/Admissions Office.

Requirements: 1. Admitted to Teacher Certification 2. Completed at least 57 semester hours which may include accepted transfer credits 3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 4. Completion of EN 101 or equivalent with a grade of C or better 5. Completion of ED 242 and EP 202 with grades of C or better 6. Final speech and hearing clearances for students not cleared at initial testing 7. Submission of a Planned Program of Study on an approved form Some programs have additional requirements for admission to Junior Standing; students should consult with their academic advisor, program coordinator, or department chair to determine specific program requirements.

The student is either granted Advanced Standing in the department or restricted in scheduling advanced courses for not less than one probationary semester. Continuation in the major program is based upon attainment of department Advanced Standing.

The Registered Nurse student may be awarded advanced standing, based on prior work completed at an accredited college or university and on exemption tests in nursing at a given point in the curriculum.

All credits are evaluated by the department as transfer credits.

HP 319 Preprofessional Experience II var-3sh Prerequisites: Advanced standing, departmental approval Students may request an assisting/teaching/leadership assignment in certain university-related areas that may be either instructional or noninstructional in nature.

Back to Top MI 500 Problems in Marine Science var-3sh Graduate students or undergraduate students with advanced standing registering for this course may elect either of the following options.

Credit for Prior Learning Policy by submitting a portfolio. Conversions granted must be reviewed in accordance with PA State System Program review policy and/or program accreditation. A general rule of 37.5 hours of academic, noncredit instruction should equate to no more than one-credit hour. Students transferring credits via certifications/licenses are not entitled to have those credits replace/substitute for degree requirements without their corresponding department’s chairperson’s approval. Department chairpersons will determine if the certification/license should be awarded as completing a specific course in the departmental curriculum or as free elective credit. Final approval will be determined by the Dean or designee of the academic college offering the course. Non-Collegiate Education and Training: Credit may be awarded for learning acquired through professional credentials, apprenticeships, and training programs evaluated by nationally recognized bodies like the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Institutional Examinations: In cases where no national equivalency exam exists, faculty in specific departments may develop and administer institutional examinations to assess a student’s ability to demonstrate the learning outcomes. IUP course-level student learning outcomes. These may be inclusive of written, oral, and demonstration-based examinations. RATIONALE: Policy was updated to be more reflective of the various ways to receive prior learning credit, for accuracy, to add points of contact, and to add and differentiate the differentiate pathways for graduate and undergraduate students.

Previously accepted transfer credits and IUP credits/grades earned before re-enrollment will be reviewed in terms of appropriateness (applicability, timeliness) to the new degree. Those courses, approved by the college dean or designee, will be counted as credits earned and applied toward graduation in the manner of transfer credits.

No more than 9 transfer credits may be counted toward the minor.

Transfer credit received through study abroad experiences must be approved by the department chairperson or the chair’s designee or previously approved through the Admissions–Transfer Services Office.

Junior/Senior year Study Abroad semesters or other formal Articulation agreements in which State System students may reverse transfer credits back to IUP are exceptions to this policy.

Up to 30 transfer credits may be awarded to students with Paramedic certification.

Students should be aware that transfer credits in excess of 60 credits may be reflected as free electives rather than meeting major, minor, certificate, or Liberal Studies requirements. (Junior/Senior year Study Abroad semesters or other formal articulation agreements in which State System students may reverse-transfer credits back to IUP are exceptions to this policy.) The program for the undergraduate IUP baccalaureate major consists of at least 30 semester credit hours and provides depth of knowledge in an academic disciplinary or interdisciplinary program.

Prior Learning and Experiential Learning The policies below explain undergraduate options for earning credit through prior learning, credit/exemption examinations, experiential learning, and approved high school dual enrollment opportunities. Credit for Prior Learning Policy Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is the process by which Indiana University of Pennsylvania recognizes college-level learning acquired outside of traditional academic coursework. Credit may be awarded for demonstrated knowledge, skills, and competencies that are determined to be equivalent to college-level learning and applicable to a student’s academic program. The Credit for Prior Learning Policy applies to both undergraduate and graduate students and identifies the approved pathways through which prior learning may be evaluated for academic credit. Purpose: To recognize college-level learning students acquired outside of formal higher education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) relies on this policy to ensure its practices meet high academic standards and are responsive to all learners. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is the process used by the university to award academic credit for a student’s knowledge and expertise acquired through life and professional experience when the student’s knowledge and skills are determined to be equivalent to college-level learning. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate students. Scope: This policy applies to all currently enrolled IUP students. All credits awarded through CPL will be reviewed and determined to be applicable to satisfy program requirements by the department chair or designee, program coordinator, and college dean. This can be an informal review for all students. No credits will be applied until the student is enrolled. Policy: IUP offers multiple pathways for students to demonstrate college-level learning. The most appropriate method will be determined in consultation with a faculty advisor/program coordinator within the content area of the academic discipline. The student’s department and academic college will decide if and how any CPL credit can be applied to the degree program. Graduate students may earn no more than one-third (1/3) of the credits required for an IUP graduate degree, certificate, or certification program by earning CPL credit and/or transfer credits. For further information, graduate students should consult with the office of Graduate Education and Academic Planning. Undergraduate students should consult with the office of Undergraduate admissions and should review the Residency Requirement and Transfer Coursework policy for guidance. Pathways for Graduate Students: ACE Military – Training, Occupations, and Other Military Credit: Relevant military credits can be considered as graduate credits upon acceptance by the academic department/program. Credit review is based on the Joint Services Transcript by the departments/programs to determine acceptance of military schooling and experience as graduate credits in place of specific equivalent required or elective courses. Portfolio-Based Assessment (PBA): Graduate students may be able to earn academic credits for transferable learning acquired in a non-traditional manner such as qualifying prior learning through employment, independent certificatetraining or specialized certifications, or personal educational growth. Credit may be awarded when the student is able to demonstrate transferable learning defined as knowledge that can be applied to a new or different situation. Prior learning assessment requires an understanding of the theoretical concepts involved in the learning experience. Students must demonstrate that they have met the goals of a particular course by developing a portfolio that showcases their experiential learning. Students are responsible for identifying the course equivalency and providing documentation that demonstrates course goals have been met. Pathways for Undergraduate Students: Standard Exams: Advanced Placement: Courses taken by students before college admission under the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board may be recognized by the award of academic credit. CLEP Examinations: Students may gain credit for a course through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offered through the College Board. Students cannot pursue a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for a course if a CLEP for that specific course is already available. International Baccalaureate Examinations: Courses taken by students before college admission under the International Baccalaureate Program may be recognized by the award of academic credit. DANTES Subject Standardized Test: Students who have the opportunity by actively serving in the U.S. military members, including the National Guard, Reserve components, and the U.S. Coast Guard may gain credit for a course through DANTES. Those who earn a qualifying score on DANTES will receive academic credit. For questions regarding the granting of DANTES exam credits, consult with the transfer counselors in the Undergraduate Admissions Office. National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI): Students who have competencies in vocational area in areas related to IUP courses may be awarded credit for passing an exam that meets similar learning outcomes for IUP courses. NOCTI exams in career and technical education programs may be reviewed upon request but will only be accepted for academic credit if they fulfill IUP course-level student learning outcomes. Students may be requested to provide a credit recommendation from The National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) if asked. ACE Military – Training, Occupations, and Other Military Credit: Students who have had the opportunities for instruction or who have advanced in the military field will be awarded academic credits for MLSC 101 and MLSC 102 for completion of Basic Training. To receive credit, students can provide a copy of their DD-214 or send a Joint Services Transcript (JST) to IUP. Holders of DD-214 or a JST may receive additional academic credit upon further review. Portfolio-Based Assessment (PBA): Designed for students with extensive, documented knowledge from work experience, independent study, travel, or other experiential learning opportunities. The student compiles a portfolio with evidence demonstrating how their learning meets IUP college course-level student learning outcomes. Evidence may include work samples, certificates, training materials, narrative essays, and other relevant documentation. A Portfolio Based Assessment is evaluated by qualified faculty who are subject matter experts. Certification/Licensure Credit: Students with an earned certification or license will have that credential evaluated for credit. Once approved, conversions for future students will be processed automatically. The student must have a valid certification or license to earn academic credit. If the certification/license is no longer active, the student can use the training and credential as a basis for credit under the

(4) No more than 6 transfer credits may be counted towards the certificate.

Transfer and Prior Learning Indiana University of Pennsylvania evaluates transfer credit and prior learning in accordance with university policy. Undergraduate students may receive credit for prior coursework and approved examinations, including Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, International Baccalaureate (IB), departmental examinations, and other approved methods of prior learning assessment. Policies governing transfer credit, prior learning, and credit by examination are published in the appropriate academic policy sections of this catalog. Students should consult Prior Learning and Experiential Learning, the Admissions Office, the Office of the Registrar, and their academic advisor for current requirements and procedures. Add to My Favorites (opens a new window) Print (opens a new window) Help (opens a new window) T Attend IUP Imagine Unlimited Athletics Campus Map Visit Campus 1011 South Drive Indiana, PA. 15705 Phone: 724-357-2100 Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Connect MyIUP Email D2L Moodle Crimson Connect Quick Links Libraries IT Support Center Map, Directions, and Parking Interactive Map Contact Contact Us Emergency Information IUP on Social Media Civility Statement Privacy Statement Incidents of Concern © 2007–19 Indiana University of Pennsylvania Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline Student Complaints Net Price Calculator  All catalogs © 2026 Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Powered by Modern Campus Catalog™ .

As a secondary field of study, each academic minor should reflect a minimum of 6 credits of advanced standing coursework. Exceptions to the advanced standing requirements may be granted on a case-by- case basis by request to the academic standards officer.