Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Non-Course Credit

The university recognizes that college-level learning may take place outside the classroom environment. Students may earn academic credit for this learning by demonstrating knowledge and skills through the methods described below. However, it is inherent in the educational philosophy of the university that a student earning a degree from Linfield University will have participated in the learning process through various encounters with students and faculty afforded by the university’s academic programs. Therefore, the university will recognize no more than a total of 31 credits earned through all CPL and non-course

means. A student may not earn more than one type of CPL/non-course Credit or university credit for the same content. Credit awarded is subject to revision and possible reduction of credits if academic content is repeated. Credits awarded through CPL and non-course credits do not count toward residency requirements
 

Credit by Linfield Challenge Examination

Students may be awarded credit by successfully passing an examination composed and administered by a faculty member who is or has been directly involved in teaching the course. A fee will be charged for the examination and must be paid before the exam is administered.

A student may not receive credit for a course the content of which is, in the judgment of the appropriate department chair and the registrar, largely contained within, or assumed by, one or more courses already completed by the student. Under this principle, for example, credit by challenge examination is not available for a course that is a prerequisite for a course already completed.

The decision to give an examination is the prerogative of the instructor who normally teaches the course. In addition to the approval of the instructor, the department chair and the relevant Curriculum Committee must also approve the request. Forms for requesting credit by examination may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Since credit by examination is a departmental matter, the examination will be prepared, administered, and graded by the examining instructor in consultation with the other members of the department.

The amount of credit will be that specified in the university catalog. Credit will be listed on the student’s academic record as Credit by Examination (CE). No credit will be given and no notation will appear on the academic record for a grade lower than a B.

A maximum of 15 credits may be earned in a student’s major field. Some major programs have required courses which are exempt from consideration for challenge examination.

Credit by International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and CLEP Examinations

Linfield University awards credits for International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations when official score reports are received by the Office of the Registrar. Credits are awarded on a course-by-course basis in academic areas taught at Linfield. For IB, students will receive four semester credits for each standard-level exam passed with a score of five, six, seven, or eight semester credits for each higher-level exam passed with a score of five, six, or seven. Students earning the full IB Diploma with a score of 30 or higher will be awarded an additional four semester credits. For AP, students will receive four semester credits for each exam passed with a score of four or five. For CLEP, scores vary by subject; please consult the Office of the Registrar.  CLEP exams must be taken no later than one year after matriculation at Linfield University. Credits from CLEP may not be used to satisfy Linfield Curriculum Requirements.

Professional and Technical Courses

Linfield University does not generally accept professional or technical courses for transfer. However, a maximum of eight semester credits will be awarded as elective credit for college-level professional or technical courses when they would be allowed as electives within the 90 credits comprising an associate degree designed for transfer. These courses must be taken prior to matriculation to Linfield University.

Nursing Credit for Prior Learning

Students admitted to the RN to BSN program, upon completion of NURS 308 with a grade of C or better, will receive 31 hours of credit for prior learning for NURS 335, 355, 365, 375, 395, 425, 435, and 455. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) fees apply.

Linfield Prior Learning Degree Portfolio

Students admitted to an Online and Continuing Education Program, other than RN to BSN, may take IDST 250 (Writing the Portfolio) which is designed to teach them how to prepare a portfolio which carefully analyzes and documents their prior learning. Submittal fees and Evaluation fees apply to Portfolios.

Credit by American Council on Education (ACE) Recommendation

Students other than RN to BSN earn credit from specific training offered through the military or from business and industry, if such training has been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and received a credit recommendation. Linfield generally accepts the ACE recommendations for credit that is consistent with a liberal arts undergraduate education, but all ACE transcripts are reviewed by the faculty. Evaluation fees apply.

Paracurricular Credit for Non-Linfield Activities

Paracurricular credit is intended to encourage students to participate in university-sponsored skill and activities courses. In this sense, the granting of paracurricular credit for non-university experiences is contrary to the intended purpose of the paracurriculum. However, in special cases when it seems to meet an appropriate educational need, paracurricular credit may be granted upon petition to the Faculty Senate prior to engaging in the activity.