Southeast Missouri State University offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to students who've earned professional certifications, served in the military, or gained significant skills through work experience. PLA transforms your existing achievements into meaningful progress toward your degree, helping you graduate sooner and save money along the way.

What exactly is Prior Learning Assessment?

Simply put, PLA recognizes and awards credit for the knowledge and skills you've developed outside of the traditional classroom environment. Why retake classes for something you've already mastered through experience learning? With PLA, you spend less time (and money!) in school and more time advancing your career.

Who can benefit from PLA?

PLA is especially valuable if you've spent time in the military or have built up professional experience and are now ready to advance your education. Here are just a few ways your experience could translate directly into college credit at SEMO:

• Professional Licenses: Certifications and licenses you've earned for careers like real estate, insurance, aviation, and others can count toward your SEMO degree, eliminating the need to take equivalent classes.
• Work Experience: Managers, professionals, and skilled workers can submit a portfolio demonstrating their professional experience and projects. After evaluation, these experiences can translate into credits applicable to business, technical degrees, and more recognizing your expertise and saving you valuable time.
• Military Training: The specialized training you've received through military service, including Basic Training, could fulfill SEMO’s general education or elective course requirements. SEMO is proud to support our military-connected students, honoring your service with direct academic credit.

Why does PLA matter for your future?

Earning a degree can open doors to higher-paying careers, leadership opportunities, and professional advancement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates earn significantly higher weekly incomes and experience lower unemployment rates compared to those without a degree. However, we understand balancing college with work and family commitments can seem overwhelming.

Prior Learning Assessments like SEMO’s reduce barriers, making it easier and more affordable to achieve your academic goals. Students who take advantage of PLA typically graduate faster, pay less in tuition, and are more likely to complete their degree successfully!

Ready to get started?

Getting started with PLA at SEMO is simple. Just fill out the quick inquiry form on our website, and a dedicated advisor will personally help match your unique experiences to eligible college credits. It’s never too late to earn your degree, and SEMO is here to ensure your hard work counts toward your future.

Start your PLA inquiry today and turn your real-life experiences into savings on time, money, and the path to your degree.