Prior learning refers to learning acquired outside of credit-bearing, course-based instruction prior to a student’s matriculation in a degree or certificate program. Prior learning typically is not indicated on a college or university transcript and can be acquired through activities such as non–credit bearing coursework, military training/service, workshop participation, in-service training, professional certifications and micro-credentials.
This Credit for Prior Learning Policy pertains to prior learning that is not available from one of the credit-by-exam options detailed in the Advanced Standing/Placement Policy, which provides for incoming undergraduates meeting specific criteria to earn course credit from AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge A-Level and CAPE examinations.
To qualify for prior learning credits for work completed prior to matriculation at QU, students must be enrolled in a degree program at Quinnipiac University. If awarded, credit for prior learning will not be calculated in the student's GPA, will not count toward minimum requirements for letter-graded work, cannot duplicate any previously awarded credit, and cannot be used to satisfy university residency requirements. Credit for prior learning will appear as transfer credit on the student’s transcript and counts against the transfer credits limits for the certificate or degree program. See the Advanced Standing/Placement Policy for undergraduate students and the Transfer Credits—Graduate Students Policy. If a graduate certificate or degree program does not permit transfer credit, no credit may be awarded for prior learning. Credit for prior learning is limited to 25% for credentials of 30 credits or fewer (7.5 credits). For all programs, a maximum of 12 credits may be awarded for prior learning. Quinnipiac University does not provide credit for “prior learning” acquired after a student is matriculated in a degree or certificate program.
Quinnipiac University provides credit for prior learning based on the following equivalency table, based on documentation of verified completion sent to the Office of Admissions. In addition, veterans and service members may be eligible for college credit based on their military experience, coursework, or other training as documented on their Joint Services Transcript–(JST)/Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript sent to the Quinnipiac Office of Admissions. For determinations of other forms of credit for prior learning, students may submit their transcript from the American Council on Education (ACE transcript) to the Vice President for Academic Innovation and Effectiveness, who will review the transcript with academic program directors to determine potential QU equivalency, which then will be documented in the equivalency table.
| QU College/School | QU Program/Major | QU Equivalent (Course/Credits) | Prior Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Business | MSOL | OL 601 (3 credits) | Verified completion of QU Lifelong Learning non-credit program: HHC Working Through Others Leadership Development Program |
| School of Business | MBA | MBA 625 (3 credits) | Verified completion of QU Lifelong Learning non-credit program: HHC Working Through Others Leadership Development Program |
| School of Business | PMBA | PMBA 622 (3 credits) | Verified completion of QU Lifelong Learning non-credit program: HHC Working Through Others Leadership Development Program |
| School of Business | BBA | BBA 225/MG 205 (3 credits) | Verified completion of QU Lifelong Learning non-credit program: HHC Working Through Others Leadership Development Program |
| School of Business | Any | MG 304 (3 credits) | Verified completion of Google Project Management Certificate |
| College of Arts & Sciences | Any | DS 205 + DS 206 (6 credits) | Verified completion of Google Data Analytics Certificate |