Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
- What is Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)?
- How does PLAR work for the Communication Studies major?
What is Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)?
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
- awards credit for what you know, not for what you have done
- is not transfer credit from formal courses you have taken
- evaluates your university-level learning obtained from
- experience
- non-formal education and training
- self-directed study and/or
- other sources for which university credit may be awarded
- may award credit for learning related to the BPA major you want to take
- criteria and processes vary depending on the BPA major you are interested in taking (refer to the relevant BPA major section below)
- has you describe and demonstrate your learning through a portfolio
To review how the PLAR process works and the types of documentation needed, please go to How PLAR Works and PLAR Documents.
How does PLAR work for the Communication Studies major?
In the Communication Studies major, PLAR can be used to
- gain admission to the program if you do not have a recognized college diploma
- if you have 3 or more years of professional communications experience, you may wish to apply for PLAR credits to enter the degree
- please refer to Portfolio Assessment Criteria: B Prof Arts CMNS (Admissions)
OR
- earn additional credits toward degree completion
- if you already have degree entry, you may be able to use PLAR to receive up to 30 additional credits
- please refer to Portfolio Assessment Criteria: B Prof Arts CMNS (Program)
How does PLAR work for the Criminal Justice major?
Entrance to the BPA-CJ is limited to those individuals who
- possess an Athabasca University approved college credential for the criminal justice major or
Once entry has been achieved, CJ students may wish to apply for PLAR credits. A maximum of 30 PLAR credits are available. Please refer to Portfolio Assessment Criteria: B Prof Arts Criminal Justice.
How does PLAR work for the Governance, Law and Management major?
- gain admission to the program if you do not have a recognized college diploma
- if you have 3 or more years of professional administration experience, you may wish to apply for PLAR credits to enter the degree
- please refer to B Prof Arts Governance (ADMISSIONS)
- You may wish to use PLAR in combination with the University Certificate in Public Administration
OR
- earn additional credits toward degree completion
- if you already have degree entry, you may be able to use PLAR to receive up to 30 additional credits
- please refer to B Prof Arts Governance (PROGRAM)
How does PLAR work for the Human Services major?
In the Human Services program PLAR can be used to
- gain admission to the program by prospective students who do not have a recognized college diploma
OR
- earn additional credits toward degree completion
- if you already have degree entry, you may be able to use PLAR to receive up to 30 additional credits
- the Portfolio Assessment Criteria: B Prof Arts Human Services (Program) is currently under development
Student & Academic Services - Last Updated October 11, 2012
