Experiential Learning (ELP)
Colorado Technical University may award proficiency credit for experiential learning gained through employment or other applicable learning experiences.
At CTU, students can explore the opportunity to earn proficiency credit through the completion of an Experiential Learning Portfolio (ELP). An ELP is an electronic portfolio the student puts together that relates to a specific course and articulates the student’s understanding of the course content based on demonstration of the student’s applicable experiences.
Students interested in pursuing an Experiential Learning Portfolio should contact a Registrar Evaluation Services Specialist and/or Student Success Coach to discuss their applicable experience and determine their eligibility.
Specific requirements for the evaluation and award of Experiential Learning Portfolio proficiency credit include but are not limited to:
- The Experiential Learning Portfolio must relate specifically to the course learning objectives found in the student’s undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral academic degree program.
- The Experiential Learning Portfolio must demonstrate undergraduate-level, graduate-level, or doctoral-level learning that is appropriately documented and equivalent to the course objectives found in the comparable Colorado Technical University course.
- Submission of a narrative essay explaining how experiential learning relates to each course objective.
- Submission of evidence to support the written narrative through documentation such as work artifacts, written reports, employee evaluations, trainings or certificates, and/or supervisory verification.
- Once students are in the last session of their degree program, no transfer or proficiency credit will be awarded.
- Experiential Learning Portfolio proficiency credit must be applied one session before a student’s course is scheduled in order to exempt the student from taking the course.It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the ELP is on file with the University.
- Experiential Learning Portfolio proficiency credit must be applied towards a specific course, may not be applied towards an elective, and may not be submitted for credit towards multiple courses.
- Application of Experiential Learning Portfolio proficiency credit at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels is dependent upon the recommendation of the Registrar Evaluation Services Department and the approval of College/Departmental leadership or a designated appointee.
- The maximum amount of Experiential Learning Portfolio proficiency credit which can be awarded toward graduation is 16 quarter credit hours for an associate’s degree, 32 quarter credit hours for a bachelor’s degree, and 8 quarter credit hours for a graduate or doctoral degree.
Students enrolled in CTU's Master's of Science in Nursing or degree programs with a practicum or capstone are not eligible for Experiential Learning proficiency credit for the practica or capstone course.
Transfer of Credit to Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University supports the philosophy that related courses, demonstrated proficiencies, and professional experience knowledge may be used to satisfy some course credit requirements. Credit granted for past experience, training, certification, and testing may reduce the time required to earn a degree. Proficiency credit will be accepted upon evaluation and at the discretion of Colorado Technical University in all cases.
The maximum amount of proficiency credit that can be used towards any Colorado Technical University degree program is capped by the Residency Requirement of the University.