Credit for Prior Learning

Get college credit for your knowledge and experience

Whether it’s your military service, your industry certifications or other workplace learning, knowledge you’ve gained previously could help you save on Capella tuition. Find out how credit for prior learning can help make earning a degree affordable.

How credit for prior learning works

Our program, designed around the CAEL Standards, allows you to earn credit when you demonstrate relevant, college-level knowledge gained through formal and informal work training, continuing education, self-instruction, professional certifications and other learning. Learn about Capella’s credit for prior learning policy and fees.

Documented credit

Step 1: Submit required documentation for your specific industry certifications.

Step 2: We apply credit as applicable to your degree program.

Applicable program areas include:

Business
Information Technology
Human Resource Management

Faculty-assisted petition process

Step 1: Use the credit for prior learning petition to describe how you’ve mastered the concepts of a specific course and how you apply that knowledge. You can use the credit for prior learning lab to develop your petition(s).

Step 2: A Capella faculty expert reviews the petition to determine if credit should be awarded.

Professional certification and documented credit

You can leverage select professional certifications to fulfill course requirements in your program. Although credit for prior learning is accepted in a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, select areas of study require coursework that aligns more directly to certification and professional training.

Credit for prior learning can be applied toward the following eligible programs. Your enrollment specialist can help guide you through the options for each program.

Bachelor’s

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• BS in Business
• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Health Care Administration
• BS in Information Technology
• BS in Nursing
• BS in Psychology
• BS in Public Health

Master’s

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• MS in Analytics
• MS in Education
• MS in Human Resource Management
• MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
• MS in Information Technology

Certified professionals could save on tuition

Frequently asked questions: credit for prior learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) is a method of awarding/earning college credit for previous college-level experiences and skills learned outside of formal instruction. The process requires that students document their existing knowledge and skills through written assessments or the evaluation of specific credentials.

There are three steps to finding out if your previous university credits will apply to your Capella program:

Obtain official transcripts

Capella simplifies this step. When you apply for admission to Capella University, you can give Capella permission to request your transcripts from other schools on your behalf.

Capella will not be able to obtain your transcript if there is a hold on your record from another university.
Credit evaluation

Capella evaluates your previous coursework based on applicability to degree requirements, grades earned and how closely a course matches our courses per department, title, level, credits and description of course content. Courses without a direct Capella match may be evaluated as electives in programs that include electives.

Degree levels and programs have maximum transfer credit limits. See Transfer Credit and Credit for Prior Learning Policy for details.
Credit evaluation summary

You’ll receive an email with a summary of the courses that have been accepted for transfer each time we receive a new official transcript.

Credit for prior learning is just one way to potentially reduce the anticipated cost of tuition. Explore your options to save on your degree, including transfer credit, scholarships, employer discounts and tuition assistance.

You’re not alone when it comes to finding a program. Our enrollment specialists are uniquely equipped with expertise in each area of study so that, no matter which of our programs you’re looking into, you’ll have the chance to work with someone who truly understands your area of interest. They can help you explore in detail how programs align with your professional goals.

Plus, your enrollment specialist’s guidance extends beyond choosing a program. Get one-on-one help with understanding the application process, transfer credits and paying for your degree.

The choice is yours: our GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats offer distinct advantages, balancing convenience and flexibility with support for busy people like you. So, which is right for you? Take our quiz to find the format that best suits your study habits and preferences.

Yes. Whether you earned credits via documented credit or the faculty-assisted petition process, your CPL credits appear on your official transcripts. Additionally, the course requirements completed via CPL and their equivalent credit amount will also be available, so that your mastery of course material will be officially documented.

Eligibility

Credit for prior learning petitions are available only to current GuidedPath students who meet the requirements. Documented credit can be applied once you’re admitted.

You’re eligible for documented credit if:

You’re currently within 12 weeks of starting your first FlexPath course
The effective date of your certifications is prior to the start date of your first FlexPath course

You are eligible for the credit for prior learning process if:

You’re currently enrolled in an eligible program at Capella (you must remain enrolled throughout the credit for prior learning process)
Your course is eligible for credit for prior learning
Your course meets the requirements of your program