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Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) by Portfolio and License/Certification 


Interested in earning college credit from life or work experiences? Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) via portfolio or license/certification might be the path for you.  

The availability of credit depends on the relevance of the learning that occurred based on the student’s life, career, and professional experiences, and must be documented through the portfolio process or by presenting an authenticated unexpired license or certificate.  

 

Licenses and Certifications Approved Course Equivalents


License/Certification
MSSU Course(s) Satisfied
Total Credit Hours

American Heart Association
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Program

HS 104 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (1 CR) 1 Credit Hour
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Program   HS 102 CPR/AED Training (1 CR)  1 Credit Hour

American Heart Association
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Program

HS 105 Pediatric Advanced Life Support (1 CR) 1 Credit Hour
Child Development Associates (CDA) 

EDUC 315 Home, School, and Community in Early Childhood Education I (3 CR) 

 

EDUC 316 Home, School, and Community in Early Childhood Education II (3 CR)  

 

EDUC 319 Practicum I in Early Childhood Education (4 CR) 

10 Credit Hours

Codefiworks Code Labs  

(Only for students pursuing a B.S. in CIS Information Technology) 

CIS 308 Website Administration I (3 CR) 

 

CIS Professional Electives (3 CR) 

6 Credit Hours
HAZWOPER  EH 211 HAZWOPER (3 CR)  3 Credit Hours
OSHA 10  EH 111 OSHA 10HR General Industry (1CR)  1 Credit Hour
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) 

PSY 252 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (3 CR) 

 

PSY 253 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (1 CR) 

4 Credit Hours 


Note: These courses were approved in Academic Year 2024. Additional licenses and certifications may be eligible for course equivalents at Missouri Southern upon review.

 

Common PLA Courses Completed by Portfolio Based on Work Experience


GB 320 Business Communication (3 CR) 
LDSP 301 Foundation of Leadership (1 CR) 
MGMT 350 Fundamentals of Organizational Management (3 CR) 
MRKT 300 Principles of Marketing (3 CR)  

Note: These courses are just examples, and are not guaranteed. Similarly, additional courses for the student may be identified. A student’s life, career, and professional experience must be reviewed by the university to identify specific courses for completion by portfolio.  

 

PLA Portfolio & License/Certification Cost


License & Certification - $30 Application Fee
Portfolio - $50 Application Fee + $60/Credit Hour (e.g., 3 CR = $180) 

Contact the Department

Adult Degree Completion
Phone: 417-625-9521
Email: ADC@mssu.edu