Turn Experience Into a Degree With Credit for Prior Learning at EKU

Learning opportunities happen everywhere, whether it’s in the workplace, through military service or in high school. At Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), those experiences are recognized and rewarded with Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), a faculty-led process that helps students turn real-world experience into academic credit. 

“EKU is leading the way with Credit for Prior Learning in Kentucky and supporting non-traditional students on their path to a degree,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our innovative efforts in CPL expand opportunity, making a college degree more affordable and achievable, while maintaining academic integrity.”

EKU currently has 25 agreements that cover approximately 50 courses and 157 credits, following approved policies for academic credit by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). These CPL pathways give students multiple ways to turn real-world experience into academic progress, helping them move efficiently through their educational journey. 

“It’s meeting students where they’re at, and that aligns perfectly with EKU’s mission as the School of Opportunity,” said Cassie Bradley, EKU’s Credit for Prior Learning coordinator. 

With CPL, military experience can translate into academic recognition, highlighting the technical and leadership skills gained through service. Students can also earn credit for nationally recognized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and other standardized tests. Professional achievements like industry certifications, licensures and workplace credentials can also count toward a degree, while departmental exams allow students to demonstrate mastery of individual courses. High school students can get a head start through dual or concurrent enrollment, earning both high school and college credit. 

Additionally, EKU evaluates industry training, professional development programs and online courses for potential college credit. 

“CPL offers us the opportunity to recognize and respect adult learners’ experiences and say, ‘hey, you have something valuable, and it’s so valuable that we’re going to review it and align it with academic credit,’” said Bradley. 

For Taneisha Brummett, ’19 ’25, the public health director for Bell County, CPL made it possible to complete her master’s degree while continuing her full-time career. 

“I was able to continue working while displaying work I had already completed to provide credit for the Applied Practice Experience (APEx),” said Brummett. The APEx is work experience that public health graduate students must complete to demonstrate what they have learned. “While the APEx experience is very important, it would be incredibly hard for someone currently working a full-time job to complete.”

Brummett said she was initially worried about balancing work and her coursework, but was relieved once she learned about CPL. Earning a master’s in public health was about expanding her knowledge and skills so she could continue improving the health and well-being of her community. 

Jacob Pfeiffer, a senior emergency medical care major from Cincinnati, Ohio, transferred to EKU because of CPL and its flexibility. 

“The benefit I saw from this was the ability to complete my degree in less time, while being able to maintain a reasonable balance between work, school and personal life, in addition to saving money by not having to retake classes I had already completed previously,” said Pfeiffer. 

Pfeiffer was able to apply college credits from a previous university and a paramedic education program at a community college toward his degree program at EKU. He also received credit for his EMS work experience and professional certifications, including basic life support, advanced cardiovascular life support and trauma care.

Where each student’s path with CPL is unique, Bradley urges students to discuss CPL with their academic advisors to explore how their experiences might translate into college credit. 

EKU plans to expand CPL opportunities and explore additional ways to recognize students’ professional experiences. Students can learn more and take the CPL survey at EKU Credit for Prior Learning to see how their experience translates into academic credit.

By: Jake Hall