Schools that offer a lot of credit for prior learning/certifications?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Hotdillon, Oct 20, 2009.

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  1. Hotdillon

    Hotdillon New Member

    Hello guys! I am new to this forum! I think this is great BTW!
    Here is my situation: I have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year school! I worked in law enforcement for 10 years, Parole Officer for 5 years, and now I work as a Magistrate Judge, where I have been for several years.
    My co-workers are attorneys and judges. As you can probably tell, I want my Master's. What I wanted to know was, are there any state-approved or DETC accredited schools that allow more than 9 credit hours (preferably 15+) for prior learning/life experiences towards a Master's degree, specifically, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts or similar? I do not want a diploma mill degree and I realize that schools that do allow more than 9 hours are not regionally accredited, but if I can find a state approved or DETC accredited school, I think that carries some weight!! I am hoping to get at least half way through from prior learning!

    Any help you guys can give will be outstanding!!
     
  2. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Although you asked about non-RA degrees here are two RA degrees that might be of interest to you:

    (1) The Excelsior MALS degree could be construed to use prior learning by including
    the following courses:
    MLS 703 Independent Learning Contract – 6 semester hours (see catalog page 66) **
    MLS 900 Thesis – 6 semester hours
    So you may be able to earn 12 units using your existing knowledge to a very large extent.

    ** Q: What is an Independent Learning Contract?
    A: An Independent Learning Contract is a written agreement between you and Excelsior College regarding an independent study project you wish to undertake to earn credit to satisfy Tier II requirements. Your Independent Learning Contract must be related to your area of focus. A faculty member will be assigned to you and will serve as your mentor on the project.


    The following tracks might be of interest to you:
    Track 5 - Community Building and Conflict Resolution
    Track 6 - Self Design.

    (2) The WNMU MA in Interdisciplinary Studies can include 18 CJ courses plus another 18 in one or two fields.
    http://www.wnmu.edu/VirtualCampus/InterdisciplinaryMasters.htm
    At least two members of Degreeinfo are taking courses here.
    The great thing about this degree is the low tuition.
    You would have to check with WNMU to see if they provide any credit life experience learning.

    I would recommend an RA degree over a NA or state approved school for your first master's degree – an RA degree can work for you in later life if you decide to teach, go for more degrees, or need it for a RA only job.
     
  3. bishop

    bishop New Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 13, 2018
  4. Hotdillon

    Hotdillon New Member

    Thanks!! I appreciate it. I may give Excelsior a ring! Are there any other schools that may grant more???
     
  5. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    I'm in a similar situation as you except I only have my associates degree. I'm almost finished with my bachelor's degree (hopefully by June). Anyway I have beat my head against a brick wall trying to find a university that will accept a police academy syllabus and curriculum along with the grades earned for credit. The only option I have found is that several uni's use PLA's (Prior Learning Assesments) to gauge credit earned in academiesmore specifically your current field). Mountain State University (MSU) will also accept them toward their Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership. I really hope that there becomes a push to grant specific credits in criminal justice because anyone who has been through a police academy can tell you that the academic rigor is very similar to that of university classrooms.

    I think it's a real shame many people want more educated police officers but then they refuse to acknowledge the academies toward college credit. I'm also not suggesting that they just take what you say at face value but like I said I have my syllabus and curriculum as well as my grades (which were the highest in my academy).

    Anyway I hope you find some answers and if you do let me know. I'll continue my search as well. I imagine that by the time I finally find the answers I will have already finished my master's. :D
     
  6. tomball

    tomball New Member

    My 2 cents, go with RA


    me - 30 years exp. in HR with 15+ in local Gov.
     

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