Life Experience FAQs

Have some questions? We’re here to answer them.

Q: Do I qualify for life experience credits?
A: If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, then a life experience credit evaluation could help you earn credits toward a degree from Adelphi’s University College.

• Have you held a job or volunteer position that required a very specific set of skills?
• Have you completed a training program for a job, a volunteer position, or a professional certificate?
• Have you received professional training that was sponsored by the military or a government agency?
• Are you proficient in a foreign language or American Sign Language?

Q: How does the life experience credit work?
A: You must meet with a University College academic advisor to review your work history and to begin the application process. You will also have to speak to an Adelphi faculty member whose field matches your work experience and provide verification to earn life experience credits. When the number of life experience credits is determined, you will be required to pay a fee to have them accepted as credit on your transcript.

Q: When should I begin the life experience credit process?
A: Students are strongly urged to register for life experience credit after one semester as a University College student. You will quickly learn how much potential credit you can garner and in which academic areas. This will also allow you to avoid taking a course for which you may receive life experience credit and also enables you to plan your academic plan of study with some degree of foresight.

Q: How long do I have to complete the life experience credit process?
A: You have one year from the day you are given your assignment by the faculty evaluator. In extenuating circumstances, extensions may be granted.

Q: How can I register for life experience credits?
A: You can register for life experience credit at any time during the semester using the same registration process required for regular courses. Contact your University College academic advisor for more information on beginning this process.

Q: How do life experience credits appear on my transcript?
A: In most cases, life experience credit is granted for equivalent course work. This enables prospective employers or graduate schools to effectively evaluate your knowledge and training. In cases where the life experience credit does not parallel an Adelphi course, but falls within the purview of the evaluator’s expertise, you will receive an elective credit.

Q: 
Do all life experience credit assignments involve written work?
A: Life experience credit evaluation is a competency-based procedure. Students must demonstrate to the faculty evaluator that they possess knowledge relevant to specific academic fields. In most cases this involves written assignments; in some cases it may involve other methods of demonstrating knowledge, such as presenting an art portfolio or taking an exam.