Earn Credit for Your Experience

If you are a working adult, you’ve probably gained some professional skills and experience that can be applied for college credits at UMass Global. Here we value real-world experience and the knowledge you’ve acquired along the way. With our specific academic pathways, you can accelerate your timeline to graduation by leveraging your work experience. Review the opportunities below. 

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Prior Learning Assessment by Portfolio

UMass Global offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) by Portfolio, allowing you to earn college credit for knowledge gained through life and work experience. By submitting a portfolio, you can demonstrate how your learning aligns with a specific UMass Global course. Subject matter experts evaluate each portfolio, and if approved, you’ll receive a grade of “P” (Pass) that won’t impact your GPA. 

To be eligible, you must complete ENGU 103 (or an equivalent) and LBSU 305, be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, and choose a course from the current catalog. Strong narrative and expository writing skills are necessary for successful portfolio development. Separate portfolios and fees apply for each three-credit course you seek credit for. A maximum of 30 credits may be earned through PLA. 

For more information, review the catalog or speak with an enrollment coach.

International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPLSEI)

From the beginning, the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) has focused on a vision of excellence in the exercise of leadership among all people in service to the safety of the public. IPSLEI members come from all walks of life but share a common purpose - to serve others. 

  • Students who successfully complete four IPSLEI courses will receive 12 undergraduate units towards completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree within the School of Business and Professional Studies.
  • Refer to your enrollment coach to determine which courses qualify for this special program. 

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

Students who successfully complete the educational training received from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training for a Basic POST Certificate can earn UMass Global university credit. 

  • 15 semester hours of lower-division block credit can be applied to general elective credits for the successful completion of the California POST Basic Certificate.
  • All credit is considered lower-division general-elective credit.
  • No partial credit is awarded. 

If the academy/training credits are earned at a community college as part of a student’s associate degree program, then it will be included in the 60-credit block limit and not considered outside the limit.

Induction Programs for Education Professionals

University of Massachusetts Global offers a streamlined pathway for educators seeking to advance their careers by applying their induction program experience toward a Master’s degree. Teachers who complete a CTC-approved Induction Program may receive a block credit grant of seven semester credits, reducing the time and cost of earning a graduate degree. Eligible programs include: 

This opportunity recognizes the value of educators’ prior experience, supporting their continued professional growth.

Professional Certifications

Human Resources Certification

A maximum of 9 semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward the Master of Science in Human Resources degree program. In addition to university policies concerning transfer of coursework, the human resources program will accept transfer of military coursework which meet the following requirements:

  • Course requested for transfer must include an official transcript or copy of ACE evaluation which verifies graduate-level work;
  • Coursework must be letter graded or provide verification of completion at a grade of “B” or higher;
  • Coursework must be comparable to program requirements (if marginal comparability, a written statement of rationale must be provided); and
  • Military coursework will be accepted in transfer as fulfilling prerequisite and elective requirements only.
Certification Substituted Course Comments
PHR HRCU 600 Certification or recertification within 3 years
SPHR HRCU 600 Certification or recertification within 3 years
GPHR HRCU 603 Certification or recertification within 3 years
SHRM-CP HRCU 600 Certification or recertification within 3 years
SHRM-SCP HRCU 600 Certification or recertification within 3 years

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Certification

UMass Global currently offers ACE recommended academic credit for FPC and CPP certifications toward UMass Global degree completion. The recommendation is inclusive of level and discipline, subject to residency requirements and other limitations as set forth in specific degree programs. The student can request an evaluation for course equivalency.

Information Technology Professional Certification

Academic credits may be accepted in transfer toward the Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology degree program. Students with IT professional certification(s) may substitute courses as outlined below provided that their certification(s) are unexpired and currently recognized in the field. For more information, contact an enrollment coach or academic advisor.

Professional Certification Substitution Courses
MCSE, CCNP, MCSA: Windows Server CSCU 353; CSCU 453
Oracle DBA, MCDBA, MCSA: SQL Server 2008, MCSA: SQL Server 2012 CSCU 408; CSCU 453
A+ CSCU 251
Network+ CSCU 353
Security+ CSCU 270
CompTIA Cloud Essentials CSCU 251
VCP (VMWare Certified Professional) CSCU 251; CSCU 353
RHCSA (Red Hat System Administrator) CSCU 251; CSCU 353
CASP (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) CSCU 270; CSCU 375
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) CSCU 270; CSCU 375
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) CSCU 270; CSCU 375
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) CSCU 270; CSCU 375
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) CSCU 270; CSCU 375
PMP (Project Management Professional) CSCU 383; CSCU 385
Six Sigma Green Belt CSCU 383; CSCU 415
CCNACer CSCU 353
IT Fundamentals CSCU 200

CPCU Certification

The Institutes offer designation and certification courses specific to risk management and property-casualty insurance. CPCU is widely regarded as one of the premier credentials in the risk management, and property-casualty insurance businesses and has been articulated for credits at University of Massachusetts Global. The CPCU is worth the entire suite of courses noted below but for undergrad or grad only, not both.

Course Objective Summary: Please see New Course Template Documents for additional insights

Objective(s) Course
  1. Analyze business opportunities for development and growth.
  2. Assess the operations that support mitigation of business risk.
  3. Evaluate general business law practices and principles.
 MGTU 380
  1. Apply general management practices related to business risk.
  2. Interpret common policy concepts and policy analysis strategies.
  3. Evaluate big data analytics for decision-making.
 MGTU 381
  1. Assess fundamental strategic management principles.
  2. Synthesize an overview of general operations practices.
  3. Evaluate business needs and alignment with information technology.
 MGTU 382
  1. Apply general corporate accounting and finance practices.
  2. Evaluate GAAP financial statements and analyses.
  3. Demonstrate advanced investment portfolio management
 MGTU 383
  1. Analyze business opportunities for development and growth.
  2. Assess the operations that support mitigation of business risk.
  3. Evaluate general business law practices and principles.
 BUSU 680
  1. Apply general management practices related to business risk.
  2. Interpret common policy concepts and policy analysis strategies.
  3. Evaluate big data analytics for decision-making.
 BUSU 681
  1. Assess fundamental strategic management principles.
  2. Synthesize an overview of general operations practices.
  3. Evaluate business needs and alignment with information technology.
 BUSU 682
  1. Apply general corporate accounting and finance practices.
  2. Evaluate GAAP financial statements and analyses.
  3. Demonstrate advanced investment portfolio management.
 BUSU 683
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