Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio

Students considering preparation of a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio should first consult with their appropriate Liberal Studies advisor to discuss their plans.


Each student will be required to begin his or her Portfolio with an essay of approximately 750-1,000 words giving examples of subjects and skills learned as a result of the experiences documented.


Students should address these two key questions:
• What knowledge did you gain through this experience?
• What skills did you learn that you did not possess prior to this experience? Alternatively, what skills did you develop over the course of this experience?


As much as possible, students should use the current FSU course catalog to link their prior learning experiences to material covered in specific academic courses. For example, a self-taught artist might possess the skills learned in ARTS 200, Drawing Fundamentals. A business owner might well have learned by experience much of the material covered in MGMT 215, Legal Environment of Business.

Full guidelines for the Prior Learning Assessment portfolio are available here.