Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Wichita State University encourages students to seek credit for knowledge they may have acquired in a variety of ways through the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program . Students who have had college-level education through traditional or nontraditional means, and can demonstrate achievement, may be eligible to earn credit by following our Credit for Prior Learning process.

Departments have varying policies as to any CPL that will be deemed equivalent to their courses. Once the equivalency is determined and posted to the student's record, it is acceptable in any department/program in which that course meets a degree requirement. CPL credits are posted as transfer work and not counted as hours earned at Wichita State.

The below information is applicable for undergraduate (UG) students. For information on credit for prior learning in graduate programs contact the Graduate School at (316) 978-3095.

Credit for Prior Learning FAQ's

Prior Credits & Credentials

Students may transfer credit and credentials earned by courses from other institutions and military training. In addition, WSU has worked extensively with Kansas community colleges to develop Transfer Guides a list of courses that will transfer to the University's various departments. 

CPL awarded by all accredited institutions of higher education is evaluated in the same manner as regularly graded coursework from these institutions. The credit awarded is adjusted to the CPL policies of Wichita State. Every attempt is made to ensure that credit for prior learning applies to both a student's degree program and university requirements for graduation. However, in no case may a transfer student receive more credit than the credit available to students at Wichita State.

Follow this link to WSU's full Transfer and Articulation Process.

Follow this link to the Kansas Collaborative on Military Credit.

Send your transcripts to WSU.

Haven't been admitted to WSU? Click here to get started.

Prior Knowledge

Undergraduate credit may be obtained in the various areas listed below. CPL will not be awarded for duplication of credit or to replace course grades. Students should check with an academic advisor before attempting any test or other means of CPL assessment to ensure the credits will transfer. For information on CLEP testing options, visit the Office of Student Accommodations & Testing website.

CPL - Prior Knowledge Options offered at WSU:
Type Yes No
AP National Exams x  
Cambridge International x  
CLEP National Exams x  
Corporate ACE Credit Recommendation Services   x
Credit for ACT/SAT scores x  
DANTES/DSST Exams x  
Departmental Exams x  
GED College Ready Math Testing (ACE Credit) x  
Institutional Challenge Exams   x
Institutionally-evaluated Training for Credit x  
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit x  
Life Experience Evaluation x  
Military Courses/Training Credit x  
Portfolio Assessments   x
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) x  
Retroactive Credit x  

Future Learning Experiences

Transcripts

Credits for prior learning are posted to a student's transcript as soon as paperwork is received/validated and posted to the academic record by the Registrar's Office. They appear as transfer work because it is credit for learning that did not occur through enrollment in a WSU course.

There is no overall cap on how much CPL a student may earn. However, WSU graduation requirements still apply, which include:

  • 45 hours of upper division credit
  • The last 24/30 or last 50/60 hours must be taken at WSU

At Wichita State University, a student can use CPL for:

  • General Education
  • Major Requirements
  • Minor Requirements
  • Certificate Programs
  • Elective Credits

Academics

As Kansas' only research university in an urban setting, Wichita State offers opportunities other schools can't match. 66 undergraduate majors, over 50 graduate majors, 200 areas of study and the largest cooperative learning program in the state, WSU has your future in mind.

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