Prior Learning Assessment

In accordance with Missouri State University’s Credit for Prior Learning policy (Op3.04-14), the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ) has established a formal process to evaluate and award graduate-level academic credit for prior learning acquired through advanced professional training, certification, and experience.

This process is designed to ensure academic rigor and consistency while recognizing graduate-level knowledge and competencies gained through professional practice.

Eligibility and credit limits

Qualified applicants to the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program may be awarded graduate credit for documented prior learning that aligns with the program’s academic standards and student learning outcomes. Credit is awarded on a case-by-case basis.

Students may earn up to 12 graduate credit hours through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.

Review and approval process

Given the breadth of professional roles within criminal justice, including law enforcement, corrections, courts, victim services, nonprofit programming, and related fields, each request is reviewed individually.

Applications for PLA are jointly evaluated by the School Director and the Graduate Program Director. Applicants will be provided with relevant program- and course-level student learning outcomes and must demonstrate, through a designated assessment form, how their prior learning satisfies those outcomes at a graduate level.

Requesting a prior learning credit review

To initiate the review process, contact our Graduate Program Director, Dr. Aida Wisecup, at AidaWisecup@MissouriState.edu for guidance regarding required materials and procedures.

Students will be responsible for providing formal documentation that may include:

• A detailed description of relevant professional roles, responsibilities, and training.
• Documentation of training curricula, syllabi, certifications, or instructional materials.
• Verification from an agency supervisor or administrator confirming the scope, duration, and level of experience.
• Any additional supporting evidence such as reports, policy documents, publications, or project evaluations.