Arts & Sciences Online Programs | UofL News & Resources

Turn your experience into college credit to save time and money on your degree!

By Heather Henley | March 25, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Did you complete some college classes, but never finished your degree? If you’ve built up some professional experience and want a faster and more affordable degree, UofL online is your answer. Turn your experience into tuition-free college credit with the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), available for several of our online undergraduate programs!

What is PLA/CPL?

In short, PLA and CPL can supercharge your education. Several of UofL’s 100% online undergraduate programs that offer PLA let you earn college credit for previous education, work experience or military training.

This means less time in school and lower tuition costs to complete your degree. Credit can be awarded through:

Professional portfolio review

Professional certifications

Military or work-based training

…and more!

Each program has specific requirements. Connect with an Enrollment Counselor to find out how much credit you may be eligible to earn!

Online Programs with PLA or CPL

UofL has several online degree programs that offer PLA or CPL credit. You can find the program that matches your career goals and save time and money doing it.

UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares you with working knowledge of the criminal justice system (adult and juvenile) and the issues surrounding each portion of the process. You will learn to be an agile professional in this ever-evolving field by developing your knowledge of current criminology theories, ethical and moral considerations, emerging policies as well as effective communications strategies. You can earn up to 30 credit hours (10 courses) – up to $16,200 in tuition savings with the PLA in this degree program.

The online Bachelor of Science in General Studies is a student-focused, degree-completion program, with six interdisciplinary tracks available. Our degree is structured so you can customize your learning experience to gain additional skills, and the education required for advancement in today’s competitive workforce. Earn up to 27 credit hours (9 courses) – up to $14,580 in tuition savings with the PLA offer in this degree program.

The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning from UofL is a skills-driven degree completion program. The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge required for career advancement or a possible career change in today’s competitive and evolving workforce. Choose from 9 specialized tracks to fit your career goals and become an even more valuable member of any company or organization. You can earn up to 48 credit hours (16 courses) – up to $25,920 in tuition savings with the PLA toward this degree.

The online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed for licensed nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who want to earn their BSN to improve patient outcomes and excel as a leader in the field of nursing. Develop your expertise in nursing leadership, meet growing employer expectations and expand your ability to work with diverse global populations in a variety of settings—without any campus requirement or set class times. With PLA you can save time and money by earning up to 30 credit hours (10 courses), or up to $11,250 in tuition savings!

How to get started

Finishing your degree could be faster and more affordable than ever. With UofL’s online degree programs that offer a PLA or CPL you’ll be rewarded for your experience while building your future. Take the next step toward your goals and find out how much credit you can earn!

Connect with us to get started!

First Generation Student Success: Tiffany Rapier’s Success Story

By Conner Mackowiak | November 13, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Tiffany Rapier of Corbin, KY, is a mother of 7 and an online student. She is also a first-generation college student completing her education in what’s known as an Education Desert, or an area with limited access to colleges or universities.

First-generation college students often face unique challenges that can significantly impact their ability to pursue higher education, especially those living in education deserts. Many of these students lack the familial experience to navigate the complexities of higher education, such as understanding financial aid, selecting courses or managing academic expectations. For those in education deserts, the absence of nearby institutions compounds the problem, limiting their access to in-person support systems, networking opportunities and academic resources. However, the rise of online learning offers a crucial lifeline.

Online education allows these students to access quality degree programs without the need to relocate or commute long distances. Flexible schedules, diverse course offerings and the ability to balance work and study make it a viable option for those who might otherwise struggle to find the time or resources to attend a traditional campus-based program. Through online learning, first-generation students in remote areas can overcome geographic and logistical barriers, gaining the education and skills necessary to pursue their career goals.

Take a few moments to watch Tiffany’s powerful story below, and see how she was able to complete both her BS and MS in Criminal Justice through UofL’s online programs!

Click the links to learn more about our 100% online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Criminal Justice!

New Online Program: The Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace

By Conner Mackowiak | May 1, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

UofL Online is proud to announce our newest offering, the Undergraduate Certificate in Climate, Equity and Opportunity in the Workplace (CEOW). This certificate can provide students with the DEI theory and tools they need to make a positive impact in their workplace or community.

Completing the Undergraduate Certificate in CEOW can create a variety of opportunities. Companies and organizations across various industries are actively looking for individuals with DEI experience who can improve their hiring practices and create more vibrant, diverse workplaces where every voice is heard and respected.

When asked about the benefits of this certificate, Program Director Randy Whetstone, EdD, had this to say: “The CEOW certificate is a tremendous way to upskill for any professional. By taking an interdisciplinary approach to DEI, graduates will be able to assess and evaluate the climate, equity and opportunities in their workplace. With the ever-changing set of personnel talent and perspectives, any field will benefit from professionals who are CEOW-trained as they work to understand the differences that exist in the workplace, policy development, norms and governance that dictate theory and practice.“

Elevate your undergraduate education and create more opportunities for yourself in the workplace and beyond. Click here and learn how to apply for this certificate!

Student Spotlight: Leadership, Training, & Organizational Development Student Answers

By Conner Mackowiak | February 1, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

Chrysty Fortner, PMP, BCxP, and BSOLL – LTOD graduate is a UofL Online grad who completed a BS in Organizational Leadership & Learning, with a focus in Leadership, Training, & Organizational Development. She is currently employed at ECHO Power Engineering as a Director of Programs and Special Projects. Today, we’ll be reviewing her answers to some of our student spotlight questions to better understand her program and how it will prepare her for future career success! As Chrysty notes, “At 55 I started this program because I wanted to set my sights on career advancement between 55 and retirement, this program is how I chose to address it. The experience has been one of the most empowering journeys in all of my working years. I am literally ready for anything life has to offer!”

Let’s dive into her responses to our questions!

Q: Why did you select the OLL program?

CF: I researched relentlessly. It’s how I am made. I was searching for two specific outcomes: finding a program that would evaluate credit hours for past work experiences and ensuring the program could utilize my old (old) school credits to shorten the bridge to graduation.

Q: What are you enjoying most about the program?

CF: The courses are highly relevant to today’s professional challenges. Addressing the social dynamics as well as the advances in processes and technology have made what I’m learning at this stage of my career invaluable. I am becoming a more confident critical thinker, while incorporating new and old ideas into my work.

Q: Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career?

CF: Most definitely, and certainly skills I could have been using the past thirty years to navigate tough people, tough situations, and tough work environments. I can say this with certainty, it’s never too late to validate the tools you already have and learn new skills altogether.

Q: Would you recommend the program? Why?

CF: I highly recommend the program. After reviewing my past college credits with my advisor, it was discovered that I could earn thirty-six credit hours from past experience and needed only twelve program-specific courses to graduate. The BSOLL program was designed to help learners like me attain those credit hours and is flexible enough to allow for a course load to fit my objectives and schedule. Additionally, the obvious mission for both faculty and advisors is to, “…help them cross the finish line!”

Q: What is your new employer’s name and what is your new title?

CF: Director of Programs and Special Projects at ECHO Power Engineering.

Q: Any additional comments you would like to share?

CF: At 55 I started this program because I wanted to set my sights on career advancement between 55 and retirement, this program is how I chose to address it. The experience has been one of the most empowering journeys in all of my working years. I am literally ready for anything life has to offer!

Curious about the Leadership, Training, & Organizational Leadership track? Click here and learn more!

Category: Arts & Sciences Programs