Education & Human Dev. Online Programs

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!

UofL Health Employees Receive Undergraduate Tuition Remission at UofL

By Conner Mackowiak | January 24, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Did you know that UofL Health employees receive tuition remission for undergraduate programs at the University of Louisville as an employee benefit? This exciting opportunity allows UofL Health employees to benefit from free tuition for UofL undergraduate programs for themselves and their domestic partners, spouses and dependent children! *

This benefit extends to our online undergraduate programs, like our online BS in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) program. This online program is ideal for adult learners with some college but no degree who want to complete their bachelor’s. This program features 9 exciting tracks, like the track in Healthcare Leadership, specially designed to help healthcare professionals take the next steps in their education and career.

Watch this video to hear from the BS OLL program director, Dr. Randy Whetstone!

UofL Health employees, don’t wait any longer to complete your education, and take advantage of this exciting benefit. You can learn more about our BS OLL program below, and you can learn more about this benefit by talking to your HR representative!

Learn more.

*Some conditions may apply. UofL Health employees should talk to their HR representative for more information.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: BS IN OLL STUDENT FROM ALASKA SHARES HER STORY

By Conner Mackowiak | September 16, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

More than 3,875 miles away from Louisville, KY, Jen Hankins is heading toward the finish line, diligently working to complete her online courses at the University of Louisville (UofL) in preparation for graduating in May 2025. From beautiful Alaska, Jen is pursuing UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) degree, taking advantage of a top UofL program from almost 4,000 miles away. This is her story.

When Jen decided to return to college after a 28-year hiatus, her lifelong dream of obtaining her bachelor’s degree was the goal. While she was not sure which degree to pursue or which school to attend, she recalled her time spent with her husband in Fort Knox, and her love for the state of Kentucky as well as the Louisville area. Plus, her former brother and sister-in-law were professors years ago at UofL – in the College of Business and School of Nursing, respectively – and they spoke highly of UofL.

Since she loved the area and had relatives who taught at UofL, Jen enrolled in two classes and rediscovered her love for learning, and proceeded to enroll in the online BS OLL program. When we asked her about her experience, Jen stated, “The coursework is comprehensive and is highly relevant to my current professional role as a Corporate Paralegal, where I support the many entities my organization owns, and maintain compliance while providing support to the General and Deputy Counsel and Corporate HR department. What I learn today, I apply on the job tomorrow.”

Jen has not only reignited her passion for learning but has also discovered a community of support. She shared, “While interacting with many of my professors, Dr. Thomas Teague has been incredibly inspiring by fostering a learning environment with a sense of community, showing that he cares, encouraging engagement among classmates, and providing a safe space to collaborate. I have seen firsthand how this sense of community has created a cycle of interconnectedness and support among students. Dr. Teague also provided immense inspiration each week and just when I needed it most. His attentiveness to students is precisely what adult learners need to remain motivated to press on to the finish line.”

Jen’s lifelong goal of graduating is around the corner, and she already has plans of pursuing graduate school next. She credited English Department instructor Steve Smith as he reminded her that, “Completing the degree wasn’t just checking a box on a life goal but rather one that should be continued.”

As Jen prepares for graduation, she notes, “I am a better person for having pursued UofL’s OLL program. Through the coursework and a critical thinking approach to organizational challenges, I have sharpened my skills and added robust experience to my professional tool bag.”

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your story. Best of luck as you approach graduation in May 2025!

You can learn more about UofL’s online OLL program here.

Uncharted Territory: The Impact of New Technology on the U.S. Legal System

By admin | June 14, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Whether it’s discourse over banning potentially harmful social media applications or how artificial intelligence (AI) begins to redefine how our society is safeguarded, the landscape of criminal justice and law enforcement is certainly changing.

If you want to be part of impactful discussions surrounding the U.S. legal system, UofL offers nationally ranked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in criminal justice 100% online.

“AI has the potential to improve decision making but its implementation must be carefully considered and evaluated. This requires a strong understanding of our system and its goals as well as an appreciation of its deficits.”

Tom "Tad" Hughes, JD, PhD

Professor & Chair, Department of Criminal Justice

Embracing the AI Era in Criminal Justice

In recent years, AI has sparked excitement and concern with its integration into various sectors and criminal justice is no exception. From predictive policing to risk assessment tools and courtroom decision-making aids, this technology is being diversly leveraged to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the legal system. We find ourselves at the start of a transformative era where AI and human intellect can work synergistically because it is evident that the future will be led by those who can harness its revolutionary potential.

As AI continues to permeate society, its implications for the criminal justice system are both promising and perilous. While this technology has the potential to improve efficiency, transparency and fairness, it also poses significant risks if not utilized and regulated thoughtfully. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) named its first official focused solely on AI, highlighting the profound impact it is poised to have on law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Additionally, this hiring underscores the need for professionals who can engage in informed discussions about harnessing the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential harms (Reuters).

How Can AI be Used in Criminal Justice?

AI is already being used in several new ways within the field of criminal justice. Some of the ways AI is already being used include:

AI in policing (a.k.a. predictive policing): This concept uses algorithms to forecast where crime is likely to occur based on data from crime reports, demographics, and even weather patterns.
Risk assessment: AI-driven risk assessment tools aim to assist judges and parole boards by predicting the likelihood of an individual reoffending or failing to appear in court.
Courtroom transcription: AI-powered tools for transcription and translation are streamlining court proceedings, making them more accessible and efficient.

Where Do We Go from Here: New Frontiers

In April, the DOJ announced that its research, development and evaluation arm (the National Institute of Justice or “NIJ”) would be researching and later issuing a report on the use of AI in the criminal system. The NIJ’s report will address the use of AI throughout the criminal justice system and identify areas where the technology could benefit law enforcement, outline recommended best practices and make recommendations to the White House on additional actions (FedScoop.com).

According to FedScoop, the NTI’s report was included (among additional actions intended to strengthen civil rights) in President Biden’s October 2023 executive order on the technology. President Biden’s order aims to “promote the equitable treatment of individuals and adhere to the Federal Government’s fundamental obligation to ensure fair and impartial justice for all.”

As the DOJ takes its first decisive steps towards embracing and regulating AI, those working in criminal justice are preparing for a paradigm shift. You can be at the forefront of change as a criminal justice practitioner with an online criminal justice degree from UofL. Our fully online bachelor’s program can provide foundational knowledge for aspiring professionals including a comprehensive understanding of criminology, law enforcement and criminal procedure. In our master’s, you can further your understanding and delve deeper into the complexities of the criminal legal system through advanced coursework. Confront the complex challenges of tomorrow head-on, armed with the knowledge, skills and ethical framework to effect meaningful transformation in society—enroll in one of our online criminal justice degrees today!

Category: Education & Human Development Programs