Al-Madinah Islamic University, U.S.A

Accelerate Your Degree Completion Journey

Complete your degree efficiently with our guidance, focusing on your interests and spiritual wisdom while overcoming common dissertation challenges through dedication and commitment.

Transformative educational experience

Accelerate Your Degree

Complete your degree with passion, commitment, and focus on spiritual wisdom and religious realities.

Accelerate your degree with passion and commitment for a fulfilling success

PLA Assessment Guide

The PLA Guide helps students
earn academic credit by evaluating their prior learning
experiences, such as work, training, or self-study,
through standardized assessments or portfolio reviews.

we value the knowledge and skills you have gained through life experiences, work, training, or other non-traditional means. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows you to earn academic credits for these experiences, helping you fast-track your degree and reduce the cost of your education.

Prior Learning Assessment

Accelerated online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in as little as possible according to university and state regulations in numerous majors. This is possible for Bachelor's degree programs through a process involving PLA: Prior Learning Assessment reflecting valuable life and educational experience for a value of up to 90 credits toward your degree. The Bachelor Thesis provides an additional 30 credits allowing a total of 120 credits. Not everyone has the qualified experience to earn PLA credit, but for those who do it can result in saving a tremendous amount of time and expense Master's and Doctorate programs do not require PLA assessment. However, the PLA is an option for additional credit. Only (1) PLA may be utilized. PLA f completed for a Master's or Doctoral program may reflect valuable life and educational experience earning an additional 30 credits. An additional 30 cr. hrs. are granted for Thesis or Dissertation providing a total of 60 credits Today numerous colleges and universities are providing the great benefit of PLA: Prior Learning Assessments to their mature, more experienced students to translate lifetime learning experience into credits to be legitimately applied to degree programs.

This translates into huge savings in both time and educational expenses. AMIUSA is providing this great benefit to all qualified students Many accelerated degree programs are available at schools throughout the United States as it has become a popular trend. Master's by Thesis only and Doctorate by Dissertation only is not a new concept. It has been a popular way of earning a research-based degree in Europe and International countries for well over a century.

Historically in Europe, the standard has always been that students prove mastery of their subject major, through research and performance of a thesis or Dissertation. Each Thesis or Dissertation Will focus directly on the course major only, to master subject matter related to the major.

I completed my degree faster than expected, thanks to the supportive guidance.

Raza Murad

New York

The dissertation process was smooth and focused on my interests, making it enjoyable.

Mehreen Ali

Los Angeles

★★★★★
★★★★★

Types of Learning Eligible for PLA

We acknowledge various forms of prior learning, which include:

  • Work Experience: Professional experience related to your field.

  • Military Training: Confirmed military coursework or training.

  • Certifications: Certifications or credentials recognized by the industry.

  • Independent Study: Education acquired from personal study, workshops, or other training programs.

  • Community Service and Volunteering: Leadership roles or substantial involvement in community organizations.

  • Previous Study: Learning from another institution or college, even if you received a certificate or diploma relevant to your desired program.

Outline For Preparing Your Required Bachelor’s Degree PLA.

Not required for Master’s and Doctoral candidates

Creating your PLA portfolio is an easy procedure:

1. Document every employment position, job title, dates, and locations of your employment
2. Record all educational institutions you attended and your graduation dates.
3. List all diplomas received.
4. Include any advanced degrees awarded to you.
5. Note all certifications obtained.
6. List every seminar or non-academic class attended.
7. Mention any specialized training undertaken.
8. Include any on-the-job training along with completion dates.
9. Document public speaking events.
10. How many religious meetings have you moderated as a preacher?
11. How many religious meetings have you participated in as a teacher?
12. Have you held a department head role at work or within a religious organization?
13. Specify military training and experience.
14. List all awards and commendations not previously mentioned.
15. List your unique skills or notable achievements.
16. Mention your interests, sports, and passions.
17. Attach an updated copy of your CV/Resume.

Not all applicants will meet this important requirement. Don’t feel restricted to the 17 items mentioned above; you may draw from different life experiences (outside of this list) as the basis for essays. There may be relevant experiences not covered in the list. You might also realize that some items on the list do not specifically apply to you, in which case you can indicate N/A (non-applicable). Nonetheless, you aren't obliged to adhere strictly to this suggested list; feel free to include any additional experiential narratives for credit approval consideration.

Up to 75% Credit exemtion

Get credit for your previous learning

woman in white and blue floral hijab holding microphone
woman in white and blue floral hijab holding microphone
love to learn pencil signage on wall near walking man
love to learn pencil signage on wall near walking man
clear hour glass beside pink flowers
clear hour glass beside pink flowers

How to Apply for PLA

  1. Consult with an Advisor: Connect with our academic advisors.

  2. Select the Assessment Method: Choose the best PLA method for your experiences.

  3. Submit Documentation: Provide required documents showcasing prior learning.

  4. Assessment & Evaluation: Your submission will be evaluated by a faculty member.

  5. Earn Credits: Accredited credits will be added upon approval.

Cost of PLA

The fee for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) varies based on the type of assessment and number of credits evaluated. Financial aid may not cover PLA costs, so inquire about specific expenses early in the application process.

Save time and money

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

How to Apply for PLA

  1. Consult with an Advisor: Have a conversation with one of our academic advisors to assess your eligibility for PLA.

  2. Select the Assessment Method: Based on your background, choose the most appropriate PLA assessment method.

  3. Submit Documentation: Provide the requisite documentation or portfolio that showcases your previous learning.

  4. Assessment & Evaluation: Your submission will undergo review by faculty or a PLA specialist.

  5. Earn Credits: Once approved, the relevant credits will be added to your academic transcript.

Cost of PLA

The expenses associated with Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) vary depending on the type of assessment employed, which may include standardized tests, portfolio evaluations, or challenge exams, as well as the total number of credits under consideration. Fees may encompass the evaluation process, administrative tasks, and faculty assessments. Financial assistance may not be applicable to PLA fees, making it crucial to ask about specific costs early in the workflow. Reach out to us for more comprehensive information about potential fees and payment methods.