Prior Learning from Experience (PLE)

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Eligibility and Restrictions for the PLE Program

Prior to being accepted into the PLE Program and registering for the PLE Document Writing course, students must:

  • successfully complete the Writing from Life course;
  • be an admitted student at Evergreen;
  • submit an application to the Dean of Evening and Weekend Studies;
  • have a minimum of one year of experience outside of an educational setting.

Restrictions of the PLE program include:

  • PLE credit may not duplicate any other academic work;
  • life experience gained while on academic leave or after admission to Evergreen is not eligible;
  • PLE does not evaluate vocational or craft skills or self-improvement experience;
  • academic credit applied for through certificated learning, documented participation in professional development workshops, military school or training, police or firefighter training, or real estate licensing will be assessed by the Office of Admissions after admission to Evergreen;
  • students participating in the Upside Down Program must have their Upside Down Student Academic Agreement signed and approved prior to acceptance into the PLE Program. Credits earned in the PLE Program, including the PLE Document Writing course, do not count as the coordinated study requirement in the Upside Down Program;
  • students who have already earned a B.A. or B.S. degree are not eligible.

To earn a degree from Evergreen, 45 of a student's last 90 credits must be earned at Evergreen. Credit awarded above the 16 credits earned in PLE Document Writing will not be counted toward the 45 credits necessary for graduation.