Aug. 27, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce Michigan State University’s new Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning policy. MSU has long recognized and awarded many forms of credit for prior learning. The new policy provides a consistent framework for colleges and departments to review, develop and approve additional opportunities for students, while maintaining faculty and academic staff’s central role in determining approvals, standards and course equivalencies. This policy will continue to support the thoughtful expansion of credit for prior learning opportunities where appropriate.
For context, credit for prior learning recognizes documented college-level learning that occurs outside traditional coursework. MSU awards credit through a variety of avenues, including Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, military training and experience, departmental challenge exams, credential review, academic portfolio assessment, and State of Michigan credentials such as recently approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and the Seal of Biliteracy.
New Agreements
Additionally, related efforts have resulted in two new CTE agreements with the State of Michigan. These agreements in Cooking and Related Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration and Management, along with a third longstanding agreement in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources are available for review on the State of Michigan’s Postsecondary Agreements webpage for Michigan State. Similarly, the university is finalizing credit awards for students who have earned the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy and expanding processes for evaluating and awarding military credit.
Defining the new policy and establishing the new agreements are part of MSU’s MiLEAP Transfer Student Success Initiative Grant and support the goals outlined in our 2030 Strategic Plan. By recognizing validated prior learning, credit for prior learning helps students reduce costs, accelerate degree completion and access new pathways to academic success. We value the knowledge and experiences students bring with them and remain committed to ensuring those experiences are appropriately recognized during their academic journey.
If you are interested in exploring CPL opportunities within your college or department, please contact PriorLearning@msu.edu to learn more.
Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing student success and academic innovation at our institution.
Sincerely,
Laura Lee McIntyre, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Renata Opoczynski, Ph.D.
Interim Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education