Kean Global Education and Resource Campus
Thank you for your interest in our adult degree completion program at Kean! The benefits of finishing what you started have never been greater. Fast track your journey to degree completion with Kean Global's prior learning assessment. Transfer in up to 90 prior college credits (up to 60 can be through prior learning assessment), including credits for career and life experiences, and benefit from our 20% tuition discount.
Returning to college after some time away can be both exciting and complex. We at Kean are committed to making the process as easy as possible. In reviewing our materials here, you may have additional questions. At any point please contact a Kean admissions representative to answer your questions and help you create a customized pathway on the journey back to college.
Returning Kean students should use the Readmit Application. All other students should complete the Transfer Application.
“Adult learners see significant benefits from higher education, including a 22% greater likelihood of achieving upward mobility and an impressive 140% increase in average annual salary compared to working adults who do not return to school.”*
The resources below will provide much needed support along the pathway to achieving your long-awaited college degree.
Student Success: An Invaluable Resource for College and University Students
Career Decision Making for Adults
* New Research Illuminates the Value of Education for Adult Learners, Remie Verougstraete, July 20, 2022, Lightcast
Prior Learning Assessment
Kean University recognizes that learning occurs both within formal educational settings and beyond them at the initiative of the individual learner.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a mechanism by which academic credits are awarded for skills and knowledge that individuals can demonstrate outside of a traditional academic setting. Credit may be awarded for verifiable learning gained through experience—not for the experience itself. Non-academic learning and training programs and their associated credentials can also be evaluated for credit equivalency.
Skills can be obtained in a variety of settings including:
- non-credit bearing coursework
- work experience
- workshop participation
- in-service training
- involvement in professional organizations
There are three main ways to earn credit for prior learning:
Program Review
In a program review, your previous college coursework is evaluated to determine which credits can be applied towards your degree requirements. This process helps identify which courses you've completed successfully, potentially shortening the time needed to finish your degree.
Portfolio Assessment
Portfolio assessment involves compiling evidence of your prior learning experiences, such as work projects, certifications, or volunteer activities, into a structured portfolio. This portfolio is then reviewed by faculty or academic assessors to determine if your experiential learning can be translated into academic credits. Portfolio assessment allows you to demonstrate your competencies and skills gained outside of traditional classroom settings.
Credit-by-exam
Credit-by-exam allows you to earn college credits by passing standardized tests or examinations that assess your knowledge in specific subject areas. By successfully demonstrating your proficiency in a particular subject, you can bypass taking the corresponding course and receive credit towards your degree requirements.
Please note that prior learning assessment requests are the first step of the process. Kean faculty, with appropriate subject matter expertise, will make the determination to award credit based on the student’s submission to demonstrate learning as required by the University.
Below are some examples of experiences that students may request for assessment:
- Work Experience in Relevant Field
- Military Training and Service
- Professional Certifications and Licenses
- Entrepreneurial Experience
- Volunteer Work
- Independent Study or Projects
- Publications or Presentations
- Language Proficiency
- Professional Development Workshops or Seminars
- Creative Works or Performances
- Online Courses or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)
- Apprenticeships or Mentorships
- Internships or Co-op Programs
- Life Experience Portfolios
- Extracurricular Activities
- Specialized Training Programs
- Vocational and Occupational Training or Certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Online classes at Kean University work?
Kean Online offers asynchronous classes that run in 8-week sessions over a 16-week semester. Students are not obligated to be logged on at certain times of the day or days of the week. Instead, they have the flexibility to work on their own time while still having the support needed to be successful.
How many of my credits transferred in?
Once a student has been accepted into Kean University, our transfer team will evaluate all their past credits from their official college transcripts.
How many credits will I get for my work experience?
Students pursuing credit for prior learning will have the opportunity to meet with their online advisor to discuss their work history and experience. Each student has a unique background so a personalized one on one advisement meeting is most beneficial.
Additionally, students can earn credit with examinations through providers such as:
- The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- American Council on Education (ACE)
- DSST Exams – DSST (getcollegecredit.com)
- NYU Language Proficiency Exams
How long until I finish my degree?
The amount of transfer credits a student receives and how they build their schedule each semester will determine how long it will take to finish their degree. Through the flexibility of Kean Online, students will have the opportunity to finish their degree quicker or go at a pace that is more comfortable for them.
My previous major was different from what is being offered through the Degree Completion Program. Can I finish that degree?
For the Summer and Fall 2024 entry terms, the Degree Completion and Prior Learning Assessment program is offering students the opportunity to earn a Liberal Arts degree. You can speak with one of our counselors to determine how your credits would apply to your original major vs a Liberal Arts degree.
How much will this cost?
Degree Completion students will be eligible for a 20% discount off their tuition, without having to pay mandatory fees. Full breakdown of tuition can be found via the link below:
Can I still get Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
I was in school so long ago.... Will my credits still count?
In most cases older credits may still apply to your current degree. Your transfer credits evaluation will determine where those credits can be potentially used in your new degree.
I had a balance with Kean/my previous school. What should I do?
For previous Kean students, reach out to our student accounting team as shown below to go over your account history and available options.
Kean Student Accounting:
908-737-3250
stuactg@kean.edu
For non-Kean students, please contact your previous institution's Student Accounting team to determine what options are available to you.
Contact Us
Phone: (908) 737-3239
Email: finish@kean.edu
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Returning Kean students should use the Readmit Application. All other students should complete the Transfer Application.