Your life experience may qualify for credit

With everything you’ve accomplished in life, you may feel like you’ve earned a life experience degree.

Browse our library of topics and write a short, first-person journal telling us what you’ve learned. Then, submit it to us for potential college credit. Choose from hundreds of approved topics, including leadership, office administration, parenting, and nutrition.

Choose an approved journal topic

Each topic could earn you one to three credits. You may have more experience than you think.

Communication arts

Topics include American Sign Language, interviewing, proposal writing and public speaking.

View full list

Physical/biological science

Topics include weight management, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), horticulture and many more.

View full list

Science/technology

Topics include computer networks, database systems, electrical and engineering systems and many more.

Veiw full list

Humanities

Topics include history of religion, appreciation of the arts, contemporary Southwest cultures and many more.

View full list

Physical education

Topics include dance, martial arts, self-defense, a variety of recreational and competitive sports and many more.

View full list

Social science

Topics include parenting, health and aging, the legislative process, working women and family lifestyles and many more.

View full list

Interdisciplinary-elective

Topics include sales, management and retail principles, as well as personal experiences including photography, genealogy, parenting a special-needs child and many more.

View full list

How to get started

Already a student?

Step 1

Earn your degree faster, and for less

Have your relevant work and life experience evaluated for potential credit through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process — at no cost to you. If you haven’t already, start by completing your application for University of Phoenix.

Step 2

Write a brief autobiography

Introduce yourself through a short, 500-word autobiography. You’ll write this one time and include it with each journal submission.

View a sample autobiography

Step 3

Write your journal submission

Describe the knowledge you’ve gained by writing a short, first-person journal. You’ll also upload supporting documents that validate what you’ve learned. Ready to take a deeper look? View sample submissions and guidelines.

See how it works

Step 4

Get your credits evaluated

Call your academic counselor at 800-366-9699. We’ll review your submission and follow up with the most eligible ways you can save time and money based on your specific program.

Start a conversation about your future with an enrollment representative today

Call (844) 937-8679 Start chatting now

Apply to the University

— Because we’re built for working adults, we value the experience you bring to the table. One of the benefits of being a Phoenix is that we’ll help you find tuition-saving credits. If you’re ready to get started, apply now. Have more questions? Give us a call at 844-937-8679.

Apply now