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"Degrees & Programs"

How to write and submit your journal topics

Your life experience credit depends on a short bio offering some details about yourself, the number of topics you write about, and their length. We'll guide you through the process, step by step.

Step 1

Write your bio

Introduce yourself through a short 500+ word bio. You'll write this just once with your initial life experience application even if you write more than one journal for potential credit.

Step 2

Choose your topics

Journal topics are arranged by credit type. Outlines are already approved so you don’t need to create your own. Just select the subtopics that match your experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 3

Decide your journal length

Your journal length depends on two things: the number of credits you’d like to earn and the number of subtopics you’d like to write about.

Max. credit amount Word count (total for all subtopics) Subtopics
3-credit journal Word count (total for all subtopics) 3,000 - 4,500 Subtopics All 6 subtopics required
2-credit journal Word count (total for all subtopics) 2,000 - 3,000 Subtopics Choose only 4 subtopics
1-credit journal Word count (total for all subtopics) 1,000 - 2,000 Subtopics Choose only 2 subtopics

Step 4

Download a template

No need to write an intro or conclusion — just follow the template we’ve set up.

One credit: View template / View sample

Two credit: View template / View sample

Three credit: View template / View sample

Step 5

Upload documents: Must be a student

Log in to MyPhoenix to upload your submission, which will include:

1. Your 500-word bio

    a.(You’ll write this one time and include it with each journal submission.)

2. Journal submission(s)

3. 3rd party verification of the student’s experience in the subject:

    a. Two letters

    b. Certificates or credentials

    c. Other documentation that validates the experience

Not a student? Apply to University of Phoenix.

Apply now

More to know about life experience journals

You’ll write from first-person experience — no research, citations or references are needed.

  • If your journal is denied credit, you may rewrite and resubmit it one time.
  • If your journal is denied credit, you may rewrite and resubmit it one time.
  • You may submit more than one journal for potential credit through life experience. You can earn up to a maximum of 30 credits allowed toward a bachelor’s degree and 15 credits allowed toward an associate degree.*

*Certain states limit cumulative degree program credits awarded through Prior Learning Assessment. For details, please contact the University of Phoenix.

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