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# 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.

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## 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.

#### Autobiography: View template / View sample (PDF)

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## 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.

#### Communications

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

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Communication-Arts.pdf)
#### Humanities

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

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Humanities.pdf)
#### 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.

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Interdisciplinary-Electives.pdf)
#### Physical / biological science

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

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Physical-Biological-Science.pdf)
#### Physical education

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

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Physical-Education.pdf)
#### Science / technology

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

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Science-Technology.pdf)
#### Social science

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

[Download full list](/content/dam/edu/tuition-financial-aid/doc/experiential-journals/Experiential-Essays-Social-Science.pdf)
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## 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 3-credit journal | 3-credit journal 3,000 - 4,500 | 3-credit journal All 6 subtopics required |
| 2-credit journal 2-credit journal | 2-credit journal 2,000 - 3,000 | 2-credit journal Choose only 4 subtopics |
| 1-credit journal 1-credit journal | 1-credit journal 1,000 - 2,000 | 1-credit journal Choose only 2 subtopics |
|  |

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## 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 (PDF)

#### Two credit: View template / View sample (PDF)

#### Three credit: View template / View sample (PDF)

![](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment/experiential-journals/_jcr_content/root/container/container/columns_2123091105/responsivegrid0/image.coreimg.svg/1669077103107/toolbox-alumni.svg)

## 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](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)
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## 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.
- 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*