Effective Date: March 2025

 

Eldermont University is committed to recognizing a wide range of learning experiences—including formal education, ministry work, military service, professional training, and independent study. Our Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy provides flexible and accessible degree completion options that reflect our mission of Christ-centered, values-based higher education.

 

Students must be formally accepted and enrolled in a degree program to be eligible for transfer credit or PLA evaluation. All evaluations occur during or shortly after the admissions process.

 

⚠️ PLA or transfer credit may not be applied toward the final thesis/dissertation submission.

 

Eldermont University accepts transfer credit from a broad range of educational institutions and learning providers. Each submission is evaluated individually and reviewed holistically for academic quality, relevance, and alignment with Eldermont’s curriculum and mission.

 

Accepted sources may include:

• Institutions accredited or recognized by U.S. Department of Education-approved or CHEA-recognized accrediting agencies

• Institutions accredited by national, faith-based, or international quality assurance agencies, including those operating outside the U.S.

• Colleges, universities, seminaries, and Bible or theological institutes offering structured, documented academic programs

• Institutions recognized by international ministries of education or regional education authorities

• Institutions accredited by organizations such as (but not limited to):

○ QAHE, ASIC, ATHEA, EduQua, CPD, TRACS, ICAA, and other comparable or emerging accreditation bodies

• Non-traditional institutions and religious or vocational training centers, subject to documentation and case-by-case academic review

 

📌 All transfer credits must reflect appropriate academic rigor, relevance, and verifiable documentation, even if originating from nontraditional or international learning contexts.

 

 

To request transfer credit:

• Submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution.

• Transcripts in other languages must include an English translation (official or certified).

• Courses must be comparable in content and level to those offered at Eldermont.

• Courses must carry a passing grade (equivalent to a C or higher or institutional equivalent).

• Transfer credit will appear on transcripts as TR and does not affect GPA.

 

Eldermont encourages students to request credit for learning gained outside the classroom. PLA credit may be awarded based on:

• Professional certifications (IT, business, project management, healthcare, etc.)

• Vocational training, continuing education, or ministry credentials

• Military experience or specialized government/NGO programs

• Portfolio-based evaluation of self-directed learning or applied experience

• Biblical and ministry-based leadership training

 

• A resume or CV outlining relevant experience

• Certificates, transcripts, licenses, or training materials

• Letters of validation or supervisor references (if applicable)

• A reflective statement (optional) on how the experience aligns with academic goals

 

All transfer and PLA requests are reviewed by faculty or trained evaluators. Credit is awarded based on alignment with degree requirements and learning outcomes. Credit is granted as Pass (P) and will not impact GPA.

 

Students may appeal denied credit decisions by submitting a written appeal within 15 business days, along with any new supporting documents. Appeals are reviewed by the Academic Review Committee, and all decisions are final.

 

Approved credits will be marked:

• TR for transfer credit

• PLA for prior learning assessment credit

 

All transcripts and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) documentation should be submitted as part of the enrollment application. If documents need to be resubmitted or updated after application submission, please follow the instructions below:

 

• 📧 Email Resubmissions To:

➤ admissions@eldermont.com (for all transcript and PLA documentation)

 

Note: You do not need to send documents to multiple addresses. All enrollment-related submissions should be directed to the Admissions Office.

 

• 📬 Mailing Address for Physical Transcripts (if required):

Eldermont University – Admissions Office

7901 4th St N, #26232, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

 

Eldermont University affirms the value of faith-integrated learning. Credit may be awarded for theology, pastoral ministry, missionary work, and other biblically grounded disciplines when learning outcomes align with academic standards.

 

📖 “Let the wise listen and add to their learning.” – Proverbs 1:5