Welcome to the Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Program
Your experience, Your time, Your education.
MDC portfolio-based assessment programs are designed in an accelerated and flexible online format for working professionals. MDC has partnered with industries and community organizations across South Florida that are dedicated to supporting their workforce both academically and professionally. Leverage your work experience in a particular field to earn college credit in a related academic program of study. MDC’s portfolio assessment programs are designed to allow students to enroll simultaneously in academic courses while completing your portfolio assessment.
What is a Portfolio-Based Assessment?
Miami Dade College offers a limited number of Portfolio Options. A prior learning portfolio describes and documents relevant knowledge gained from experiential learning and equates that knowledge to academic courses. The portfolio consists of a learning narrative and supporting documentation of verified learning. Portfolios are assessed by qualified faculty to determine mastery of the equivalent college course. The Office of Prior Learning can assist you in learning more about the available portfolio options at MDC.
NOTE: Criteria related to work experience (i.e. number or years of employment, roles in a supervisory capacity, etc.) varies based on the academic program. No language courses, courses with labs, or lab courses are permitted as part of the portfolio assessment.
- Be admitted to MDC as a degree or certificate-seeking student
- Maintain a minimum 2.00 term GPA and 2.00 cumulative GPA as noted on the academic transcript
- Have completed or been placed in ENC1101
- Student must not have previously attempted to complete a portfolio for the course.
- Student must not have previously received a grade of A, B, C, or S in the course.
- Student may not be registered for the course and simultaneously take a portfolio-based assessment.
- Any exceptions to the above must be approved by the campus Dean of Faculty or Academic School Dean.
The 25% residency requirement of the College cannot be satisfied through portfolio.
The first step for all prospective students is to apply to MDC. Once enrolled, you should submit a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Questionnaire outlining your previous work experience. You can fill out your Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Questionnaire. Upon receipt, the PLA Coordinator will review your questionnaire and schedule an appointment with you to discuss the request for portfolio-based assessment.
If you are currently enrolled at MDC, the Office of Prior Learning strongly recommends that you meet with either an academic advisor or your academic department chairperson to determine if you meet the criteria for portfolio administration. Academic advisors and chairpersons can send an email to pla@mdc.edu referring you for portfolio evaluation.
MDC partners with a variety of industries and community organizations that offer employee incentive programs. If you are currently employed with one of our partnering organizations, please contact your Human Resources Office, as they may be required to submit a referral on your behalf.
- Assessment Fee - $30 per credit
- Fees are subject to change.
- MDC assessment fees are non-refundable/non-transferable.