Course Work

The B.L.S degree consists of the General Education Core Curriculum (45 credits), a concentration (48 credits), and electives (minimum 27 credits) for a total of 120 credits. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and a 2.25 in the Area of Concentration are required. At least 45 credit hours must be upper level and at least 30 semester hours of credit must be University of Maine at Presque Isle course work. Ordinarily, not more than 30 credit hours may be taken in any single discipline.

Plan of study

Soon after enrolling in the B.L.S degree program, the student submits for advisor approval a proposed Plan of Study that lists his/her selection of courses that fulfill the University Requirements and identifies an Area of Concentration. The Area of Concentration will consist of a minimum of 48 credit hours, with at least 24 of those being upper level credits. Areas of Concentration in the B.L.S cannot duplicate majors that are part of an existing baccalaureate degree program or major offered at the University.

Within the B.L.S degree, the student may earn academic credit for prior college-level learning through CLEP/DANTES exams, challenge exams, and the Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment. A student may earn as much as 30 credits for prior learning, of which up to 15 credits may come from CLEP/DANTES or challenge exams and up to 15 credits may come from the Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment.

Credit for Prior Learning

The Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment, a component unique to the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S) Degree Program, allows a student to petition for academic credit for college-level learning achieved outside the classroom. The student prepares and presents a portfolio that demonstrates his/her knowledge and competence in a particular subject area or discipline. The emphasis of the portfolio is upon the demonstration of college-level learning in the subject area and not merely a description of the student's experiences or time spent in a particular employment position. The portfolio is evaluated for demonstrated college-level learning by faculty with expertise in the subject/discipline area. Successful portfolios receive 3 to 15 credits, with the maximum of 15 credits being awarded in exceptional cases of outstanding documentation of college-level learning achieved through long-term or professional-level experience in a given field. Credits awarded through portfolio evaluation are recorded on the student's transcript as "Prior Learning Credit" and may be applied only toward the B.L.S degree.

Transfer of Prior Learning Credits

Prior Learning credits are not transferable in the event of a change of major or degree at UM-Presque Isle and may not be acceptable in transfer to other academic institutions.

Portfolio Presentation

Students wishing to present a portfolio for evaluation meet first with the B.L.S Coordinator to discuss preparation of the portfolio and the evaluation process. The portfolio is presented in duplicate with a copy to be kept in the office of the B.L.S Coordinator. During the evaluation process, the student may be requested to supply additional information or to revise and resubmit a portion of the portfolio. Following faculty evaluation, the portfolio with the faculty's comments and recommendation for credits to be awarded is forwarded to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for final consideration and approval.

Notification

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the student will be notified by the B.L.S Coordinator as to the number of credits awarded.