The unique structure and flexibility of the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) Program allows students to utilize a variety of options to complete graduation requirements.

In addition to taking courses at Northeastern Illinois University and other universities or colleges, students may use transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions as well as credits earned through standardized college level proficiency examinations.

Students also have the option of applying for academic credit through the assessment of a Prior Learning Portfolio which describes and documents college equivalent learning acquired outside the traditional college classroom.

What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a written documented description of college equivalent learning acquired  from actual or practical experience.  The student's learning must be comparable to what students generally learn from taking a course in a college or university.

Preparing to Write a Prior Learning Portfolio

There are three steps for preparing to write a portfolio.

1. Be admitted to the BAIS Program and schedule an appointment for advising with a BAIS Advisor.


2. Obtain preliminary instructions and a Portfolio Information Packet from a BAIS Advisor.


3. Attend an on-campus Portfolio Development Session I and Session II workshop.

    

To find out more information about the prior learning portfolio and Portfolio Development Workshops, please contact us at 773.442.6030 or email us at jp-jans@neiu.edu