Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I'm an adult with work, family, social, and community commitments. How does PIL fit into my life?
A majority of PIL students are "non-traditional." They have families, active careers outside of the University, and many are active in their communities. PIL students may attend the University on a full- or part-time basis. Students tell us that work completed through PIL blends well with their activities outside of the University.

How long will it take me to complete a degree through PIL?
Most students need a minimum of five terms to complete a PIL degree. The length of time needed depends on:

  • the amount of college work you have already completed
  • the number of requirements you have already fulfilled
  • whether you are a full-time or part-time student
  • the time needed to complete the courses and projects built into your own unique undergraduate degree plan

Can I get credit for my life and work experience?
Students admitted to PIL may design individualized study projects that allow them to demonstrate college-level learning gained outside of a University of Minnesota classroom. These projects may be based on prior learning (knowledge or skills gained before enrolling in PIL 3251), new learning (knowledge or skills gained through work or research conducted during the time of the project registration), or a combination of both.

What is meant by "college-level learning?"
College-level learning is defined as any knowledge or skill that:

  • parallels the learning involved in a university class or university-approved internship
  • involves the study of theory, as well as skill development
  • may be generalized in other academic settings
  • incorporates the reading of appropriate academic texts and journals
  • may be evaluated by a national agency such as the American Council on Education

Do I have to come to campus in order to complete a PIL degree?
Yes. All students admitted to PIL must attend our degree planning seminar and at least one project-planning seminar on campus. PIL seminars are offered during evening hours, typically from 5 to 9 p.m. In addition, certain required courses are not available outside of the University. Many courses, however, are offered either in the evening or via the Independent and Distance Learning Program.

Will my prior college work count toward my PIL degree?
PIL will accept only coursework graded A, B, or C. In addition, college-level work completed outside the University of Minnesota may be evaluated by the Office of the Registrar for transfer into the University. In some cases (such as with coursework completed at a technical college) this transfer may not be automatic. In these cases, PIL may request coursework be evaluated on an individual basis, if it is an essential part of your baccalaureate degree plan.

Can I use financial aid to pay for courses required for a PIL degree?
If you are eligible for financial aid, you may use the aid awarded to cover tuition for all University of Minnesota registrations. Financial aid may be awarded at only one college or university at a time. If you select to simultaneously complete some course or project work here at the University of Minnesota and some at another institution, your financial aid award will be based solely on your University of Minnesota registrations. In addition, financial aid awards are based on academic progress as measured by total credits. A PIL degree is criteria-based, not credit-based, and academic progress is measured by a different set of requirements. For more information, contact the Office of Student Finance.

Is a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from PIL a legitimate University of Minnesota degree?
Yes. PIL degrees are fully accredited and are granted by the University of Minnesota through the College of Continuing Education. The University of Minnesota is accredited by the North Central Accreditation Association.

What is the history of PIL?
PIL was one of 17 original University Without Walls (UWW) programs established in 1970 at universities throughout the United States. Its mission was to assist returning adult students in overcoming obstacles such as scheduling, work, and family as they made decisions to pursue baccalaureate degrees. In 1986, UWW changed its name to the Program for Individualized Learning. PIL was designated as a program that would enable students to create their own degrees in areas of study unavailable through the other colleges within the University and that would acknowledge experiential learning as part of students' degree programs. The combination of flexibility, individualization, and use of prior learning became the PIL hallmarks, along with extensive academic advising and faculty involvement. In 1997, PIL joined the College of Continuing Education—its current academic home within the University of Minnesota.