Credit by Portfolio

The Credit by Portfolio option allows eligible IST students to substitute their full-time work experience for the internship requirement by submitting a portfolio of technical work samples. These samples should demonstrate skills comparable to, or exceeding, those of a typical internship.

If approved, you will be enrolled in IST 295B(p) for associate degree students or IST 495(p) for bachelor’s degree students to receive full academic credit.

You must be enrolled in the College of IST or Division of Undergraduate Studies.
You must have worked full-time in an IT/IS-related field for at least six months in the past two years.
Work samples must be no more than two years old.
Projects should be comparable to or exceed typical internship duties.
Samples must reflect a deep understanding of and show significant hands-on experience in the professional IT field.

Deadlines are set to meet graduation timelines and will be shared upon review of your Intent to Register form and proposal.
You can start the Credit by Portfolio process at any time, but you must submit the completed portfolio within one year of your proposal being approved.
Completed portfolios must be submitted at least four weeks before the last day of classes in the semester you plan to graduate.
Remember that non-disclosure agreements may be required by your employer, which can significantly delay the process.

IST 295B(p) Intent to Register (to be submitted in step #1 with proposal)
IST 495(p) Intent to Register (to be submitted in step #1 with proposal)
Portfolio Cover Page (to be signed and submitted with final portfolio)

Do not register for internship credit through your local campus, as credit will be applied after your portfolio is approved.
Confirm with your employer if a non-disclosure agreement is required.
Approved portfolios will not receive a grade; instead, they will be listed as “credit awarded by portfolio assessment” on your transcript.
The assessment fee is non-refundable. Minor portfolio adjustments can be resubmitted; however, if major revisions or rejection occur, the fee is forfeited.

Request Approval

Contact the Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement to confirm that your portfolio will meet eligibility requirements and is appropriate for this option. Then, wait for email approval from the Career Solutions office before proceeding.
Submit Request Through LionPATH

Log in to LionPATH, then navigate to “Transfer Credit” > “Prior Learning Request.” Submit the required information and accept the policy.

College evaluators will review your request and follow up with next steps. Your bursar account will be billed the $150 assessment fee.
Compile Your Portfolio

After your request is approved, complete your project reports and compile your portfolio as instructed. Include all written project reports, a signed portfolio cover page/verification form, and any applicable disclosure agreements.
Submit Your Portfolio

Upload your portfolio as one file through LionPATH and pay the assessment fee via your bursar account.
Portfolio Review and Credit Awarding

Faculty will review your portfolio. If accepted, the internship credit will be added to your transcript.

Students with an acceptable portfolio will receive credit for IST 295B or IST 495, noted as “Work Experience Credit PORTFOLIO Transferred to Term FA 20YY as IST 495 Internship 1.000 TR.”

Credit by Portfolio

Questions? Contact us.

Legal Statements

Credit by Portfolio

Questions? Contact us.

Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement

Legal Statements