Professional Portfolio Pathway FAQs

Below are general answers to questions about the Professional Portfolio Pathway. However, our academic advisors can help you with further information, explanation of any answers, as well as answers about your specific experience and pursuit of a degree.

How do I contact an advisor?

Advisors can be reached by phone at (214) 333-5337 or through email at professional@dbu.edu. Indicate that you have questions about the Professional Portfolio when you call or email.

Who is a good candidate for the Professional Portfolio Pathway?

An ideal student for this program would be a working adult with at least 5 years of professional experience. The Portfolio helps students earn elective credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Do I pay for the credits I receive from the portfolio?

Students will pay for the PRST 3305 - Professional Learning course at current tuition rates, plus a special fee for evaluating the portfolio. If you are taking the class online, you will pay the tuition rate for exclusively online students. Students do not pay tuition for the hours they are awarded through the portfolio. View current tuition and fees

Do I have to petition for 30 hours?

No. You may petition for anywhere from 3 to 30 hours. We recommend petitioning for at least 3 hours over the amount you want to receive.

How much time does the Professional Portfolio class require per week?

The Professional Portfolio class is typically offered online. You can expect to spend about 15-18 hours per week reviewing course content and working on your portfolio.

If I am a current DBU student, can I do the Professional Portfolio Pathway?

Yes, reach out to your advisor now to let them know of your interest and to see if the program is best for you.

Can I take another class while taking the Professional Portfolio course?

We recommended that students avoid taking other classes while taking the the portfolio class. If other courses are desired or needed for financial aid purposes, consider a mini-term or select a course of personal interest for the second course. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information if you have questions. 

What is the minimum number of hours I can petition for through the portfolio?

You may petition for as little as 3 hours; however, DBU designed the Professional Portfolio Pathway to save you time and money by earning up to 30 hours of credit in one semester. If you only need 3 hours, the portfolio may not be your best option.

What kind of courses can I petition for credit?

Students may petition for courses in a any field related to their professional experience. Typically, these courses will be in areas such as business, Christian ministry, communications, marketing, or healthcare management.

Am I required to work in the same field as the course for which I am requesting credit?

No, as long as you have the skill set and the documentation to show the knowledge you have gained from your professional experience is equivalent to a college course, you may petition for credit in any area.

How will the credit hours I receive through the portfolio be applied to my degree?

Credit hours earned through the Professional Portfolio satisfy elective credits in the BBS and BAS degree plans. Students in the BAS in Interdisciplinary Studies may fulfill up to 15 hours of their major requirements.

What does a final portfolio look like? 

Completed portfolios are submitted to evaluators digitally and resemble a website. The student's portfolio includes their course petitions, resume, autobiography, and all documentation to substantiate the student's professional experience.

How long after the course ends will I find out which credits I’ve been awarded?

Usually, the portfolio evaluation process takes 6-8 weeks. Due to the time that it takes to evaluate a portfolio, you are not allowed to take the portfolio class in your final semester before graduating.

How will credit from the portfolio appear on my transcript?

Students will receive three hours of credit and a grade for the Professional Portfolio course. The credit hours awarded for each course petition from the portfolio will appear on the student’s transcript with the course prefix and number outlined in the petition, but it will not have a grade listed for that course.