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Frequently Asked Questions (Accelerated Programs)

What is the purpose of the adult degree completion accelerated program?
The purpose of the adult degree completion accelerated program is to provide students an opportunity to complete a traditional undergraduate degree in an accelerated manner compatible with their needs and lifestyles.

What degrees are offered?
Adults who complete the degree program are awarded a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree by Lewis University. Students may choose from the following areas:

  • Business Administration
  • Management
  • Information Technology Management
  • Healthcare Leadership
  • RN/BSN completion
  • Applied Sociology and Political Science
  • Bachelors to BSN

Established in 1932, Lewis offers many quality programs to meet the higher education needs of students. The University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, and serves approximately 5,200 students a year through a variety of programs at the bachelor and master’s levels.

What are the entrance requirements?
Applicants should be 24 years of age, have 3 years of work experience, or have successfully completed 32 semester credit hours of college-level learning (credits may be offered for such standard forms as prior college coursework, and military experience).

What is the course format?
Most three-semester credit hour courses are completed in five-week or eight-week sessions; nine sessions are scheduled each year. Courses normally meet once a week Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. or on Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m. The academic focus is on relevant state of the art knowledge and techniques. Small class sizes and a seminar atmosphere accentuate the adult-oriented approach, which allows students to earn a highly respected degree in a relatively short time.

How much out-of-class work should I anticipate?
There are two factors that need to be considered:

  1. The first is your level of understanding of a particular subject. If you happen to work in that particular field, then that subject matter will require less time than an area that is new to you.

  2. The second will be the demands you place on yourself. Students spend an average of 15 hours on out of class work per course each week. This estimate will vary from student to student and course to course.

How long will it take to complete my degree program?
There is no set time limit for completion, but it is expected that students will make steady progress either by taking courses, passing proficiency examinations or working on a Prior Learning Portfolio.

Who are the faculty?
Faculty are working professionals who have experience in the field as well as in teaching adult students. Each holds a master’s and/or doctoral degree, and bring a rich blend of academic background as well as practical, professional experience to the classroom setting. All faculty members have completed a rigorous assessment process before being selected to instruct.

What is the tuition?
The total cost of the program will depend on the number of courses you need to complete. 2005-2006 fees are listed below. All charges are subject to change.

Application Fee: $40
Tuition for classes: $499 per credit hour (most courses are 3 sem. hr.)
Accelerated ITM courses and College of Business seminars: $593 per credit hour

Is financial aid available?
Students may seek financial assistance through grants, loans, and scholarship programs. For additional information, contact the Office of Financial Aid Services at (815) 836-5263. Most adult students have tuition reimbursement programs from their organization. If we can help provide any necessary documentation to your workplace, please let us know.

Where are courses held?
Courses are offered at each of the Lewis campuses and can be viewed in detail at www.lewisu.edu/campuses, along with a listing of the degree programs offered and driving directions.

In addition to the Lewis University suburban campuses, courses are offered on-site at regional healthcare centers and online.

What will this degree do for me?
A bachelor’s degree can lead to career advancement in your current profession, or give you the option to change career paths.

Is this program right for me?
The decision to enter a college degree program is an important decision. It affects not only you and your lifestyle but also your family. Earning this degree will require additional work outside of class, and will likely involve the restructuring of some of your other activities. We believe that you will find, as others have, that the satisfaction of achieving your personal and professional goals will more than compensate for such temporary sacrifices.

What is my next step?
If you would like to apply for admission to the program, please call to reserve a seat at our next Information Session, apply online at www.lewisu.edu/admissions/application.htm or send in your application with fee and have your official transcripts forwarded to our office. We will contact you when your materials have been received.

Contact us at:
Lewis University
School of Professional and Continuing Education
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
(p): (815) 836-5570
(f): (815) 838-8990
e-mail: acceleratedprogram@lewisu.edu

Additional Support Services for Adult Accelerated Students
The University is committed to providing all of our students with the types of services they need to be successful in their degree program. You may find more details on each of the services by clicking on any of the following links: Academic Resources, the Library, Follett’s Bookstore, Information Services, Campus Security, and the Recreation and Fitness Center.


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