Accelerated Degree Completion Program FAQs
What makes this degree program an accelerated one?
- Most classes are completed in five (5) weeks.
- Students gather once a week for four (4) hours and after five (5) weeks, move on to the next course in the major sequence.
What makes Concordia's Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults different?
- It's a Personalized approach to adult learning. No two people have the same academic background or life experiences. Concordia takes the time to work with you to determine the best course of action for earning your Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Strong peer support. Concordia follows the cohort delivery model where students move through major course work together, forming a community of learners. It's a critical part of success for adult students, and one that's often overlooked in other programs.
- Strong faculty who understand the balancing act facing adult learners in today's society. We understand the challenges before you, and are committed to helping you on your way to success.
- Learning opportunities in a Christian, values-based environment.
- Development of a professional portfolio. In addition to serving as part of your academic and personal achievement, your Senior Project also will serve as part of your professional portfolio -- an invaluable job tool when you're pursuing that new position.
- Guaranteed, sequential major course offerings, so your progress through the program will be timely.
- Concordia University is located on a beautiful, 40-acre campus, just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, accessible by convenient, public transportation.
- Ample, free parking in the University's parking structure.
What kind of a job can I expect upon completing the program?
- Students who complete the Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults are typically changing jobs, entering the professional or business world for the first time, or are already employed and seeking to increase their earning potential by growing into areas of greater responsibility. Earning your degree is a springboard to bigger and better things -- both professionally and personally.
- Some graduates have gone on to earn higher degrees, or entered law school; some have even started their own businesses -- it's up to you.
When and where do groups form?
- Cohorts are offered four times a year: January, February and twice in September.
- Call 1-877-CUChicago / 1-877-282-4422 for on- and off-campus site information.
When do classes meet?
- Students attend one class one night per week, from 6-10 p.m., or from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Generally, students earn three (3) semester hours credit in five (5) weeks.
Is Concordia's Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults right for you?
- Yes - If you're an adult who is determined to finish your degree, we believe this program will exceed your expectations of learning.
- Yes - If you're motivated and willing to learn with and from others, theAccelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults will be the perfect fit.
- Yes - If you appreciate working toward this goal in a Christian setting, supported by a caring faculty and staff, the Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults is the right choice for you.
What about credit for prior college-level learning?
- A student entering the program may earn up to 32 semester hours from such sources as workshops, seminars, self-study, training programs or prior work experience. Prior college-level learning acquired from these sources is evaluated by an academic advisor, and may result in credit hours being awarded. Please consult your Adult Academic Advisor for alternative methods of earning college credit.
Do college credits have an expiration date?
- No. Undergraduate college credits earned at a regionally accredited institution do not expire.
How long will it take to complete your undergraduate degree through the Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults?
- That depends on the number of semester hours or quarter hours of credit you have at the time of your application for admission, and how willing you are to make a commitment to learning with and from other adults in an accelerated format.
- We're willing to work with you to determine the path
that's right for you as an individual.
By attending class once a week for four (4) hours, some students can complete the course work in the major in approximately 16-18 months, others earn a four-year degree in two-and-one-half to three years.
This is because some students need other course work
outside the major to fulfill graduation requirements.
These courses also are delivered in the accelerated
format -- in some cases online -- and may be taken before,
during, or after the student has enrolled in the major
course work.
- The total number of semester hours of credit required to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management is 128.
- We start by evaluating the college credit you've already earned, transferring those credits into your degree-completion plan, applying them to the required 128 semester hours, and identifying the courses you still need to complete your degree. Once this is accomplished, you'll have a clear picture of exactly your requirements will be - no surprises.
Do you qualify for admission to Accelerated Degree Completion Program for Adults if you have no college credits?
- Yes, but you would be accepted as a Track 1 student. That means you wouldn't start the major courses until you've accrued at least 29 semester hours of general requirement course work. However, if you apply for admission as a Track 1 student, you have the advantage of working with the advising staff, who is committed to helping you navigate your course to earning your bachelor's degree. You'll know exactly what courses to enroll in to position yourself for full Track 2 admission.
- Often, Track 1 students enroll in Express Courses (see listing) at Concordia, take courses at a community college, take CLEP exams, earn credit for prior (on-the-job) learning, or a combination of these. Certificates for on-the-job training should be submitted with your admission application for evaluation.
