The following are questions that prospective adult students often ask. We encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss your particular needs and concerns but provide this basic information to assist you in evaluating your educational options.

• How long will it take to complete my degree?
• Will credits transfer from business and technical schools?
• Can I receive credit for lifelong learning experience?
• Is there any other way in which I can receive credit without attending formal classes?
• Will I have an advisor while I am in the program?
• Is financial aid available?
• What are the options for payment of tuition?
• Is it possible to "drop out" of classes for a term?
• Is there an admissions test?
• I'm a little nervous about coming back to school or coming for the first time. Will I have difficulty with the demands and workload?
• What support and academic services are available to me?
• Math and English have never been strong subjects for me.
• What if I have to miss a class because of work?

How long will it take to complete my degree?
The accelerated bachelor's degree can be completed in four years by taking two courses every Saturday or online. Each term is eight weeks in length and there are five terms per academic year. If you have credits from other colleges or universities, it will take less time depending on the number of transferable credits. You must complete a minimum of 30 credits in order to earn a bachelor's degree at Duquesne University.

Graduate degrees are 36 credits and can be completed in two years. Graduate courses are approximately 15 weeks in length and two courses can be taken per term. There are three terms per year.

Will credits transfer from business and technical schools?
Transfer credits are accepted from two and four-year institutions that are regionally accredited. A "C" grade or better must be earned in order for a course to transfer.

Is there any other way in which I can receive credit without attending formal classes?
There are a variety of ways to earn credit. You can take CLEP exams (College Level Examination Program) for designated courses. If you receive an adequate score, credit will be rewarded. There are some classes offered through various companies that have been designated for credit by the American Council on Education. Students can also earn college credit from their military experience. A DD214 must be submitted for credit review.

Will I have an advisor while I am in the program?
Advisors are assigned as you enter the program and will continue to work with you until you complete the degree. The advisor will assist you in selecting courses each term and will answer any questions that arise. Advisors are available by phone, email, in person and via live chat.

Is financial aid available?
Provided you meet the specific guidelines for the various grant and loan programs, financial aid is available. For more information, please see www.duq.edu/financialaid or call 412.396.6607.

What are the options for payment of tuition?
If your company provides tuition reimbursement, a deferred billing plan is available. A payment plan is also available for students without corporate reimbursement.

Is it possible to "drop out" of classes for a term?
Because of work, family and other responsibilities, adults occasionally must skip a term. You are not penalized for missing a term. A missed term may affect availability of required courses but there is enough flexibility built into this program that students should be able to get back on track with little difficulty. Graduate degrees must be completed within six years.

Is there an admissions test?
SATs are not required for undergraduate admissions. GRE, GMAT and other similar tests are not required for application to graduate programs.

I'm a little nervous about coming back to school or coming for the first time. Will I have difficulty with the demands and workload?
All undergraduate students are required to take the Adult Transition Seminar. ATS is a course specially designed to prepare incoming adult students for the academic challenges they will encounter in Duquesne University's accelerated program. ATS provides adult students with enhanced skills in areas such as writing, time management, and critical thinking.

What support and academic services are available to me?
Each student has an academic advisor. Advisors are available in the evenings, on Saturdays and online. In addition to an advisor, students in some undergraduate courses have access to a teaching assistant. This individual is a graduate student or professional in that discipline who assists the faculty member in teaching part of the class, works with small groups in class, and provides optional study sessions for the class. Students in the program have access to our online resource center which features learning resources, class schedules, course catalog, student handbook, message board and more!

Math and English have never been strong subjects for me.
This comment is not uncommon. However, time and maturity have a way of improving our listening skills, our dedication to our studies, and a commitment to achieving our goals. The Adult Transition Seminar, coupled with very dedicated faculty and teaching assistants, will help students to succeed in challenging courses.

What if I have to miss a class because of work?
Communicating with your instructor is the first step. Be sure to inform them as soon as the schedule conflict arises. Also, make arrangements with a classmate to get missed notes and class assignments for any on-campus courses.