What are accelerated terms?

Professional Studies terms are eight weeks long, rather than the 16-week terms held during the day.  The five terms begin in August, October, January, March, and June.  Students normally take one or two classes (three to seven semester hours) in each eight-week term, which makes two to four classes (six to fourteen hours) over the 16 weeks of the fall or spring semester.  A student who takes 12 hours or more over the two eight-week terms in either the fall or the spring semester is considered full time for financial aid purposes.

How many credits can I earn per year?

A student who takes two courses worth three credit hours each in each of the five eight-week terms can earn 30 credit hours over the year (2 courses x 3 credit hours x 5 terms per year).  Course work varies, depending on individual choices.

Can I take more than two courses per term?

Professional Studies students may register for more than seven hours per eight-week term if they receive written permission of the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies.

When do classes meet?

CBU's evening classes meet in any one of three ways.

• On-campus classes meet on CBU's campus once each week, either in the evenings Monday through Thursday or on Saturday mornings.
• On-line classes do not have a set meeting time.  Students study and complete assignments from their own computers at their convenience.
• Hybrid classes have an on-line component that students complete at their convenience, but the entire class also meets with the instructor on CBU's campus once each week.  This format is especially useful for science classes, which have a laboratory component.

Will my credit from previous colleges or universities transfer to CBU?

College-level credits earned at other colleges or universities will be accepted by CBU if the credits meet CBU's transfer criteria.  Each case is considered individually.  In general, the institution granting the credit must be regionally accredited and the student must have earned a grade of "C" or better in the course.

Are there any other ways to earn college credit?

Professional Studies students may receive credit in three additional ways:

• The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), administered by the College Board, features nationally-normed tests.  Students who present appropriate test scores may earn college credit at CBU.
• Challenge Exams are available for specific courses at CBU.  These courses are determined by the Department Chair, and the tests are comprehensive final exams that are written and administered by faculty members at CBU.
• Experiential Assessment is a procedure in which a student may be granted credit for college-level knowledge and understanding related to the student's degree program and gained from non-college instruction.

For more information about these credit alternatives, contact a Professional Studies Advisor at (901) 321-3291 or evening@cbu.edu.