Requirements for Adults Entering Degree Completion Programs (Accelerated Programs)
Lewis University offers undergraduate accelerated degree programs for working adults. Current programs offered in this delivery format can be found at www.lewisu.edu/academics/spce/.
To be admitted, accelerated students should have earned a minimum of 30 semester hours of transferable credit at a regionally-accredited post-secondary institution which includes College Writing 1 (or equivalent); have earned a minimum of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative transfer grade point average (higher for some majors) based upon all transferable courses; demonstrate evidence of significant work experience or military training. Applicants who do not meet one or more of these criteria may apply for provisional admission but must submit a personal statement for review by SGPCE. The personal statement outlines a plan for achieving success in an adult accelerated program at Lewis University. Transfer admissions counselors guide applicants through the process.
RN/BSN: A nursing degree completion major must be a registered professional nurse in Illinois; must be a graduate of a state-approved diploma, associate’s degree, or foreign nursing program; must have attained a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA for transfer credits (see specific program information).
Students in traditional, 16-week academic programs may register for an accelerated course offered through SGPCE. Students must meet with their academic advisor to complete a form that confirms the request for enrollment and provides approval when appropriate into an accelerated course. Students must have completed 30 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (4.0 scale).
To apply for admission, students should complete an Application for Admission through the Office of Graduate and Adult Admission and submit official transcripts from each college/university the student has previously attended. Evaluation of transfer credit is based on the following criteria:
- Credits transfer from schools accredited by The Higher Learning Commission or another regional accrediting association.
- A maximum of four credit hours will transfer in physical education activity courses.
- “D” grades will not be accepted as transfer credit.
- A maximum of 72 semester hours of community college credits (or credits from a two-year school) may be accepted at the time of admission. Additional community college credits may be accepted if included in a Lewis University articulation or consortium agreement.
- An unlimited number of hours will be accepted from upper division/senior institutions as long as 32 hours, including 12 hours of upper-division major courses and six hours of Mission-based courses, are completed at Lewis.
- Developmental and or remedial courses completed at another institution are not transferable.
- There are no time limits with respect to when credits were earned in order to be accepted for transfer.
- Course grades do not transfer.