Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main idea behind Continuing Studies Program?
Alvernia's evening and Saturday programs are designed to meet the needs of adults who wish to pursue a college education at night or on weekends. Adult students usually have primary roles different from those of traditional students. Often they are parents and full-time or part-time employees and usually are beyond traditional college age. The staff and faculty who make up Alvernia's evening and Saturday programs work hard to fulfill the educational goals of adult learners.

Where would I attend class?
Classes are held at three convenient locations: Alvernia's campus in Reading, Alvernia's Schuylkill Center in Pottsville, and Alvernia's Philadelphia Center in Melrose Park. There are also other offsite locations at times, please check with the Continuing Studies Division for updates.

What degrees and majors are available?
Alvernia offers associate's and bachelor's degrees. Evening students may select from the following list of majors: Behavior Health Studies, Business Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, Business Marketing and Planning, Corporate Communications, Adv. Professional Studies, Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Criminal Justice (Schuylkill Center and Phila. campus) and Computer Systems Management.

How many credits are required for a degree from Alvernia College?
Sixty-seven credits are required for an associate's degree and 123 credits are required for a bachelor's degree.

How are courses scheduled?
Courses are scheduled in seven-week modules (mods) six times a year. Each class meets two evenings a week for seven weeks. For example, courses are scheduled for either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Class times are 5:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. 

How many courses can be taken in a mod?
Many students take two courses per mod which is considered full-time; others take one course per mod which is considered part-time. Only in special cases do students take more than two courses in a mod.

Is there someone who can help me sort out my options?
We welcome and encourage you to meet with an Alvernia advisor. We will do our best to explain the program to you and answer all your questions. Please call Jessica Hinkel at the Graduate and Continuing Studies division, 610-796-3013, to make an appointment. We have day and evening office hours for your convenience.

When should I fill out my application?
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible so that there is enough time for processing financial aid and planning your schedule. The sooner we receive the application, the sooner you will be accepted as a matriculated student into the program of your choice. Please submit your application and the $25 fee to the Jessica Hinkel in the Graduate Center.

Do I have to submit additional documents?
When applying to a degree program, you must have official transcripts sent to the college from your high school as well as any other post-secondary institution where you earned credits.

What are my chances of being accepted?
We have an open admissions policy. You do not have to compete with other students for acceptance. If you have a high school diploma or G.E.D., you are qualified to apply.

What does it mean to be matriculated?
Matriculated students are students who have completed an application, paid the fee, provided the required transcripts, and who have been officially accepted into a degree program.

Do I have to enroll in a degree program?
No. You are welcome to take courses for personal enrichment or professional advancement. Some students who do this choose to transfer their credits into a degree program at a later date.

How much will my education cost?
Alvernia's tuition rate is one of the lowest of private four-year colleges in Pennsylvania. Tuition is $340 per credit. Payment may be made in cash, check, or major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Will my credits from another college or business school transfer into my Alvernia program?
Alvernia accepts transfer credits from most accredited institutions. Credits from schools that operate on a quarter-hour system will be converted to their semester-hour equivalent at Alvernia.

If I need financial aid, when should I apply?
Students who need financial aid should apply as soon as possible to allow time for the processing of paperwork. Both part-time and full-time matriculated students may be eligible for aid. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available at the college or online at www.fasfa.ed.gov. Stafford Loan forms are available at local lending institutions. We recommend a personal interview with a financial aid officer. You may contact that office during regular business hours at 610-796-8213, or call our toll free number, 1-888-Alvernia, and ask for financial aid.

 

 

Updated: November 9, 2007

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