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DISTANCE LEARNING - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS







If you are looking for information on our Graduate Level programs, please visit the Graduate School Admissions page. You can request a preliminary unofficial evaluation of transfer credits within the Transferring Credit to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµsection below. 

About Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ& Distance Learning at WCU

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµwas founded in 1889 to bring higher education and career opportunities to the western region of North Carolina. A member of the University of North Carolina system, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµnow provides an education to more than 10,000 students from 48 states and 35 countries. Read more

Distance learning at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµhas been around for many years, but as time has passed we have been able to add more programs to our selection of offerings. Distance programs are designed for full-time working adults who want to return to college to complete a degree they already started, many of them years ago. It is our goal to have programs suited to working adults, that provide both affordability through NC Promise and flexbility in the online modality. 

Is online learning right for me? 

Online learning can be a great option for working adults who need a way finish their degree while maintaining a full-time job. This is perfect for the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµDistance programs, as they are designed to be part-time, and almost all of our classes are asynchronous in nature. All distance students have to be considered transfer students, as these are degree completion programs. Below are some key considerations you should consider before enrolling in an online program as a working adult:
1. Purpose and Motivation: Why do you want to finish your degree? What are your personal, professional, and financial goals for earning this degree? Am I doing this for career advancement, a career change, personal fulfillment, or another reason?
2. Time and Commitment: Do I have the time to commit to coursework each week (probably 6-9 hours per week/per course)? How will I balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities? Am I prepared for the discipline and self motivation required for online or hybrid learning formats?
3. Financial Readiness: How will I pay for tuition, books, and fees? Am I eligible for financial aid, scholarships, or employer tuition assistance? What is the return on investment (ROI) for this degree in my field or desired career? 
4. Academic Preparedness: How long has it been since I was in school and are there things I need to "brush up" on? Do I feel confident in my reading, writing, and technology skills - how can I better prepare myself?
5. Support Systems: Do I have a support system for this journey? What supports would I need to ensure the university has for me as a learner?

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out! We would love to chat with you about our programs, application processes, and services at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ- distance@wcu.edu

There are a few tools you can use to help determine how your credit may transfer to WCU. 

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµRegistrar's Office - Credits Earned Elsewhere: The Registrar's Office has a look-up tool for both NCCC, and credits earned from all colleges or universities Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµhas previously accepted credit from. If you do not see an institution or course listed, please email distance@wcu.edu for assistance. If you are looking for Sophia Learning, Straighterline, or other less traditional transfer credit please select "District of Columbia" for "State" and "American Council on Education" for "Institution". 

: After reviewing all these resources, if you would like for us to perform a preliminary evaluation of your previous credits, simply fill out the request form and we'll take a look. Preliminary evaluations usually take 1-2 weeks to complete. They are not official, nor a guarantee of transfer of your credits, but they will help provide you a good idea of what you can expect from transfer.

: The contains thousands of equivalencies between military occupations and training and academic courses at the 16 universities in the UNC System. Before applying for admission, prospective students can use the resource to determine how experience from their Joint Services Transcript (JST) equates to specific courses at the state’s public universities.  The Military Equivalency System also provides a transparent and streamlined way for students and institutions to review the JST at any time before or during enrollment.

Testing for Credit: The College Level Exam Program (CLEP) and Dante's Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are a common way to fulfill course work using knowledge you have gained through life-experience and means other than transferable college credit. We accept over 30 CLEP tests and nearly 40 DSST exams to cover common subject areas.

College of Business Self Assessment Guides: Our Business Programs currently offer a self assessment guide to assist students interested in those programs in finding coursework that will help with program requirements.

All distance students have to be considered transfer students, as these are degree completion programs. It is important that students understand this piece before they consider applying to our distance learning programs. 

Distance Learning programs have a two-step process for Admission. First is admission to the University, and second is admission to the program. The University and program can have different requirements for admission. The Distance and Online Programs page allows you to view individual requirements for each program. You will want to review the program page, University transfer requirements, Steps to Apply page, and the Step 2 Application Process page for the details on each step of this process. 

When you have reviewed the information and are ready to apply, you can apply within our . All portions of the application process are now within the including all secondary application steps. 

If you are returning to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµand were previously a different major or you were previously a residential (campus) student, you will follow the directions within the "new applicant to distance learning" tab.

If you are returning to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµand you were previously not in good academic standing, please review the Statement of Academic Intent page, so that you know what you will need to provide when you re-apply. Also, if you are transferring in additional credit or updated transcripts, please make sure you have official transcripts submitted along with your application so we can review those requirements. 

For students who are returning from the distance major they were previously, back to the same distance major your process may look slightly different depending on major. Please contact distance@wcu.edu if you have questions about your process, but do review the information on the Secondary Application information page. Also, some programs will admit students who are returning back to the same distance major they were previously after indicated deadlines (it highly depends on space). 

For students looking to return to a major that is not listed on our programs page, please know that these are the only majors Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµdistance learning offers at this time, and you do have to meet the requirements to get into the major as indicated on their secondary applicaiton tab. If you need to discuss options further, and you have at least 90 total credit hours, we will recommend you start with the Finish Line program

Liberal Studies Information: All undergraduate online degree programs have a core of liberal studies classes that are required. Most students will have some or all of these credits completed prior to enrolling. Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµoffers many of these courses online to allow you to complete any missing requirements. You can view our matrix of Liberal Studies Courses to see the requirements and the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµequivalents.

Tuition and Fees Information: Please visit Distance Learning Tuition and Fees.

Financial Aid at WCU: The Office of Financial Aid is ready to assist students with funding their education. Information on available programs and application procedures can be found on Financial Aid.

VA and Military Tuition Assitance: WCU's Office of Military Student Services is ready to assist you with using your Veterans or Military Tuition Assistance.

Computer Requirements: All students must have a computer with reliable access to the internet. Assignments may include accessing Internet resources, Canvas, Go to Meeting, email, the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµlibrary, proctering serivces or a lockdown browser, and the home page of an instructor. Speakers and microphone and or Web-cam may be required for some classes. Students should have access to standard Microsoft Office software. Students who would like to learn more about Technology at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµand Requirement should visit our IT Tech Commons page. For information specific to computer requirements visit the Student Computer Purchasing page

Support Services for Distance and Online Students: Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ offers a wide variety of services for online students. Students can access their student records, pay tuition, view schedules, register for classes, and order books completely online. Students also have access to online tutoring services 24 hours a day via Brainfuse.

Accreditation & State Authorization

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State Authorization Information