Building Blocks to a Baccalaureate Degree

Transcription

1 Building Blocks to a Baccalaureate Degree

2 Smart Start The University of Delaware s Associate in Arts Program offers Delawareans all the strengths of a traditional Liberal Arts education and the prestige of a University of Delaware degree. The associate in arts degree is awarded by the University upon completion of the required 60 credits of coursework, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Designed to be completed in two years, the non-residential program begins with a Freshman Seminar designed to promote academic success, along with coursework in Mathematics, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Languages. The associate in arts courses simultaneously fulfill the core requirements for majors leading to the bachelor s degree. Associate in arts students enjoy an uninterrupted transition from the associate degree program to a bachelor s degree program in the junior year.

3 Benefits of the Associate in Arts Program The Associate in Arts Program is designed to encourage successful completion of the associate in arts degree and to allow a smooth transition to baccalaureate studies on the Newark campus. Courses in the Program are UD courses taught by UD faculty and are the same courses taught on the Newark campus. Courses taken for associate in arts degree requirements are recorded on the student s UD transcript in our student records system and will be carried forward to count toward completion of a UD bachelor s degree. Up to 29 credits of courses transferred from other accredited institutions also may be counted toward associate degree completion, if the courses meet degree requirements and if they have been completed with a grade of C or higher. Program participants will receive academic advisement from faculty and full-time professional advisors on each campus. Individual assistance is available in writing and in math, and tutoring can be arranged for other subjects. Students within the Program will carry a UD ID card and will be granted many of the same privileges as UD students at the Newark campus, including admission to athletic events, use of the Morris Library, eligibility to participate in activities such as Marching Band, ROTC, student organizations, study abroad, and more. Students will also be granted access to Delaware Tech facilities on their campus, such as the fitness center, library, bookstore, and more. The curriculum for the associate in arts degree, grounded in the traditional liberal arts, prepares students to enter a broad variety of bachelor s degree majors, and provides students with skills that employers want most, such as proficiency in decision-making and problem-solving, oral and written communication skills, quantitative reasoning ability, the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and the capacity to understand and use different modes of reasoning. The Associate in Arts Program is structured in ways that promote student academic success, offering Small class sizes Close faculty contact Personal attention Curriculum structured to lead students toward an eventual major A close-knit learning community, made possible by a smallcampus environment Freshman seminar in the first semester, focusing on study skills and time management and other essential skills for student success Additional math and writing assistance Substantially reduced tuition perhaps even free, if eligible for a State of Delaware SEED Scholarship.

4 Associate in Arts Degree Requirements and Curriculum Requirement First Year Experience/Freshman Seminar 1 ENGL 110: Critical Reading and Writing 3 University Breadth Requirements: Up to 3 credits in each of 4 academic areas may be used to simultaneously satisfy College of Arts & Sciences Breadth Requirements Multicultural Course 3 Mathematics 3 Credits Foreign Language: One course or exemption, depending on placement in language 0 4 Group A: Creative Arts and Humanities 3 courses in at least two departments 9 Group B: History and Cultural Change 3 courses in at least two departments 9 Group C: Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 courses in at least two departments 9 Group D: Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology 3 courses in at least two departments, including one science with an experimental laboratory Free electives (number depends on degree of overlap with other requirements) 0 16 Minimum Total Credits Required to earn the degree Winning Results Students completing the Associate in Arts Program will graduate with an associate in arts degree from the University of Delaware. Because courses taken in the Associate in Arts Program simultaneously fulfill core requirements for both the associate and the bachelor s degrees, the associate in arts degree serves as a bridge to completion of the bachelor of arts degree at the University of Delaware. All students who earn the associate in arts degree by completing 60 credits of required courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 are guaranteed admission to a major program. In addition, associate in arts graduates may compete on an equal footing for seats in other, more selective majors in Newark. These majors have limited seats and competitive entry requirements that apply to all students, including those completing the associate in arts degree. WILMINGTON NEWARK PENNSYLVANIA NEW CASTLE University of Delaware Campus Locations Delaware Technical & Community College Wilmington Campus University of Delaware Wilmington Campus C&D CANAL University of Delaware Main Campus, Newark MIDDLETOWN Delaware Technical & Community College Terry Campus Elbert N. & Ann V. Carvel Research Education Center MARYLAND NEW CASTLE KENT SMYRNA Delaware Technical & Community College Owens Campus University of Delaware Hugh R. Sharp Campus DOVER UD Degree Options HARRINGTON KENT SUSSEX SEAFORD LAUREL MILFORD GEORGETOWN LEWES Students who begin in the Associate in Arts Program have a variety of options to continue their studies after completing their associate degree. Students who earn the associate in arts degree may continue as juniors at the Newark campus in any of the majors that offer guaranteed seats. Or they may compete on an equal footing with Newark students for seats in selective majors, aiming for any of the more than 120 programs offered at UD in Newark. In addition, a limited number of four-year degrees may be completed at the University of Delaware sites in Southern Delaware. Students who are admitted directly into four-year degree programs as freshmen may choose to begin their University education at one of the University of Delaware campuses in Dover, Georgetown, or downtown Wilmington. Please note, however, that courses appropriate to your fouryear major may not be available at all campuses and also note that the lower tuition for the Associate in Arts Program is available only to students formally enrolled in that Program. Students in four-year majors are charged the full UD tuition rate.

5 Delaware SEED Scholarship Highlights A SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship provides tuition for full-time students enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program at the University of Delaware at the UD campuses located at the Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown campuses of Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC). SEED Scholarships are not offered to students who choose to pursue bachelor s degrees at the University of Delaware in Newark. Eligibility Students must graduate from a Delaware public or non-public high school or home school program. Students must meet the residency requirements of the University of Delaware. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4-point scale or 80% on a 100% scale as stated on the student s official high school transcript. Students must apply to the University of Delaware by January 15 and must be admitted to the University of Delaware s Associate in Arts Program. Students must not have been convicted of a felony. Students must enroll full-time in the Associate in Arts Program at UD no later than the fall immediately following their high school graduation; therefore, returning adult students are not eligible for a SEED scholarship. In order to remain eligible for the scholarship after the first year, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the Associate in Arts Program, take classes full-time, and earn a minimum of 24 academic credits in the academic year. Students must apply for all appropriate forms of financial aid for which the student is eligible and shall have accepted all such financial assistance offered or awarded to the student, except for loans. The University does not use a separate application for SEED Scholarships. Students who wish to be considered for SEED Scholarships must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or, if the student is not eligible to file a FAFSA, the UD Financial Aid Form. The recommended filing date is February 15 but it is essential that families file the FAFSA by the end of February. Scholarship funding will be subject to available appropriation for each fiscal year and program capacity. In selecting students, UD will give priority to students who have the most financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Visit for more SEED Scholarship Program information.

6 Admission to the Associate in Arts Program Prospective students apply for admission to the Associate in Arts Program through the UD Office of Admissions using the regular freshman application. Applications may be found online at www. udel.edu/apply. There is a question on the application supplement which allows applicants to specify that they are applying for the Associate in Arts Program. Students who apply after January 15 will be considered on a space available basis. Applicants must demonstrate scholastic aptitude, motivation for academic achievement, and adequate preparation for degree completion. All Delawareans who demonstrate the capacity to succeed will be admitted to the Program. Applicants must be graduates of accredited secondary schools or have equivalent credentials, and must have completed coursework at the high school level appropriate for continued academic achievement and learning; a complete list of expected high school courses is listed on the Freshman Application for Undergraduate Admission. All applicants must submit SAT and/or ACT scores. Please Note: All Delawareans who apply to a four-year program at the University of Delaware but are not admitted to that program will automatically be considered for and may be offered admission to the Associate in Arts Program instead. Students must have no more than 29 credits in the liberal arts to be eligible to apply to the Associate in Arts Program. Enrollment in the Associate in Arts Program All Associate in Arts Program students will be expected to remain in the Program until the completion of all 60 credits of the requirements. For most full-time students, completion of the requirements will take two years. Earlier relocation to Newark is not possible students must complete the entire 60-credit curriculum and earn the associate in arts degree in order to be eligible to relocate to Newark. The main body of students enroll in the Associate in Arts Program in the fall. A limited number of students may be admitted for spring enrollment, based on the number of seats available. Tuition and Financial Aid For a Delaware resident, tuition for the Associate in Arts Program is about one-third the cost of Newark tuition; the lower tuition is made possible because the University subsidizes tuition for associate in arts students. The exact amount is determined annually and is posted online in July; see There are nominal fees for laboratories, technology use, and registration. Books and supplies are additional. The lower tuition applies only to students formally enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program; students who elect to start a four-year major in Dover, Wilmington, or Georgetown are billed at the Newark tuition rate. The Associate in Arts Program is designed for students who have shown evidence of the ability to succeed at the University of Delaware, but who may require an opportunity to first strengthen their academic skills through the program s small classes, individualized attention, and structured curriculum. As an incentive to enroll these students, the University subsidizes their tuition, and the State of Delaware provides SEED scholarships that cover the remaining tuition. The lower tuition and the eligibility for a SEED scholarships apply only to students who formally enroll in the Associate in Arts Program and complete an associate in arts degree. Therefore, if you take advantage of the lower tuition or a SEED Scholarship, please realize that you must be willing to spend two full years in the program and to complete the associate degree before you will be permitted to enroll on the Newark campus. Connected Degree Programs Another option for Delawareans choosing to pursue a two-year associate degree en route to a bachelor s degree is a Connected Degree. A Connected Degree is a transfer agreement between Delaware Technical & Community College and the University of Delaware that allows you to graduate in a specific major with an Associate in Technology degree from Delaware Tech, and then transfer to the University of Delaware as a junior in the matching major. A complete list of programs is available at connecteddegree.

7 Frequently Asked Questions 1. What majors can I pursue as a student in the Associate in Arts Program? The associate in arts degree is a general degree in the liberal arts and does not have a specific major attached to it. Upon completion of the associate in arts degree, students may choose to continue toward a bachelor s degree in a specific major. If you know what major you would like to pursue when you relocate to the Newark campus, you should discuss your plans with your academic advisor as soon as possible so you can create an appropriate academic plan. If you don t know what you would like to major in now, that is OK. Your academic advisor can assist you in choosing courses based on your current interests. Students who earn the UD associate in arts degree are guaranteed the opportunity to complete a bachelor s degree at the Newark campus, choosing from more than 120 undergraduate majors. Many majors can be completed in just an additional two years while others may require more than two years based on necessary course sequencing. Still other majors are selective and use a competitive admissions process. Associate in Arts Program graduates compete for seats in these majors on an equal footing with students from the Newark campus. Some majors may have course prerequisites for entry, or require a specific GPA, portfolio, or audition. 2. If I m accepted into the Newark campus, can I choose to enroll at one of the Associate in Arts Program sites instead? Some Delaware students who are accepted into a four-year bachelor s degree program in Newark may choose their early courses from those offered by the Associate in Arts Program in Dover, Georgetown or Wilmington, rather than in Newark. Students must realize that in such a case, their course selections will be limited and they may need extra time to complete their degree. Students should make such intentions known as soon as possible, so that they can work with an advisor to map their course selections and develop a timetable for moving to the Newark campus for completion of their degree. In most cases, we recommend that students who are admitted to Newark should enroll there. 3. I know that I want to enter the Associate in Arts Program. Can I apply directly to it? Yes. If you are a Delaware resident, you should use the regular application for freshman admission and specify the Associate in Arts Program on your application by checking the appropriate box. 4. If I apply to Newark, is there a chance I will be placed in the Associate in Arts Program instead? Yes. Although the majority of Delaware residents who apply to UD will be offered admission to Newark, there will be a number of students who will be offered admission to the Associate in Arts Program instead if it offers them a better chance for academic success. The letter of admission will specify the program that you are being admitted to. If you are offered admission to the Associate in Arts Program, you will have an opportunity in April to attend an information session at the Wilmington, Dover, or Georgetown campus. At this time you can ask questions before making your decision on whether the program is the right choice for you. 5. If I enroll in the Associate in Arts Program will I have to stay there for a full two years before moving to the Newark campus? All students enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program are expected to remain in the program until the completion of all 60 credits of the requirements. For most full-time students, completion of the requirements will take two years. Earlier relocation to Newark is not possible students must complete the entire 60-credit curriculum and earn the associate in arts degree to be eligible for relocation to Newark. 6. I would like to start the Associate in Arts Program in spring, not fall. Is that possible? A limited number of students may be admitted for spring enrollment in the Associate in Arts Program, based on the number of seats available. We anticipate that the majority of students will enter in fall, and we plan course seats accordingly. 7. I have transfer credits from another school. Can I use these credits toward the associate in arts degree? UD accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, as long as the courses were completed with grades of C or higher. Up to 29 transfer credits may be applied toward the associate in arts degree; however, we prefer that transfer students enter with no more than 12 credits from another institution. In many cases, the Associate in Arts Program might not be the best choice for a transfer student. The suitability of the Associate in Arts Program for a prospective transfer student will depend on the number of credits already earned, the nature of the courses taken, the student s intended major, and other factors including the student s academic performance at the previous school. Prospective transfer students are encouraged to consult the UD s Office of Admissions before submitting an application. 8. After I complete the associate degree, will I have to submit another UD application if I intend to continue in Newark for a bachelor s degree? No, it is not necessary for Associate in Arts Program graduates to submit a second application to UD. Students are guaranteed admission to many majors on the Newark campus, and UD staff will assist you in completing the paperwork to enable you to move directly into one of these majors. If you are interested in pursuing a competitive major our advisors will help you understand the requirements for admission to that major (requirements will vary by major) and assist you in creating a back-up plan, if necessary.

8 For Delawareans Throughout Delaware University of Delaware Associate in Arts Campuses Dover DTCC Terry Campus 100 Campus Drive Dover, DE Phone: (302) Fax: (302) Georgetown DTCC Owens Campus Route 18, Jason Technology Ctr. Georgetown, DE Phone: (302) Fax: (302) Wilmington DTCC Wilmington Campus 333 Shipley Street, Room 309 Wilmington, DE Phone: (302) Fax: (302) University of Delaware Office of Undergraduate Admissions Newark Campus 210 South College Avenue Newark, DE Phone: (302) Fax: (302) Associate in Arts Administration Assistant Dean 109 Mitchell Hall University of Delaware Newark, DE Phone: (302) Fax: (302) Faculty Director Room 101, 77 East Main Street University of Delaware Newark, DE Phone: (302) All full-time students enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program at the University of Delaware may receive scholarships and financial aid, including the SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship. Students must fill out a FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid, including SEED. Visit for more SEED Scholarship Program information. The University of Delaware does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and related statutes and regulations: Tom Webb, Director, Office of Disabilities Support Services, 240 Academy Street, Alison Hall Suite 119, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and to serve as the overall campus coordinator for purposes of Title IX compliance: Bindu Kolli, Chief Policy Advisor, Office of Equity and Inclusion, 305 Hullihen Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, The following individuals have been designated as deputy Title IX coordinators: for Athletics, Jennifer W. Davis, Vice President for Finance and Administration, 220 Hullihen Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, ; and for Student Life, Dawn Thompson, Dean of Students/AVP for Student Life, 101 Hullihen Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, Inquiries concerning the application of anti-discrimination laws may be referred to the Title IX coordinators or to the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education. For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, visit wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/cfapps/ocr/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the U.S. Department of Education office that serves your area, or call /10M/1.11/W