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FAQ for Prospective Students

 

What is the Office of Part-Time Studies (PTS)?
The Office of Part-Time Studies (PTS) is primarily for adult students who want to attend college on a part-time basis, either in the day, evening, Saturday, or through distance learning. If you plan to continue your studies with a job, family responsibilities, or other commitments, PTS offers a wide range of programs and services to help you. In addition to providing access to the University’s many excellent facilities, PTS offers evening and Saturday office hours, academic advising, and other support services for adult students.

Villanova University is located on Lancaster Avenue (Route 30) in Villanova, Pennsylvania in the heart of the Main Line, and the Office of Part-Time Studies is located in Vasey Hall, Room 107.
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What Degrees/Certificates are Available?

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS)
    General Studies
    Information Systems*
    Leadership Studies*

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
    English*
    History*
    General Arts
    Human Services*

Bachelor of Science (BS)
    Accounting
    Computer Science*
    Business Administration
    Secondary Education*

Associate of Arts (AA)

Certificates
    Accountancy
    Information Systems
    Business Administration
    Leadership Studies

Teacher Certification
    Teacher Certification for Secondary Education (day courses required)

* Indicates minors are available in these areas of study. Additional minors also available in Philosophy, Political Science and Sociology.
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What is the BIS (Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies) degree?
The BIS degree was created to meet the needs of the part-time adult student. This affordable degree emphasizes real-world learning and practical information that is immediately applicable back in the workplace. The BIS degree provides a flexible core curriculum while still maintaining the major elements of the Villanova core in the humanities, ethics, philosophy, social sciences and quantitative and scientific theory.
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How Does the Admission Process Work?
Do I have to apply for admission before I can begin to take courses?

Yes, you must apply but it is very easy to do so. You simply submit the application form, the application fee, your official high school transcript or proof that you have passed the GED, and official transcripts from any college or university you may have attended.

When do I have to apply?
Although we don’t have application deadlines, we urge you to apply early. The earlier that you complete your application process, the earlier you can register for classes. We will accept applications up until the start of each semester. However, it is to your advantage to have your application materials on file at least 2 weeks in advance of the semester start date so we can review your transfer credits, if appropriate, and advise you of what you need to take in a timely manner.

Is admission to a degree program in PTS automatic?
No. Depending on your prior academic record, you may have to complete at least 18 credits in PTS before we can consider you for matriculation (acceptance into a particular degree program). Specific grade point averages are required for all majors. In addition certain majors require that you have successfully completed specific courses within that degree program before you can be considered for acceptance.

Do I have to choose my degree program at the time that I apply for admission?
No, but it is a good idea to discuss any degree areas you are possibly considering with your academic advisor so you can choose your courses wisely. We would like you to be ready to declare a major (degree program) once you have completed about 45 credits.

If I am not sure what I want to study, how do I select my courses?
You don’t have to plan your whole program in advance. Many students find it helpful to start with an introductory course in a subject that interests them. Academic advisors are available in PTS to help you plan your academic program and make decisions for your future.
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What if I've Had Previous College Experience?
If I already have some college credits, will they apply toward my Villanova degree? Do my previous credits expire?
Many credits earned at other universities, colleges and community colleges are accepted at Villanova. An academic advisor will be glad to review a copy of your transcripts for you, give you an informal evaluation of the credits you have already earned, and show you how they would transfer into any specific degree program. You can transfer up to 60 credits toward your Villanova bachelor's degree.
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Can I Accelerate my Degree?
How long does it take a part-time student to complete a bachelor’s degree?
There is no definitive answer to this question. You control the rate at which you complete your degree. You can take as long as you like, or you can accelerate your degree by taking courses year-round (fall, spring and summer) and through distance learning and FastForward courses. Students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program can complete their degree in as little as three years through the FastForward Track.

What are FastForward courses?
FastForward courses are accelerated courses and are scheduled on seven Saturdays, either in the morning or afternoon, for a class period of 3 1/2 hours (8:30-12 noon and 12:30-4:00), and are supplemented with online instruction between classes. These courses are also offered on weekday evenings from 6:00-9:30 pm. All FastForward courses are scheduled so you can take two consecutively during a regular semester.

What is the FastForward Track?
The FastForward Track is for those students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program (entering with 60 credits) who wish to complete their degree in as little as three years.

Other ways to earn credit
Villanova offers opportunities for people who have knowledge of certain subjects but don't have the college credits to prove it.

  • Through Credit by Examination, you can pass a departmental exam, satisfy the Villanova Part-Time Studies program's requirements and earn the credits for a particular course.
  • Another way to get credit for what you've learned in life is through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
  • The Psychology Department offers one credit seminars on various topics which meet on the weekends and can be applied toward graduation credits.
  • If you are enrolled in a degree program in the College of Arts & Sciences, you can participate in an Internship and earn credit for learning at your place of employment.

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Course Information and Flexible Scheduling Options
Are part-time students restricted to evening classes?
No, you may take courses scheduled during the day, evening, Saturday or via distance learning to accommodate your individual needs.

Where can I find out what courses are offered this semester?
Our course brochure and FastForward course schedule are available online, and detailed course descriptions are available online through our Novasis system.

How often do classes meet?
Fall and Spring Semesters:

  • Most evening classes meet once a week for 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Some subjects, such as math, computer science, the sciences, and foreign languages, meet twice a week
  • FastForward classes meet seven Saturdays or weekday evenings for 3-1/2 hours each with additional online instruction
  • Day classes usually meet Monday-Wednesday-Friday for 50 minutes or Tues-Thursday for 80 minutes

Summer Session

  • Evening classes meet for 8 weeks, 2 nights per week (Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday) for 2 hours
  • Most day classes meet in 2 consecutive sessions of 4 weeks each, every day, Monday through Friday for 2 hours

Do you have flexible scheduling options?
You bet! We know that adult students want to finish their degree in a timely manner. Take advantage of the variety of options we offer.

  • FastForward accelerated classes that meet on seven Saturdays or weekday evenings for 3-1/2 hours each with additional online instruction
  • One-night-per-week classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
  • One-credit workshops that meet Friday night and all day Saturday
  • Summer Session
  • Credits for what you know through CLEP and our Credit by Examination Program
  • An internship at your place of employment

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Financial Information
Is a Villanova education affordable?
Part-Time Studies at Villanova is affordable! Villanova's per-credit cost for evening classes taken by part-time undergraduate students is competitive with many other local institutions.

What are my payment options?
The Bursar's Office manages the cashiering, billing, collection, and student account services functions of the University. Students may pay bills, request refunds, obtain third party payment plan information, and seek clarification related to University charges from the Student.

What about financial aid for adult or part-time students?
There are many federal, state and privately funded grant and loan programs available if you register for at least six credits per semester and are matriculated. Contact the Office of Financial Assistance at 610.519.6456 for details and necessary forms or go to www.finaid.villanova.edu.

If you would like to spread your educational expenses over monthly payments, you may want to contact our exclusive payment plan provider, Tuition Management Systems (TMS) at 800.722.4867 or www.afford.com.

If your employer offers a Tuition Reimbursement plan, let us know at www.bursar.villanova.edu.

There are also a limited number of scholarships available to part-time students.

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Other Things to Know
Is there an orientation program for new students?
We've made it easy for you with our on-line orientation for new Part-Time Studies students. Take a virtual tour designed just for part-time students, enjoy video messages from key personnel, and allow us to walk you through our top six things-to-do list.

Are there counseling and career services available?
Yes! The University Counseling Center (610-519-4050) and the Career Services Office (610-519-4060) offer their services to all Villanova students. Workshops are available to help you feel comfortable if you are attending college for the first time or are returning. Tutoring services and academic advisors are always available to talk with you about your concerns, too.

Is it possible to switch from part-time to full-time?
Yes, provided that certain academic conditions have been met. As a matriculated student, you may transfer internally from PTS to one of the full-time day colleges without loss of credit, given proper academic planning.

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Make an Appointment to talk with someone about your personal educational situation
Academic advisors are available during day and evening hours, either in the office or on the phone, throughout the year to talk with potential students about Part-Time Studies, transfer credits, certificate programs, degree programs, course schedules, and general educational and career concerns.

Attend one of our Villanova Days, an open house exclusively for part-time students

  • Get one-on-one advice and information on courses, tuition and payment options
  • Bring your transcript for on-the-spot credit evaluation
  • Discover other ways you can earn credit toward your degree
  • Submit your application at the program and we'll waive your application fee

Graduate and Part-Time Undergraduate Open House held every Fall and Spring

  • Learn more about the various programs offered by Villanova
  • Bring a friend!
  • Receive an application few waiver for attending

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