Elizabethtown College: About Us – Frequently Asked Question

Most accelerated, 3 credit courses meet once a week for 5 weeks, or are offered online. Evening class time is 6-10 pm. Courses that are more quantitative in nature meet twice weekly (usually from 6-9pm). A significant amount of self-directed learning outside the classroom is expected (average time is 12-15 hours per week). Many accelerated courses are web-assisted to aid in this process.

My schedule is hectic and I need to plan my time. How do I know what to expect in my classes?

Our small, seminar-style classes are based upon detailed learning modules that clearly identify course learning outcomes. All learning modules are available for review by students prior to the start of class. Modules outline required books, assignments and due dates, and activities that will happen throughout the course. Reviewing the learning module is an excellent way of planning your time to fit school into your life.

Does Elizabethtown offer online classes?

The Edward R. Murphy Center for Continuing Education and Distance Learning offers many internet-based (online), five-week accelerated courses. Course learning outcomes are achieved completely over the web (online). Online classes require that the student remains active throughout the course through participation in discussion boards and submission of assignments. Students can access the course site at times most convenient to them (asynchronous learning). Some online classes require attendance at live chat sessions (synchronous). This requirement is noted on all course schedules. Online course offerings

What majors are available?

Both Bachelor's and Associate's degrees are available. We also offer certificate programs for students new to college, and diplomas for those who already have a degree and want to explore another field of study.

How long will it take to get my degree?

The time it takes will vary depending on several factors, including prior coursework and whether or not you elect to go through an entire program without taking time off between courses. The more credits you transfer in, the faster you'll complete your degree.

There are 8 five-week sessions available each year for students to take.
The center offers a 4 week online session between the fall and spring semesters.
In addition, there are 3 weekend intensive courses available each year in January, May and August.

This provides the possibility of earning 36 credits in a year. Our admissions counselors can meet with you and give you an estimate of completion based on your individual situation. In a traditional 15-week program, it could take more than twice as long to complete your degree. And the program is flexible - if you need to skip a session, it's okay. You are not out of sequence with your program. You take your courses in the order you want and at the pace you set.

How much will it cost?

Fees (effective May 2008 - April 2009)

Written Application fee: $35 (non-refundable) (Fee waived when online application is completed for any 5-week accelerated degree program)
Tuition: $470 per credit
Graduation Fee: $50

Am I eligible for Financial Aid?

Matriculated adult learners enrolled in accelerated five-week sessions are eligible to receive financial aid. Students in the accelerated program must take a minimum of 6 credits within a semester in order to qualify for federal financial aid. This does not mean you have to double up on 5 week classes. Taking 2 of the 3 sessions available in a semester satisfies this requirement.

In order to determine a student's specific financial aid eligibility, the following forms must be completed:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may apply on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Elizabethtown College's Financial Aid Application (available from your admissions representative)
Employer Educational Assistance Verification Form (This is different than the tuition deferment form completed by students with reimbursement through their employer.)

The Elizabethtown forms are available in the Edward R. Murphy Center for Continuing Education and Distance Learning. Our admissions counselors can help you through the process of completing the necessary paperwork. If you have questions or wish to apply for Financial Aid, you may contact an admissions counselor at 717-361-1518.

Can I get a scholarship to continue my education?

The Center for Continuing Education and Distance Learning awards scholarships to those individuals who have demonstrated professional and/or academic achievement and financial need. Applications for scholarships are accepted on an ongoing basis. Five $1,000 scholarships are available each academic year; three awarded in fall and two in spring. For more information on this program, click here.

There are also external scholarships available to non-traditional students. Here is a link to information on some of them. Please note that we do not monitor or control the information provided on these web sites. This information is provided for your convenience only.

Is Elizabethtown's adult degree program accredited?

Elizabethtown College and the Center are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the major accrediting agency of the Mid-Atlantic Region. This accreditation requires compliance with rigorous academic standards. The Center also relies on its own quality assurance processes such as faculty assessment and student and employer satisfaction surveys.

Our Adult Degree Program recently received the results from the Noel-Levitz Adult Student Satisfaction Survey conducted in 2005. The Center's programs exceeded all 7 of the quality benchmarks for a highly effective adult education program.

How do I apply to a degree program?

We've designed our admissions policies to be inclusive and simple. Admission requirements include:

• an application (Online application)

• a short synopsis of your academic and professional goals (can be emailed to your admissions counselor)

• a resume (can be emailed to your admissions counselor)

• official transcripts of all previous college work (if no previous college, have high school transcripts sent)

We strongly recommend that you also interview with one of our admissions counselors to make sure you understand the program of your choice and to ensure it's a good fit. To contact an admissions counselor, call 717-361-1518.

Will my previous college credits transfer?

Our staff will work with you to maximize the number of credits from previous college work that you can transfer into your Elizabethtown Program. Transfer credits must carry a grade of C- or better and not include remedial courses.

Elizabethtown College has an articulation agreement with Harrisburg Area Community College to ensure a seamless transfer of credits from HACC into Elizabethtown's Adult Degree Program. Students at HACC can work with an academic advisor to maximize their course selection for transfer to Elizabethtown. HACC students have successfully entered Elizabethtown's accelerated program.

Can I take a class without applying to a program?

Yes, students may take individual classes without applying to a degree program. Students should be aware of any prerequisite requirements for courses to ensure they are capable of completing the course. Center staff is happy to help in this registration process. Contact our office at 717-361-1411.

Can I get college credit for what I already know?

We recognize that learning takes place outside the classroom as well as inside. If you are a working adult, you are bringing a wide variety of valid learning experiences with you when you enter the classroom. Your advisor will assess where your outside-the-classroom learning translates into college credit.

The following are some ways previous work/life experience can be translated into credits:

Corporate Training, (with American Council on Education ACE credit recommendations)
Military Credit (Military education and experience can be awarded credit upon receipt of documentation such as DD Form 295 and/or Form DD-214.)
CLEP and DANTES Examinations (Learners must achieve ACE recommended passing scores for credit to transfer.)
Portfolio Process (Course Equivalencies) A Course Equivalency Proposal (CEP) argues and documents that the learner has already achieved the learning outcomes of a specific Elizabethtown College course. Adult learners are guided by Center staff, but work independently to create the CEP in the proper format. The CEP is then assessed by a faculty member.

What is the average class size?

Our average class size is 10-12 learners. Classes are generally capped at 20. Certain classes have lower maximums due to student presentation requirements.

What kind of advising services are available?

You will be assigned an academic advisor who will help you in selecting courses to complete your degree program. Your advisor will assist and advise you on course selection, learning module access, course transfer issues, course equivalency proposals, internships, etc. The Center places significant importance on our advising services to ensure our adult learners feel connected to the College, plan well, and understand graduation requirements.

What are the highlights of the program?

Curriculum designed specifically for adult learners.
Accelerated classes allow you to speed up the process of getting your degree. You control how long it takes!
Five majors available
Classes one night a week for five weeks - earn three credits.
Online classes available every session.
Flexibility offered by step-in, step-out program. Life happens - we allow for that!
Specially assessed faculty made up of working practitioners.
Adults can convert experiential learning into college credits.
Three convenient locations: Elizabethtown Campus, Dixon University Center in Harrisburg, College Square in Lancaster.
Personalized one-on-one advising. Emphasis on providing services to the adult learner.
Elizabethtown College - a highly ranked college by U.S. News & World Report.
Free preliminary evaluation of transcripts.
No age restrictions on transfer credits.
No technology, computer, registration, or parking fees.