Frequently Asked Questions about the Mount’s Accelerated and Weekend Undergraduate Programs

1: What do I need to be eligible for the programs?

You are eligible if you have

• completed 30 or more undergraduate credits
• obtained a grade point average of 2.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale in previous college work (* 2.5 for elementary education majors)
• worked full time for three or more years

2: What do I need to do to get started? Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee. To get started

1. File an application (apply online or download a printable pdf)
2. Fax or send transcripts
3. Make an appointment with an advisor – call 301-682-8315 or email inquiry@msmary.edu
4. Choose and register for a class

3: How do I find out what will be accepted in transfer?

Any courses taken at a regionally accredited school and passed with a "C" or better are eligible for transfer into these degree programs. Your degree plan will show the courses transferred.

Up to 75 credit hours from a two-year institution or up to 90 credits from another four-year institution can be accepted in transfer.

4: Is financial aid available?

Whether aid is available depends on your financial situation, number of family members in college and other factors. To find out whether you are eligible and discover further options for financing your education, check Financial Aid for Accelerated Undergraduates.

Many employers provide some assistance for education. Be sure to check with your human resources office to determine whether your employer offers this benefit. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement after satisfactory completion, you may wish to file a deferred payment form. This process holds billing until after grades are posted.

5. I am a veteran. Whom do I contact for information about using the GI Bill to pay for my degree?

Contact the registrar by phone at 301-447-5215 or e-mail gill@msmary.edu

6. How do I find out what kind of work is expected of me?

Most classes meet once a week for four hours. When you are registered for the class, you will receive information on how to access your course module through the university portal. The module includes information on the book, grading criteria, objectives and activities for the class and other items. A homework assignment will be expected at the first class meeting, which you will also find here. The syllabus includes a calendar for the course and course instructor contact information.

Weekend classes in elementary education do not use a module, and usually meet on alternate weekends (Friday or Saturday) for eight meetings. Books are available from the bookstore (see next question). Some classes may require pre-work. Most classes have an assignment due at the first class meeting!

7. Where do I get books?

Books are available from the Mount St. Mary's bookstore or other vendors. Click Book information to open a downloadable page of options and information.

8. What is a typical class like?

While each class is different, you can expect a combination of discussion, lecture, demonstration and other interactive methods. Your classmates are other adults, like you, with experiences to share and responsibilities to meet. Participation is a key component of your educational experience!

9. How do I do research? Can I use the library?

A. You will be provided access to the Mount St. Mary's library online catalog, as well as the research databases that the library subscribes to. If you are unable to come to the library on campus in Emmitsburg, any books you wish to check out can be sent by mail. Books can also be delivered to the Hood College library for pick up.

10. Do you offer credit for prior learning?

Credit for prior learning acquired outside of the classroom is possible! The accelerated and weekend undergraduate programs can consolidate learning demonstrated through standardized tests, portfolio evaluation, ACE-evaluated training or military experience.

Standardized test programs include:

• CLEP (College Level Examination Progam) - administered on-site at the Frederick campus
• DANTES - DANTES tests are administered on-site at the Frederick campus

Military and ACE-evaluated credits are reviewed by program advisors. Creating a portfolio of prior learning can also add credits to your college transcript. Students completing a portfolio must register for the 1-credit Portfolio Development seminar (an online course).

Of course, how your learning meets program requirements is determined by many factors. See the program advisor for a personal evaluation.

Do you have other questions or need other information? Request Information or contact us!