The School for Adult Learning was approved by the University of Indianapolis Board of Trustees as a new School of the university in February 1998 and opened for business on July 1, 1998. It is a separate division of the university, just like the School of Business, School of Education, School of Nursing, School of Psychological Sciences, School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, College of Arts & Sciences, etc. Since the School was approved, we have been working diligently to develop and refine degree programs unique to adult learners and other non-traditional students. The University of Indianapolis has full regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This is the highest accreditation a university may receive.
The School for Adult Learning at the University of Indianapolis offers an Accelerated Programs Division (APD). Each course offered through APD meets one night a week for a five-week session. There are three sessions in each term and three terms in each academic year. After the first 15-week term, an APD student with a minimum 3.30 or higher GPA may take two courses (maximum of 6.0 credit hours) per session (most classes are 3.0 credit hours; therefore, 6.0 credit hours typically equals two courses each session). Two courses per session requires attendance two nights a week for the five-week session. As there are three sessions in each of the three terms, a student may enroll in nine sessions annually (in a maximum of 6.0 hours each session).
Therefore, a student who is able to take maximum advantage of APD could earn 45.0 credit hours during the first academic year as a part-time student. This compares with full-time Day Division students living in a residence hall who typically take courses at the rate of 30.0-36.0 credit hours per academic year. WARNING: It is highly unlikely that very many adult learners will be able to complete 45.0 credit hours per year. But if an adult student could successfully complete just 27.0 hours per year (one course per session), it is still realistic to be able to finish in 4-5 calendar years from scratch, especially when you factor in testing programs and the Prior Learning Assessment module--no longer than a full-time Day Division student who lives in the residence halls.
Two degree programs are unique to the School for Adult Learning. One is the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) degree. The other is the B. S. degree in Organizational Leadership, offered in cooperation with our nationally-ACBSP accredited School of Business. The BLS degree is unique in that half of the required credits—62.0 credit hours—are elective courses of your choosing in consultation with your advisor. This affords adult learners many opportunities that did not previously exist. Testing credits, military service credits, general elective credits, prior learning assessment credits, transfer credits, company training programs, etc., often easily fit into the 62.0 hour elective module. This speeds the time it takes you to complete your degree, rather than having to go back and start over. Curriculum guides are available for both degree programs to assist you in course planning. Contact our office for more information.
The APD tuition rate is guaranteed not to increase for five years from the date you begin taking accelerated courses. The ability to lock in a specific tuition rate for up to five years should be a positive factor as you plan your degree progress, as most students should be able to complete an accelerated degree program within this time frame.
Do you have company reimbursement or tuition assistance available? What payment options are available? Will you be eligible for financial aid? You won't know unless you apply. UIndy has an excellent financial aid office with experienced financial aid officers. APD students may qualify for federal Pell Grants, federal Stafford Student Loans, etc. The financial aid office is available to assist you with the application process. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A financial aid staff member is available in the SAL office weeknights until 7:00 PM. You may call them at 317-788-3594 or toll-free at 800-232-8634, ext. 3594.
The School for Adult Learning is located in Esch Hall, Room 103, on the University of Indianapolis campus. We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday (closed on Saturday and Sunday). Driving directions are available at http://sal.uindy.edu/driving.html.
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(317) 788-3393 • 800-232-8634 • fax: (317) 788-6140 • sal.uindy.edu • sal@uindy.edu