Requirements for admission

The admissions selection process is designed to identify those students who have potential for completing a university degree program. Degree completion programs are designed to build on experience and previous college credit. As a first step, your background and goals are assessed to determine where you are in relation to the degree program.

To begin the degree program you must:

• Transfer to EMU with at least 60 semester hours* of college credit from accredited community colleges or four-year institutions with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. (If you are a Blue Ridge Community College transfer student, please review the matriculation agreement and course recommendations for maximum benefit!)
• Hold state licensure as a Registered Nurse.
• Have personal professional liability insurance.
• Possess life experience as a registered nurse from which learning can be demonstrated.
• Demonstrate writing skills that will allow you to complete summary papers for each course, life-learning papers as needed and longer research-based writing assignments.
• Have current work experience or significant volunteer involvement that will provide a forum to practice professional nursing concepts and provide the setting for the applied research project.
• Be currently employed as an R.N.
• Have taken one prerequisite course in each of the following areas with a minimum grade of C- in each: * Psychology (prior to enrolling in Assessment and Crisis Management module) * Sociology (prior to enrolling in Family and Community Health modules)
  
  

*Diploma nurses can earn up to 30 semester hours of credit which they may apply towards admission to EMU, providing their program was approved by the National League for Nursing and that they have passed state board exams. Diploma nurses must also have at least 30 transferable semester hours from an accredited two-year or four-year institution including courses in sociology, psychology, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology.

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How to Apply

You must complete the following nine-step process to properly enroll in the program:

1. Attend a meeting with a program representative who will present information about the program and the application process.
2. Submit an application with a $25 fee along with a letter of recommendation, preferably from a supervisor, to Eastern Mennonite University through the Adult Degree Completion Program Office.
3. Submit requests for official academic transcripts from all institutions you have attended.
4. Complete a writing sample and an autobiographical outline.
5. Obtain a transcript evaluation from the EMU registrar.
6. Meet with the assessment counselor to initially evaluate your portfolio.
7. Complete financial aid information and arrangements.
8. Attend the convocation meeting.
9. Attend the first night of class.

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Tuition and Fees

The cost for the Adult Degree Completion Program may vary each year (July 1 to June 30). You pay an additional fee for portfolio assessment, based on the number of semester hours you request. Costs for additional course work at EMU or other institutions are not included in the Adult Degree Completion Program tuition and fees.

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Financial Aid

Students in the Adult Degree Completion Program are eligible to apply for financial aid. A complete financial aid packet is available from the program representative. To be eligible to receive federal financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and submit financial aid transcripts from all institutions you have attended. These forms are available in the financial aid packet.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is processed by a federal processor (an envelope is included with the form). The results are reported to you on a Student Aid Report. After you receive the Student Aid Report, students must complete the Financial Aid Information Sheet (blue form) and submit it to the EMU Financial Aid Office. The staff in this office will determine your eligibility to receive federal grants, scholarships and loans. Students will not be notified of any grants or aid until they have been admitted to EMU and the Adult Degree Completion Program.

Applying for financial aid in a timely manner and following up on any request for aid or loan information is very important. Federal guidelines are strict and if all information is not submitted within certain time frames, you risk becoming ineligible for aid.

Some students may receive financial assistance for the program from their employers. If you are receiving employer assistance, you will need to have your employer authorize payment for the program. Other students will pay for the program with personal funds. These students may pay at the beginning of each semester or use a monthly payment plan. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive payment information. The Adult Degree Completion Program also has scholarship funds available in the form of matching grants and need-based scholarships.

To avoid jeopardizing financial aid eligibility, you should not withdraw from the program without first consulting with your academic coordinator. It is important to begin classes on the entrance date cited at the time of application.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the program representative at (540) 432-4983 or the Financial Aid Office at (540) 432-4138.


Eastern Mennonite University reserves the right to change this program without prior notice in accordance with established procedures. This information web page is descriptive and is not to be construed as a legal contract.

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