Introduction to the School of Accelerated Degree Programs: Undergraduate Students
The School of Accelerated Degree Programs is an accelerated program in which most students combine extensive self-directed study with a once-per-week class meeting earning nine to ten semester hours of university credit in twelve weeks. Six credit hour clusters are also offered in some subjects, which also meet once-per-week in twelve weeks. Single courses are offered in classroom and online formats so students enrolled in a six-credit-hour cluster can take an additional course to meet degree requirements and maintain full time status for financial aid purposes. Because of the accelerated format, students can expect a minimum of twenty hours of out-of-class work per week. The program serves to merge academic goals with practical knowledge applicable to the student’s workplace.
The goal of the adult-centered program is to establish the habit of lifelong learning beyond degree completion. Upon entry, each student is assigned an academic advisor to guide the student to graduation. The student-advisor link remains critical throughout a student’s academic career. Therefore, students are required to contact their faculty advisors on a quarterly basis.
Earning a Bachelor's Degree
Requisite Study in the Major
Requirements vary, but at least 54 semester hours in the major area are necessary for most degree programs, at least 50 percent of which (three clusters) must be taken at Lindenwood University. Some majors require prescribed areas of study to be covered. In other majors, requirements are more flexible and the program of study is developed by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to completing the work necessary to qualify for a baccalaureate degree, the student must meet the School of Accelerated Degree Programs, graduation requirements within the scope of the specific degree program designed with the help of the faculty advisor. The following are the overall requirements for graduation with a baccalaureate degree:
- Successful completion of at least 120 semester hours.
- Successful completion of the general education requirements.
- Completion and approval of the capstone course.
- Successful completion of a total of 30 credit hours in residence at Lindenwood University, with the successful completion of the last 24 credits leading to a degree being taken within the Lindenwood University system.
- Forty-two (42) semester hours of upper division courses, numbered 30000 or above.
- Completion of at least 50 percent of the courses required for the major within the Lindenwood University system.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all courses taken within the Lindenwood University system, as well as in the student’s major.