Frequently Asked Questions

 


What is Distance Learning?


Distance learning is the delivery of educational programs to people not located in a traditional classroom setting. Distance learning may incorporate the use of videotapes, audio tapes, telephone conferences, instructional television, fax, postal mail, electronic mail, the World Wide Web, or other communication mediums.




What is Non-Traditional Education?


Although non-traditional education (NTE) includes distance learning, it can also include independent studies, mentoring, portfolio development, challenge examinations, classes that meet at satellite campuses, cluster groups, or modular class sessions.




What are the Benefits of Distance Learning?


A significant benefit for many distance learning or non-traditional education students is flexibility. Such programs enable students to take classes or work on a degree without sacrificing job or family commitments. They also can benefit those who need timely training or who would learn better without the rigid structure of a traditional program.




Does Non-Traditional Education Affect the Quality of My Degree?


Our graduates continue to be the best validation of the effectiveness of our degree programs, rating their knowledge and skills superior to their peers who have a similar degree earned in a traditional setting. Many large corporations have accepted our degrees and provided financial support to our students. Employers, in particular, have been enthusiastic to learn that a degree program can be tailored to integrate the students' professional needs.




What is Accreditation?


Accreditation is a voluntary process by which colleges, universities, and professional schools ensure their institutional integrity through an outside comprehensive review process. The most credible type of accreditation in the United States is called "regional" accreditation, which means that an institution is accredited by one of the six geographically dispersed associations approved by both the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) formerly the Commission on Recognition of Post-Secondary Accreditation (CORPA).




Who are the Accrediting Agencies?


The CHEA-approved regional agencies are:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges



 


Is Accreditation Important?


According to Philip Forte,
 

"Accreditation is sometimes mistaken for governmental certification, but it is not an official designation. Accreditation is essentially recognized by the Federal Government as a mechanism for the authorization to distribute government educational funds… Degrees granted or issued in conformance with cited statutes… are all equally legal under the law. Judgements of value and applicability of a certain degree are not made by the law or by the State. The appropriateness of a degree or the applicability of a degree to a job or the transfer of educational credit is decided by those who must render such evaluation for those specific purposes."
 




Can I Complete a Degree Program at a Distance?


Yes. You can complete a degree program, from start to finish, entirely through non-traditional means. At a modern universities, there is little need ever to set foot on campus so long as you are able to meet the requirements for the courses that comprise the program of studies for your degree. An increasingly large number of students are completing their degree programs without ever traveling to the United States. Of course, a degree completed through distance learning is exactly the same as a degree completed through on-campus instruction, from the subject matter covered and assignments given, to the wording on the degree certificate itself.




Will UNW accept relevant work experience and external courses/training as credit toward a certificate or degree program at UNW?


Yes. You can receive course credits towards your degree for a wide variety of life and work experience, including professional experience and training, civic work, volunteer work, military, etc. The University of Northern Washington will evaluate all relevant experience and/or training and may award you credit toward your ultimate degree goal.

The policy of the University of Northern Washington is to reward students for real-world experience over and above course work, as that is of primary importance to employers at the turn of the millenium. Thus, students may challenge any course for which they believe themselves to have sufficient work experience with the subject matter to qualify for exemption, or for which prior training has been taken.




Are University of Northern Washington degrees authentic? Are they recognized by the government and by industry?

The University of Northern Washington is recognized, and its degree programs accredited, by several established professional associations in the United States. For more information about The University of Northern Washington's accreditations and associations, click here.

Additionally, University of Northern Washington degrees can be attested and sealed for authenticity by a state-approved notary, upon the request of any student, for a nominal fee.




How is a degree earned through distance learning different from a degree earned through classroom attendance?

There is no difference. The University of Northern Washington contends that how a student studies and earns his or her degree or diploma is irrelevant.




Does the degree indicate that it was earned through distance learning?

No, it does not. The University of Northern Washington issues a standard degree, diploma or certificate, whether your degree was completed in a classroom setting or at your home.




When does the University of Northern Washington admit new students?

The University of Northern Washington does not follow the traditional semester/class system. Instead, each student follows his or her own timetable with respect to studies and curriculum. Thus, new students are admitted to study at the University of Northern Washington each day of the year. There is no application deadline, and assignments are not failed if overdue. At any time. UNW’s self-paced program allows you to start your studies immediately after enrolling. There are no semester or quarter timetables to keep up with. You decide when your program should begin. Each student will graduate when they complete their degree requirements.




How many course credits must I take to earn a Bachelor’s Degree?

The Bachelor's program requires a total of 120 credits to complete. The total fee for the Bachelor's program is $5950.00, which includes the cost of textbooks, shipping and handling, transcript fee and degree fee. For more tuition information, click here.

You may complete your Bachelor’s degree in six to nine months, depending on your previous college credits, life and work experience.




How many course credits must I take to earn a Master’s Degree?

The Master's program requires a total of 45 credits to complete. The total fee for the Master's program is $6950.00, which includes the cost of textbooks, shipping and handling, transcript fee and degree fee. For more tuition information, click here.

You may complete your Master’s degree in six to nine months, depending on your previous college credits, life and work experience.




How many course credits are required to earn a Ph. D.?

The Ph. D. program requires a total of 45 credits to complete. The total fee for the Ph. D. program is $6995.00, which includes the cost of textbooks, shipping and handling, transcript fee and degree fee. For more tuition information, click here.

You may complete your Ph. D. degree in six to nine months, depending on your previous college credits, life and work experience.




How long will it take to complete my degree?

This depends on your motivation and discipline since you study at your own pace. The average student takes approximately nine to thirteen months to complete their degree.




Can I transfer my credits from University of Northern Washington to another University?

Transferring credits from non-traditional universities to traditional campus-based universities is sometimes difficult.  Please check with the institution you are interested in for their acceptance requirements.




Can every course be completed through distance learning?

Yes. All students work at their own pace and location. 97% of our students are earning their degrees through the Internet! You can earn your degree while maintaining your job, and other personal responsibilities.




Do I ever have to attend a class or seminar?

The University of Northern Washington does not require any residency at all. In fact, UNW offers prospective students a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive business education without the need to take an expensive leave of absence from their careers. All our programs are offered through our distance learning department and involve no formal classroom time or campus visits.




Are University of Northern Washington’s degrees accepted by companies?

Almost 20% of our students have their fees paid by their companies, including Fortune 500 companies, government and military agencies, small businesses, and more. Check with your human resources department prior to enrolling, as any tuition reimbursement depends upon the individual company.