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Answers to frequently asked questions.
FAQs for adult students
FAQs for online students
FAQs for military students
FAQs for adult students
- Q: What should I do first?
- A: You should make an appointment with an Enrollment Advisor to discuss your needs and the Bachelor of General Studies programs. Call 402.554.2370 or use our online scheduler.
- Q: What degree will I earn?
- A: As a student in the Division of Continuing Studies, you will earn a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree. You may choose from over 40 Areas of Concentration or complete a General Studies degree with three Areas of Emphasis. Working with an advisor trained to meet adult needs, you design your own individualized plan to complete a BGS degree.
- Q: Is the tuition within my budget?
- A: The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers in-state tuition rates that easily compete with surrounding colleges and universities. Additionally, they offer financial aid through scholarships, student loans, grants, and work study programs. If you are an active duty military student, UNO will provide you with in-state tuition and accept military Tuition Assistance and the Montgomery G.I. Bill that can cover almost all of the costs of completing your education.
- Q: Will I fit in?
- A: Students in the Division of Continuing Studies are:
- 21 years of age and older
- Enrolled full-time or enrolled in just a class or two a semester
- Often working or in the military while attending classes
- Women and men
- Married or single, with or without families
- Q: Will the college accept transfer credits?
- A: The BGS degree was created to offer greater flexibility to continuing education students. Therefore, we offer the most liberal transfer policy available through UNO and will often accept transfer credit that other programs cannot. The BGS allows credit for many workplace training programs, military service schools, hospital diplomas, and more. Transfer credits are accepted from all colleges and universities accredited by a post secondary regional association.
- Q: Are classes offered at times and locations that will allow me to complete my degree?
- A: The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers classes during the day and evenings. Additionally, the BGS degree can be completed online, at Offutt Air Force Base, and at other off-campus locations.
- Q: Will I be successful?
- A: You can reach your goal of a college degree with the Division of Continuing Studies! The advisors in the Division of Continuing Studies are skilled at helping students figure out the intricacies of completing a college degree. Students are well prepared for academic advancement and professional careers through a liberal arts education and an emphasis on multidisciplinary studies. Many students go on to graduate school with the Bachelor of General Studies degree.
- Q. Is the college accredited by a recognized accrediting agency?
- A: The BGS degree is offered through the University of Nebraska at Omaha and, in turn, is backed up with their full accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
- Q: Will the college accept the scores for the national examinations I took in the past?
- A: UNO accepts some CLEP tests and many DSST exams. Please check with an advisor to find out which tests are accepted for credit.
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FAQs for online students
- Q: How do I know what courses to take?
- A: Your advisor can evaluate your transcripts, help you to determine transfer credit, and develop a degree plan. Click here to make an advising appointment and get the help and guidance you are looking for. All appointments are in Central Standard Time. Specify if you would prefer a phone or e-mail appointment on the scheduler form, unless you can come to your appointment in person. Appointments can be done by Web conferencing as well. For an unofficial evaluation of your transfer credit, you can scan/e-mail or fax (402.554.2231) your transcripts to the advisor with whom you have the appointment, or bring them along if you are visiting in person.
- Q: Will I be able to use my transfer credit?
- A: Get a head start on your degree using what you have already learned. The BGS allows non-traditional credit for many workplace training programs, military service schools, hospital diplomas, and more. Transfer credit is accepted from all colleges and universities accredited by a post secondary regional association.
- Q: I live in the area. Can I also take on-campus classes?
- A: We give you maximum flexibility of course delivery. You can take online classes, on-campus classes, or a combination of the two to complete your degree.
- Q: Will my degree say “online”?
- A: No. Neither your transcript nor your diploma will differentiate the mode in which the degree was completed.
- Q: When does the program begin?
- A: You may start your program at the beginning of any semester – Spring, Summer, or Fall. Online classes follow the traditional semester schedule. Take a look at the Academic Calendar for details.
- Q: Is there anything else I need to get started?
- A: You'll need to send your immunization record to Health Services. Visit the Health FAQ for Online Students to find out more.
Get more information about the online program.
Contact us at unobgsonline@unomaha.edu or call 402.554.4833 or toll free at 877.894.8187.
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FAQs for military students
- Q: Can I use my military experience and previous college credit?
- A: Yes. The BGS is the ideal program for military students. Get a head start on your degree by using what you have already learned and your time in the military. The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) allows non-traditional credit for many military service schools and workplace training programs. Transfer credit is accepted from all colleges and universities accredited by a post secondary regional association. This includes credit for select CLEP/DSST credit-by-examination and military associates degrees. Military students should submit their SMART or AARTS transcript to be evaluated by an advisor.
In addition, students that have served active duty military for at least one year will receive a minimum of 10 credit hours towards the BGS program, possibly more depending on your training.
- Q: What are the options for my course schedule?
- A: You can create the schedule that works best for you. UNO students can take UNO classes wherever and whenever they are offered. There are courses available on campus (60th & Dodge), at off-campus sites in the Omaha area, or online. There are even classes available at Offutt Air Force Base with evening and weekend schedule options. Students can mix-and-match these classes to fit their schedule. UNO's Fall and Spring semesters are the traditional 16-week schedule (with some 7-week classes available at Offutt AFB) and the Summer semester is a combination of 5-week, 7-week, and 14-week classes.
- Q: I will be using military tuition assistance. What does that cover?
- A: UNO is an affordable college choice for military students. UNO's resident tuition rate is covered by military tuition assistance. There are some fees that are not covered by tuition assistance and must be paid by the student. These vary by student, so please contact unooffutt@.unomaha.edu or call 402.595.2371 or DSN 271-0449 for additional information. Active duty military stationed in Nebraska qualify for UNO's resident tuition rate by submitting the Application for Residence Classification and a copy of military orders (this applies to dependents as well, but other documentation is required).
There are also a variety of other financial aid options for military students, as well as textbook scholarships for active duty military and their dependents in the BGS program, so make sure to explore all of your options.
- Q: How do I apply for military Tuition Assistance?
- A: Active duty military using Tuition Assistance (TA) will need to contact their installation's Base/Military Education Office to get information on the rules and procedures to follow in applying for TA.
- Q: I am a military veteran and would like more information on using my education benefits. How do I do that?
- A: UNO has a Military and Veteran University Services Office (MaV USO) dedicated to assisting military veterans with their education benefits. Check out the Mav USO webpage for more information on options available just for you.
- Q: I am a military dependent. What is available to help me pay for college at UNO?
- A: There are a variety of resources available to make college affordable for military dependents. These include national scholarships and other financial assistance whose information should be found at your local base's Family Support Center or Education Center. Active duty military dependents in the BGS program are also eligible for our textbook scholarship program, and for spouses we have created a Military Spouse Scholarship. If your sponsor is stationed in Nebraska, you also qualify for UNO's resident tuition rate by submitting the Application for Residence Classification and supporting documentation.
- Q: How do I get started with the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program?
- A: An Academic Advisor is here to help you through the process and paperwork. To get additional information or to start speaking to an Enrollment Advisor, check out the Academic Advisor section.
Just looking for an unofficial evaluation of your transfer/military credit? No problem – simply schedule an advising appointment and bring your transcripts to your appointment. If you live out of the area and require a phone advising appointment, indicate so on the scheduler form and then fax (402.595.2807) or e-mail your transcripts to the advisor with whom you set your appointment.
Appointments are even available at Offutt Air Force Base.
- Q: How do I know what courses to take?
- A: Your advisor can evaluate your transcripts, help you to determine transfer credit, and formulate a degree plan. Click here to make an advising appointment and get the help and guidance you are looking for. Appointments are available on the UNO campus, at Offutt Air Force Base, or through a phone appointment.
- Q: Will the college accept credits awarded for my military training?
- A: The BGS is the ideal program for military students. Those with active duty military service can earn a minimum of 10 credit hours toward their degree program for military training and experience, possibly more depending on your training.
- Q: If I don't see my question, how can I get more information?
- A: Contact us at unooffutt@unomaha.edu or call 402.595.2371 or DSN 271-0449.
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