Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog Archived Catalog

Liberal Studies Accelerated Associate Degree Program, A.A.


The Liberal Studies Accelerated Associate Degree Program at Neumann University has been serving adult students in the Delaware Valley since 1974. The program is designed to provide adult learners who may have earned some previous college credits, or who did not attend college after high school, with the opportunity to complete the Associate of Arts degree. The uniqueness of this educational opportunity is found in the program’s 6-credit seminar courses, which enable working adult students to attend classes in the evening, online, and/or in a hybrid format. These seminars blend learning approaches, thereby allowing students to learn theoretical material and apply that theory through the development of experientially-based learning projects. Often projects can be developed that are helpful to students at their place of employment or with their personal or career goals. Students may attend classes on either a part-time (1-11 credits) or fulltime (12-19 credits) basis. Liberal Studies courses are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Students may choose to work toward an Associate of Arts degree either as a terminal degree, or to design their course work in such a way that courses for the Associate of Arts degree fully articulate with the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies, or the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Studies. An additional 60 credits are required beyond the Associate of Arts to complete the bachelor’s degree.

Program Outcomes

In addition to meeting the Goals and Learning Outcomes of Neumann University’s Core Curriculum, as described in the Core Curriculum - Goals and Learning Outcomes section of this catalog and upon completion of all degree requirements, graduates of the Liberal Studies Degree Program will be able to:

  • Utilize writing and oral communication skills developed through written and oral assignments in a variety of disciplines;
  • Demonstrate application of knowledge learned in a selected area of concentration to work environments and life situations through the development of Experiential Learning Projects;
  • Demonstrate ability to think critically and creatively about problem solving; and
  • Demonstrate commitment to continuing a lifetime of learning.

Admission Criteria

Any student 21 years or older who has either completed high school or earned a GED may apply to the Liberal Studies Accelerated Degree Program. Application procedures are detailed in the Admissions Information section of this catalog.

Progression Criteria

Students in the Liberal Studies Accelerated Degree Program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 to progress through the program.

Special Features

The Liberal Studies Accelerated Degree Program offers many additional options for acceleration in addition to the 6-credit seminars. These options include:

  • Portfolio Assessment of prior college-level learning.
  • Challenge Examinations.
  • CLEP Examinations.
  • Credit for course work completed through the Department of Defense/DANTES or from corporations offering courses which have been evaluated for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).
  • Independent Study.

For additional information about any of the above options, please consult the appropriate section of this catalog or contact the Division of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies at 610-558-5529.

Tuition Information

Tuition for all six-credit seminar courses is calculated on a per-credit basis. For additional information, please consult the Tuition and Expenses section of this catalog.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the University’s general requirements for graduation, the following must be completed:

  • For the Associate of Arts: A minimum of 60 credits in Liberal Studies with a 2.00 minimum cumulative GPA.

Requirements: 60 Credits


Core Curriculum: 42 Credits*


In preparation for the writing and research requirements of all 6-credit seminars, LSENG 190  and LSLIT 110 , or their equivalent, must be taken prior to registering for any other 6-credit seminar.

Core Course Requirements

One of the following courses for the A.A: 6 Credits


Self-Designed Options: 18 Credits*


Students may self-design the remaining 18 credits.

Note:


* Transfer credit in related disciplines and documented prior learning may be evaluated to satisfy either specific course and/or Self-Designed requirements.