Frequently Asked Questions About Online Graduate Courses

1. Is your University accredited?
Yes.  University of the Cumberlands is regionally accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. 

 2.  What are the admission requirements for your University?
Admissions criteria can be found at this link - Admissions Process/Procedures. 

3.   I want to take some graduate-level classes at University of the Cumberlands, but I’m not sure I want to earn a degree. Can I do this? Also, can I use the courses I take later on if I decide to seek a degree or certification?
Yes.   Applicants must meet the same admissions requirements and standards that apply to applicants of our regular degree programs.  And yes, the courses taken might possibly be applied later toward a degree or certification.
    
 4.  Can I apply for admission at any time?
Yes.  University of the Cumberlands offers six eight week bi-terms per year; two in the spring, two in the summer, and two in the fall.   Students may apply at anytime during the year.

5.  Can I apply for program admission and get a decision before I finish my bachelor’s degree?
No.  You must complete your Bachelor’s degree prior to admission to the graduate program.  We must also receive official transcripts showing your conferred degree before you can be accepted.              

 6.  Do I have to submit my application electronically?
No.  You can visit our campus and complete an application, or you can download the application and mail it to the address provided. Of course we will receive and can begin processing your application immediately if submitted electronically.      

7.  Who do I contact if I need more information about your program?
The Graduate Admission Office is available to answer questions and assist with the admissions process.  You can contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-343-1609, Ext, 4390, locally at 539-4390, or via e-mail at gradadm@ucumberlands.edu.    

8.  What is the cost?   
Online courses are $291 per credit hour or $873 per three (3) hour course.  You will also be required to pay a $50 technology fee per eight week term.    

9.  What online graduate programs or degrees does your University offer?
Our university currently offers the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) through online delivery. In addition, we offer various licensure and certification programs including Director of Special Education, Director of Pupil Personnel, Supervisor of Instruction, Superintendent, Instructional Leadership (School Principal), and Reading and Writing Certification.  Individuals can also take courses to receive their Kentucky Rank I certification (30 hour program) through online delivery methods, and can renew their current expired teaching license through online coursework.

 10.  Do I have to take and entrance exam for admission?
Yes.   Students entering the Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) program must take an entrance exam for admission.  Students seeking Elementary, Middle, or Secondary certification must take and pass the Praxis Content Exam(s) for their specific certification area.  Students entering the Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education program are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies (MAT). The GRE or Miller Analogies is also required for admission to our Master of Arts in School Counseling program.  A combined verbal and quantitative score of 675 for the GRE and 400 for the Miller Analogies is required for all programs. 
      
 11.  Will I have an advisor assigned to me? If not how will I know what classes I need to take to receive the degree or certification I’m seeking?  
You will be assigned an advisor by the Graduate Admissions Office upon admittance.  The Graduate Advising Center will assist with advising questions and initial course registration.  In addition, the Advising Center will provide instructions on how to use “My UC”.  My UC is where you will register yourself for all future courses, view grades, etc.  Students can also view their Planned Program/Curriculum Contract, which lists the required courses needed for their particular program of interest, from this link - Programs & Certification Offerings.

12.  I do not understand the difference in Level I and Level II.
Level I and Level II refer or apply to differing levels of administrative certification. Level I is initial certification – and at our university consists of an 18-21 hour program of study (depending on the certification area).  In Kentucky, once an individual receives Level I certification, he or she must take the remaining hours needed to “move” the certificate to Level II.  Level II must be completed within five years. 

13. What must I do to get a Rank I? Can I take the entire Rank I program online?
Rank I in Kentucky is thirty (30) hours above a Master’s Degree.  Yes, an individual can complete the entire thirty hour program online. One requirement for Rank I status is that at least eighteen of the thirty hours be at completed at the 600 level.

14.  Is there financial assistance available?
Yes.  Most programs qualify for Stafford Loan assistance.  Candidates must be seeking a degree to be eligible.   Candidates can contact our Financial Planning Office at 1-800-343-1609, Ext. 4220, locally at 539-4220, or via e-mail at finplan@ucumberlands.edu for more information and assistance. 

15.  Is there a Graduate Catalog?
Yes, the current Graduate Catalog is available at this link - Graduate Catalog.  There are also several Graduate Handbooks that will assist you throughout your program.  They can be found at this link - Graduate Handbooks.

16.  How can I find out what courses are offered each term?
The University’s website provides class schedules at the following link Class Schedules.

17.  I recently took classes at another university; can I transfer these graduate hours to University of the Cumberlands?
We can accept up to nine (9) hours from an approved IHE (Institution of Higher Education) for students completing a Master’s Degree, and twelve (12) hours for students completing Rank I. However, there are some limitations to the transfer policy.  If you have coursework you would like to transfer, you should complete and submit the following - Transfer Credit Evaluation Form. The form will be evaluated, and you will be notified if your courses can be accepted for transfer.

18.  Describe what an online course looks like. How often do classes meet?
Students are often somewhat nervous about taking their first online class. You may want to visit the E-Learn Portal at this link E-Learn Portal to view a short demonstration of how to navigate in an online course. Classes consist of chat sessions between the professor and the students in the class, and students must be logged on and at their computer during class times. Classes meet one night a week for an hour and a half.  Students will also be required to follow assignments in textbooks or other materials provided.