Frequently Asked Questions About Online Graduate Courses

1. Is your University accredited?
University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also accredited by Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board.

2. What are the admission requirements for your University?
Students must complete an application and pay a thirty (30) dollar application fee. Each student must also have their undergraduate degree granting institution forward an official transcript to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Each student must have a 2.50 G.P.A. or higher and provide a copy of their current teaching license. Each student must submit three letters of recommendation. The GRE or Miller Analogies is a required entrance exam into both the M.A.T. and the M.A.Ed. programs.

3. I just want to take some graduate-level classes at University of the Cumberlands but I am not sure if I want to earn a degree. Can I do this? Also, will I be able to use courses I take later on if I decide to seek a degree or certification?
Yes. These applicants must meet applicable admission requirements and standards that apply to applicants to regular degree programs.

4. Can I apply for admission at any time?
Yes. The graduate programs at University of the Cumberlands operates on a semester basis and have two spring terms, one summer term and two fall terms. Students may apply anytime during the year.

5. Can I apply for program admission and get a decision before I finish my bachelor’s degree?
No. You need to complete your Bachelor’s degree prior to applying to a program for a Masters degree..

6. Do I have to submit my application electronically?
No. You can visit the campus and complete your application here if you would like. You may also download the application and complete it and then mail the application to the address provided. Of course you can also complete the entire application and pay the application fee via online if you would like.

7. Who do I contact if I need more information about your program?
You may contact either Donna Stanfill in the Graduate Admission Office at (606)539-4390 or Dr. Gary Pate in the Graduate Office at (606) 539-4403. You can also email the department at gradadm@ucumberlands.edu.

8. What is the cost for the courses? Also, how many courses or hours are required?
Beginning Fall 2007, online courses are priced as 291 dollars per credit hour or about 873 dollars per three hour course and a technology fee of 50 dollars per session.

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

10. Do I have to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) as a condition for admittance into your program?
Yes. Students entering the Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) or the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) will be required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test as an entrance exam into these 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 am seeking?
Upon admittance each graduate student is assigned an advisor by the Director of Graduate Education. The advisor is responsible for helping each student to select appropriate courses for completion. Each candidate can view the Planned Program (also known as a Curriculum Contract) for the area which lists each required class the student needs to complete.

12. I do not understand the difference in Level I and Level II.
Levels I and II refer or apply to differing levels of administrative certification. Level I is the initial certification – and at our university consists of an eighteen hour program of study. In Kentucky once an individual receives Level I certification he or she must take the remaining hours needed to “move” the certificate up to Level II.

13. What must I do to get a Rank I? Can I take the entire Rank I program online?
Rank I in Kentucky is a thirty (30) hour program. Yes, an individual can take some or the entire thirty hour program online. One requirement of the Rank I is that at least eighteen of the thirty hour program must be at the 600 level. Many graduate students choose to complete their Rank I while they also obtain either administrative certification (Director of Special Education, Superintendent, Supervisor, Principal or Director of Pupil Personnel) or Reading and Writing Certification. However others simply select graduate courses that they have a particular interest in.

14. Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Planning 606 539-4220 to learn about financial assistance that may be available.

15. Is there a Graduate Catalogue?
Yes, the current Graduate Catalogue is available online and can be assessed by visiting the school’s website

16. How can I find out what courses are offered each term?
The University’s website : http://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/schedules/ provides a complete listing of all graduate as well as undergraduate classes for each term. Additionally a copy of course schedules will be mailed or emailed to students that indicate a request for a copy.

17. I took some classes at another university recently. Can I transfer those graduate hours to University of the Cumberlands?
Our university normally accepts up to nine hours from other approved institutions of higher education for students completing a Master’s and twelve hours for students completing a Rank I. There are some limitations on this transfer policy. Contact the Director of the Graduate Program for approval.

18. Describe what an online course looks like. How often do classes meet?
Often students are somewhat nervous about taking their first online class. You may want to visit the elearn portal to see a short demonstration of how to navigate in an online course. Classes meet once each week usually for one and one-half hours. Each student will read assignments in textbooks or materials provided. Beginning Fall 2007, classes will meet for 8 weeks.

19. How do I get my login information to access electronic library resources?
Students must have a University Mail account in order to access University library resources.  If you have not already signed up for an account, you may do so online.  The University Mail Account form can be found by going to http://www.ucumberlands.edu/it and clicking the link “Sign up for a Mail Account” located on the left hand side of the webpage.  If you already have an account but have forgotten your password, please follow the same link above and choose the link labeled “Forgot My Password.”