Accelerated & Professional Studies FAQ

 

GENERAL

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE CENTER FOR ACCELERATED & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES?

There are many ways to contact us in the office of Accelerated & Professional Studies:

Local Phone Number: 508.373.9500

Toll Free Phone Number: 877.5.BECKER (877.523.2537)

Worcester Campus Address:

MetroWest Center: 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION INTO THE ACCELERATED & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES PROGRAMS?

To be accepted into one of the three (3) Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Programs, students must complete an application package including:

 

WHO IS THE CONTACT FOR TECHINCAL SUPPORT?

The contact for technical support is the Becker College Helpdesk and they can be reached at:

508-373-1999; they are available to all students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WHO IS THE CONTACT FOR ANGEL HELP?

For Example: john.a.doe.2005

If you did not register for classes with a middle initial then it will just be: Firstname.Lastname.YearofEntrance

For Example: john.doe.2005

·         Your initial password will be the same as your username

·         You may also contact Paul Chase at 508-373-9509 or at paul.chase@becker.edu

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGH THE CENTER FOR ACCELERATED & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES?

The Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies offers the following programs:

WHO DO I CONTACT TO WAIVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE?

Please contact Sheila Soloperto, Director of Student Services for The Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies, at sheila.soloperto@becker.edu or 508-373-9502.

HOW MANY TRANSFER CREDITS ARE ACCEPTED?

The Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies accepts up to 72 transfer credits from an accredited institution if the student receives a grade of “C” or better and the course is applicable to the student’s course of study.

HOW MANY CLEP CREDITS ARE ACCEPTED?

Becker will accept up to 15 credits earned through successful completion of CLEP exams.

WHAT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY TUITION?

·         Federal Financial Aid: www.fafsa.ed.gov

          o   Stafford Loan Monies, Massachusetts State Scholarships, and PELL GRANTS.

·         Company tuition reimbursement

          o   Employer reimburses college directly, no fees charged.

          o   Employer reimburses student directly, student must complete tuition deferment form and submit with a $75 tuition deferment     fee each semester.

·         Each program may offer additional sources of financial aid

 

You must apply for financial aid every year to be considered for federal and/or state assistance. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on “Fill Out Your FAFSA”. If you are completing the application for the first time, you will need a PIN Number (see below). In order to have Becker College receive your application, you must enter our six digit school code on your FAFSA application. Our school code is 002123. Once your application is submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, and it has been processed, they will send it to Becker College.

WHAT IS A PIN NUMBER?

A PIN number is a personalized 4 digit number issued only to you by the U.S. Department of Education that can be used to electronically sign your FAFSA. To apply for a PIN number, visit www.pin.ed.gov.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

All independent students who are U.S. Citizens and have not previously defaulted on a student loan are eligible for Stafford Loan Monies.  Independent, undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time may borrow up to $7,500 for the freshman year (with up to 26 credits); $8,500 for the sophomore year (27-56 credits); and $10,500 for both the junior and senior years (more than 56 credits).

DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ENROLLED IN A CLASS OR CAN I TAKE A BREAK?

Students plan their own schedule. For example, if you know you will be on vacation, then you would not enroll in a class for that period of time.

WHEN CAN I START?

The beauty of the accelerated degree is that you can start at any time. There are classes beginning every week, twelve months of the year.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT CLASSES TO TAKE AND WHEN I SHOULD TAKE THEM?

Once you are accepted into one of our accelerated degree programs, you will be assigned a personal advisor who will guide you through the process of planning and registering for your courses in a way that will allow you to succeed.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE, AND WHAT BOOK I WILL NEEED FOR CLASS?

Two to three weeks prior to the start of class, each student will receive a coursepack. A coursepack is essentially a very detailed syllabus. Each coursepack contains: course contact information, the name of your instructor, the required text and/or materials, the course outline and objectives, evaluation guidelines and the basis for grading, and a class-by-class outline of assignments due, in-class activities, and possible extensions.

HOW WILL I GET MY FINAL GRADE FOR MY COURSE?

Faculty must submit grades one week after the last class. The grades are processed within 24 hours in the Accelerated office. A grade verification letter is sent to your mailing address via U.S. postal mail.

HOW DO I PURCHASE THE TEXTBOOKS FOR MY COURSE? 

Becker College has a bookstore on both the Leicester and Worcester Campuses. The hours of operation change according to the academic year. It is best to call the bookstore at 508-373-9470 to confirm the hours before coming on campus.  The bookstore personnel will assist you with the correct textbook for your course. You will need to know what program you are enrolled in, and the course number you are purchasing the textbook for. You may phone in you order prior to arriving on campus or have it shipped to your home.

Textbooks can be purchased online through the Becker College website www.becker.bkstr.com. Go to the drop down menu and click on bookstore. Proceed through the guided buying process.  

 

BUSINESS

WHAT IS A COHORT?

A Cohort is a group of students who continue through the core management program together from the first to the last course.

HOW MANY CREDITS ARE NEEDED TO GRADUATE? 122

Academic Advisor

Becker College

Accelerated and Professional Studies

508 373 9782

Who is my Academic Advisor for the Accelerated Business degree program at the Worcester Campus?

Tom Ingrassia

Academic Advisor

Becker College

Accelerated and Professional Studies

508 373 9767

Thomas.Ingrassia@becker.edu (preferred contact method)

Academic advisors help students with any course/academic related questions. Advising includes, but is not limited to, assessing transfer credits, updating credit evaluations, and assisting with course planning.

When are advisors available to meet with me?

Advisors within the Accelerated Business Degree Program work part time. Often email and phone work as efficient tools for any quick questions. Face to face meetings are available by appointment when a student has more detailed questions, or needs assistance with course planning.

MetroWest: Office hours

Monday through Thursday, 4pm – 7pm by appointment

Other day/time/site appointments are available by request.

 

Worcester: Office hours

Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 6:30 pm by appointment

Pace - Path to Accelerated College Education offers students with less than 24 credits an individually designed start to the path of a college degree. Each student will meet with an advisor who will design a plan of courses allowing for great preparation before entering a business cohort.

Click here for an in depth view of PACE - Path to Accelerated College Education

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

WHICH DEGREE PROGRAM LEADS TO TEACHER LICENSURE?

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts leads to Teacher Licensure in Elementary Education. Graduates of this program that pass the Massachusetts Teacher Licensure Examinations are eligible to apply for the Elementary Educator’s License.

IS THERE FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS PURSUING TEACHER LICENSURE?

In addition to Federal Loans and Grants available through www.fasfa.ed.gov there is a grant for working public school paraprofessionals. This grant is provided through the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. To apply on line go to www.osfa.mass.edu

WHO IS ENROLLING IN THE DEGREE PROGRAM LEADING TO TEACHER LICENSURE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION?

Our students are busy working School Paraprofessionals who need to keep their jobs while earning their degrees. They need to study at a location that is convenient and at a time that allows work and family life to continue with minimal interruption. With a bachelor’s degree and a teacher’s license they expect their career options and income to improve.

 

PSYCHOLOGY

Graduates of this program are prepared to work with children, adolescents, and families within a broad range of community agencies.