Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 University Bulletin 
    
2018-2019 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Continuing Studies: Bachelor Degree Completion Programs


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The College of Applied Social Sciences (CASS) offers two bachelor degrees to non-traditional students who meet the admission profile outlined below. The following information applies both to the bachelor of arts in legal studies and bachelor of arts in human services programs:

Undergraduate Admissions

The requirements for admission to the bachelor of arts in legal studies and bachelor of arts in human services are as follows: at least 7 years out of high school and 30 semester hours of college credit OR at least 7 years out of high school with significant professional work experience if transferring under 30 semester credits.  If no college transcripts are available, the applicant must provide a high school transcript instead. The Dean may waive either requirement in exceptional circumstances after review of a request for a waiver. The admission decision is reserved for the CASS admissions committee after review of the entire application and supporting documents. The application can be accessed at any time at continuingstudies.dom.edu or a paper copy can be obtained from the CASS office. It must be completed, signed, and submitted by the student. Transcripts detailing all credits earned at all schools prior to application at Dominican are required as well as a 1-2 page personal essay or statement of purpose in order to complete the application. Application fees may apply. After an acceptance decision, CASS provides students with a letter of acceptance for their records. Students can begin classes at the next available semester start date offered three times a year. Students may begin as a student-at-large; however, they are not eligible for financial aid. Students who are away for three semesters or more must reapply for admission and must also register for a course or readmission will be denied. If an applicant does not meet the age requirement, an age waiver request form may be submitted and a waiver requested by the dean of CASS.

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission, applicants whose native language is not English and/or student requiring a visa (F-1) and I-20 form, must demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be done by scoring a minimum of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL. Additionally, students must show evidence of adequate financial support for two years.

Student-at-Large

Applicants who would like to take an individual course(s) may do so as a student-at-large (non-degree seeking student). The maximum number of semester hours a non-degree seeking student may earn is 30 hours. A student-at-large is not eligible for financial aid.

Conditional Admittance

Students who have been otherwise accepted but do not have all official college transcripts on file will be considered conditionally accepted until all official documents are received. Students will be permitted a maximum of three courses or two sessions (one semester) to submit this documentation.

Transcripts

All official transcripts should be sent directly to Admissions Operations, 7200 West Division St., River Forest, IL  60305, and must arrive sealed in order to be acceptable. These official transcripts will be used by the Office of the Registrar to complete official transcript evaluations.

Credit for Prior Learning

Proficiency Exams

Proficiency exams are available for English and mathematics. Students can receive guidelines regarding the materials covered in the course, as well as information about the exam on request. Students can arrange to take exams through CASS or with a local proctor by arrangement. There is no charge for proficiency exams. See your academic advisor for details.

CLEP

College Level Examination Program exams (or DANTES exams if you are in the armed forces) offer students an opportunity to earn credit in a variety of subject areas. A student may not CLEP out of any of the required seminars, nor EN 102, although the English Comp with essay exam will waive English Composition I. Further information is available by logging on to www.collegeboard.com and following links to CLEP. Students interested in CLEP may take CLEP exams until the semester before graduation. No CLEP credit will be granted within the last semester before graduation.

ACE

American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations are used as guidelines to evaluate selected baccalaureate level coursework. Any certificates that were earned through company training workshops and seminars must be submitted and evaluated for credit approval prior to enrolling/matriculating in your first course in the BLS or BHS program. After matriculation, certificates will not be accepted.

Portfolio Assessment Prior Learning Credit/Prior Learning Assessment

The prior learning portfolio assessment option (PLA) is open to individuals currently enrolled in the BLS or BHS programs. The amount of credit attempted and earned through prior learning is dependent upon the scope and depth of each student’s applicable prior college-level learning. It is also dependent on the student’s aptitude for writing, independent reflection and study, etc. The amount of credit attempted also depends upon the student’s degree plan and what courses are required for which a prior learning assessment option is available.

Credit given for prior learning will be awarded on a pass/no credit basis. This credit can be considered part of the 30-hour residency requirement. Prior learning credit awarded will not affect the student’s grade point average. Students can use only one option (e.g. CLEP, Portfolio Assessment) to earn credit for a particular course through prior learning. This does not apply to courses for which credit has already been granted. Students must apply for and complete portfolios prior to their last semester before graduation. Portfolios will not be accepted the semester prior to graduation. There is a fee for PLA. See your advisor for details.

NOTE: A maximum of 27 hours may be earned in combination of all alternative credit options.

Programs

    Bachelors Degree

    Courses

      CASS-CS: Human Services

      Human services courses are limited to students enrolled in the BHS or BLS degree programs.

      CASS-CS: Legal Studies

      Legal studies courses are limited to students enrolled in the BLS or BHS degree programs.

      CASS-CS: Proficiency and General Education Courses

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