Finish Your Degree Online at IWU: A Step-by-Step Roadmap

There are a number of reasons why a student's educational experience may be disrupted, such as an unexpected move or a new job opportunity. However, modern learners must know they can start afresh. In fact, it's never been easier to finish your degree online at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU).

Why Should You Finish Your Degree Online at IWU?

At IWU, we offer a supportive and nurturing environment for all our students, including our online learners. With a vast array of online degree programs to choose from, we simplify the process of finishing your degree online.

Flexibility for Working Adults

We know that working adults finishing their degree online are balancing many responsibilities and obligations, which is why we offer flexible course scheduling for our online degree programs. You can create an educational pathway that best meets your needs and allows you to achieve a school-life balance that is manageable.

Transfer-Friendly, Student-Centered Approach

Our transfer-friendly, student-centered approach streamlines the process for transferring your credits, allowing you to easily understand which credits will be applied and how long it will take you to finish your degree program.

Step 1: Clarify Goals and Timeline

Before you apply to transfer to IWU, consider your personal and professional goals and your preferred timeline for graduation.

Identify Your Program and Career Outcomes

Primarily, you will want to identify your program and verify that it is available for online completion. Then, you should consider the career outcomes that you may be able to achieve if you choose to finish your degree online. In many cases, students will find that they can pursue higher-level positions in their field by completing their degree.

Map a Target Graduation Date

Make a plan and determine when you will be able to graduate. Your target graduation date may vary based on your previous credits earned and those that can be transferred to your online degree program.

Step 2: How Do Transfer Credits Work at IWU?

As you begin the application process, you will want to request transcripts online and submit them to IWU admissions officers. This allows admissions officers to review your previous academic experience as part of your application.

Gather Official Transcripts From All Institutions

All official transcripts from previous educational institutions will need to be submitted as part of your application. In many cases, you can request transcripts online.

Submit for Transfer Review and Degree Audit

Once you have submitted your official transcripts from previous colleges and universities, the credit evaluation process will begin. At IWU, credit transfer will only be considered when earned at accredited academic institutions and when past academic performance was satisfactory. Military transfer credit and prior learning assessment credit may also be considered during the degree audit.

Step 3: How Do You Pay for an Online Degree?

Our faith-based commitment to affordability makes IWU an excellent option if you want to finish your degree online. Planning for your financing in advance will enable you to make a responsible and strategic decision about finishing your degree.

Complete Financial Aid and Explore Options

Before you apply to transfer, you will want to fill out the FAFSA form. After submitting your FAFSA form, you will receive a financial aid package that may include scholarships, grants, and student loans. In some cases, students may be eligible for employer tuition assistance, depending on where they work.

You can use a net price calculator to determine the cost of your tuition and fees after financial aid has been applied.

Understand Costs and Payment Strategies

In addition to financial aid, there are payment plans for college available to students who want to finish their degree online. At IWU, we offer interest-free payment options for students who want to pay their tuition and fee balance off each month or each semester.

Step 4: How Do You Apply to Transfer to IWU Online?

After filling out the FAFSA application and exploring your financial aid options, you can apply to IWU online. Our streamlined application process makes it easy for you to begin the process of finishing your degree online.

Prepare a Strong Application

Your online application should be a reflection of who you are as a student and who you want to become. It's essential to prepare a strong application that highlights your strengths, but avoid bloating your application with exaggerated accomplishments and anecdotes. Showcase an authentic version of yourself throughout your entire application.

Review Your Admission Decision and Next Steps

You will receive an admission decision from IWU after your application has been reviewed and the credit evaluation process is complete. At that time, you can take the next steps toward enrolling in your degree program.

Step 5: How Can You Finish Your Degree Faster at IWU?

IWU students have access to academic advising online, allowing you to build a personalized degree plan that will enable you to finish college faster.

Choose an Accelerated Course Load

Accelerated online programs are designed to expedite the process of finishing your degree. An accelerated course load often builds upon prior learning and focuses primarily on the most relevant coursework for the degree program.

Finalize With Your Academic Advisor

After you decide which courses you want to take, you will want to review your academic plan with your advisor so that they can confirm that you will meet all of the requirements for your degree program. Academic advising online is available, allowing students to receive personalized support in a convenient and comfortable environment.

Step 6: How Do You Succeed in Online Classes?

Online degree programs are a flexible and versatile option, particularly for adult learners who want to finish their degrees as quickly as possible. However, it's important to take strategic steps to prepare accordingly for this innovative learning environment.

Complete Orientation and Technology Setup

Online students are encouraged to complete an orientation program that introduces them to the IWU campus and allows them to become familiar with our Christ-centered approach to education. After your orientation program is complete, be sure to connect your devices and set up your technology so that you are ready to begin coursework when the semester starts.

Establish Time-Management Habits

Offering an improved sense of work-life balance, online learning is an excellent option if you want to finish your degree. However, time management for online students can be challenging. You can excel in your online program by developing effective time management habits. This involves creating a study schedule, setting up a dedicated, distraction-free study space, and making self-care a priority.

Step 7: Register and Launch Your First Term

With your technology in place and your devices connected, you are ready to begin your first term at IWU. Before you know it, you will be well on your way to finishing your degree online.

Enroll in Courses and Confirm Readiness

At IWU, we offer rolling start dates, allowing you to enroll in courses when you are ready to finish your degree online. Our online course registration process is quick and effective, ensuring that you can easily enroll in the classes you need for your degree.

Engage Early With Faculty and Classmates

The online learning environment is just as interactive and immersive as a physical classroom. You should introduce yourself to your instructors, engage in discussion with your classmates, and participate in collaborative activities, because it will empower you to truly feel part of our Christ-centered campus.

Step 8: What Support Do Online Students Get at IWU?

Student support services at IWU are available to all our students, including those enrolled in our online degree programs. We believe that a nurturing, holistic approach to education allows all of our students to be as successful as possible during their time in college.

Academic and Student Services

The comprehensive IWU student services are designed to support every aspect of a student's life while they are working on earning their degree. Recognizing the fact that students need personalized, holistic support to be successful, our academic and student services include academic advising, counseling, prior learning assessments, tutoring, and career development support.

Career and Faith-Formation Opportunities

IWU students enjoy both career development support and faith-formation opportunities. Our Christ-centered approach is the focal point of all our services, from the degree programs we offer to the student support we provide. We ensure that all students enjoy a valuable and enriching educational experience.

Step 9: Stay on Track to Graduation

As you work to finish your degree online, you will want to monitor your progress and ensure that you are on track to graduate by your target date.

Monitor Progress and Adjust the Plan

Students are encouraged to work closely with academic advisors to monitor their progress. If you find that you need more time or you want to accelerate your program, you can adjust your plan with your advisor, who will provide you with one-on-one support.

Address Life Events Proactively

Life happens, and at IWU, we understand that. By addressing life events proactively, you can create a flexible plan that allows you to continue moving forward while maintaining a sense of school-life balance.

Step 10: Apply for Graduation and Next Steps

Once you have completed your degree program requirements, you are almost there! Applying for graduation is the final step you need to take to finish your degree online.

Complete Final Audit and Graduation Application

Your academic advisor will work with you to perform an IWU online degree completion audit. If they confirm that all your program requirements have been met, you can fill out the online graduation application and begin planning your celebration.

Celebrate and Leverage Alumni Resources

Congratulations! You finished your degree online, and now you are a part of the extensive IWU alumni community. The IWU Alumni Association provides graduates with resources that they can use to leverage the power of their degree and achieve their personal goals. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Credits Can I Transfer?

The specific number of allowable transfer credits will vary based on the total hours required for the degree. No more than 75 percent of the requirements for an IWU undergraduate degree or certificate, and no more than 50 percent of the coursework in the major, may be satisfied by transfer.

How Fast Can I Finish My Degree?

The time it takes to finish your degree will vary based on your previous education, your prior learning experiences, and the course load that you can accommodate each semester.

Can I Pause and Restart If Life Gets Busy?

Yes, you can pause your education and complete your degree online at a time that suits you better. Our academic advisors can help you determine which pathway is best for your personal needs.