Skip to Adult Degree Completion site navigationSkip to main content

FAQs

Upcoming Events

Contact

Ramapo College Office of Admissions

Nora McCarthy
Adult Transfer Specialist
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
p: (201) 684-7702
e: nmccart1@ramapo.edu

Accelerated Degree Completion Program

Trish Laprey
Director/Degree Completion Program
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
p: (201) 684-7388
e: plaprey@ramapo.edu

Translate This Page:

Google-Translate-English to Spanish Google-Translate-English to Russian BETA Google-Translate-English to Bulgarian Google-Translate-Chinese (Simplified) BETA

Powered by Google Logo

Ramapo College Adult Degree Completion

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Degree Completion Program.  Don’t see the answer to your question? Email us at complete@ramapo.edu.


How do I know if Ramapo College’s Degree Completion Program is right for me?

A. The Degree Completion Program majors are designed for adults 25 years of age and older who have earned either an associate’s degree or at least 64 credits from previously attended institutions and are looking to complete their bachelor’s degree in an adult-friendly environment with guaranteed evening and online courses, a clearly outlined academic path, and a learning environment supportive of adult learners.

Can I apply if I don’t have 64 previously earned credits or an associate's degree?

A. Yes, if you have at least 48 previously earned credits, you can still apply through our Office of Admissions.  An advisor will help you find the required courses needed to complete your Ramapo degree.  Ramapo cannot guarantee that courses offered outside those in the Degree Completion Program will be available in the evening or online.

Do you accept transfer credits from other schools?

A. Yes. Ramapo accepts up to 80 credits from coursework at previously attended institutions. Please note that a maximum of 64 credits may be transferred from two-year institutions or community colleges. More detailed information regarding transfer policies may be found here. 

How long will it take me to earn my bachelor's degree?

A. For students entering with 64 or more credits, it will take on average about two years to complete the program by following the curriculum map outlined for each accelerated major. You can view the two-year cycle of classes for each major by visiting our Curriculum page.

Can I take courses at my own pace?

A. Yes, our flexible structure allows students to create a course schedule that suits their personal and professional needs.

When and how often do classes meet?

A. Hybrid classes (i.e., a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning) run for 8 weeks and meet once a week from 6:05-9:35 p.m. on either a Monday or Thursday evening. Fully online classes run for 15 weeks and are fully asynchronous (i.e., independent learning without any scheduled class meetings).

What majors do you offer through the Degree Completion Program?

A. Currently, the Accelerated Degree Completion Program offers two accelerated majors: Social Science and Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication. You do not need to have previous coursework in either social science or communication in order to apply for one of these accelerated majors.

As an adult, am I eligible to use all the campus services provided by Ramapo?

A. Absolutely. Adult students at Ramapo have all services available to them, including the Center for Student Success, the Cahill Center for Career Services, the Center for Reading and Writing, the Center for Health Services, the Potter Library, tutoring services and the Bill Bradley Sports & Recreation Center, just to name a few resources.

Can I speak with someone before I apply?

A. Yes!  All students in the Degree Completion Program’s accelerated majors have an advisor who acts as your first point of contact for questions about the curriculum, campus services, your individualized path to degree or any other questions you might have. Contact Patricia Laprey, Director of the Degree Completion Program at (201) 684-7388 or plaprey@ramapo.edu.

Will pursuing a bachelor's degree be worth it economically – will it pay back more than it costs me?

A. Numerous studies have shown that earning a bachelor’s degree is a financially rewarding investment when measured over the course of your professional career. Not only are adults with bachelor’s degrees more likely to find work, they’re also more likely to make a sustainable living.  According to the College Board’s 2016 higher education trends report, a college-educated individual’s median annual earnings were approximately 67 percent higher than those of a high school graduate.  And according to a report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW), adults with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $2.8 million during their careers, almost one million more than the median for workers with some college, but no degree. 

Is there any career advisement support?

A. Absolutely. Ramapo offers a comprehensive program of career counseling including periodic seminars, individualized career coaching sessions and job search support. Access to the Career Development Office extends to all Ramapo alumni.

What if I miss a class for health or work reasons?

A. We strongly encourage students not to miss any classes, but we recognize that it may be unavoidable. When an emergency or conflict occurs, students should speak with their instructors to determine if they can connect remotely and how to make up any missed work. Course attendance is determined by the instructor.

What if I have to miss an entire semester?

A. Ramapo College will work with students to accommodate unexpected interruptions in their schedule. Students needing to pause or take a leave of absence must notify the Program Director of their intentions. No penalty is assessed, and students can resume at any time.