You've got questions. We've got answers. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
- Is an online degree program for me?
- How do I know if online learning is for me?
- How much does the program cost?
- How do I pay for a degree?
- How do I qualify for financial aid?
- When can I apply for financial aid?
- Do my credits and hours from other colleges apply to the GOLD program?
- How do I enroll in the ULM GOLD program?
- Why I am required to complete a proof of immunization form if I'm taking courses online?
- Why is employment verification and résumé part of the admission process?
- Do I have to be full time in order to apply?
- I completed the online admissions form, what do I do next?
- Is there any other way to receive credit for my educational and professional experiences?
- Will I be required to take any kind of placement test?
- Can I take an online course without enrolling in the program?
- Do you have to already be a student at ULM in order to enroll?
Click here for a PDF of these FAQs1. Is an online degree program for me?
That depends. The online degree programs are designed for working adults who previously attended, but did not finish college. The courses are taught online in 4, 8 or 16 week formats and include the same amount of material that is taught in a regular semester. Not only must you qualify to meet the degree requirements, you must also have the dedication and interest in participating in online learning.
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2. How do I know if online learning is for me?
GOLD courses are 100% online—a new way of learning for many people. To find out whether online learning is for you, we encourage you to visit www.yourcallla.org/e-learning to assess your readiness for online learning, your goals, and your learning preferences.
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3. How much does the program cost?
Tuition for online courses in the GOLD degree programs is the same as the tuition for on-campus courses. For non-Louisiana residents, the out-of-state fees are waived for the online degree student.
Click here to view a PDF of the Fall 2008 tuition and fee scale for online courses. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at onlinedegrees@ulm.edu.
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4. How do I pay for a degree?
Financial aid comes in the form of grants or loans. Additionally, many businesses and industries provide tuition reimbursement programs – check with your Human Resources Department about these possible opportunities. You can learn more about ways to pay for a degree at finaid.ulm.edu or contact financial aid at finaid@ulm.edu.
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5. How do I qualify for financial aid?
This first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The key to the financial aid process is to apply early! Learn more by visiting the financial aid office site at finaid.ulm.edu. The FAFSA and all other application documents must be completed to determine eligibility.
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6. When can I apply for financial aid?
As stated above, it is important you apply for financial aid as early as possible. Begin the process now by completing the FASFA online.
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7. Do my credits and hours from other colleges apply to the GOLD program?
Yes, ULM accepts credits from other accredited colleges and universities. Some credits may be transferable and count toward your degree. If you fax an unofficial copy of your transcript to (318) 342-1049 or email it to onlinedegrees@ulm.edu, noting the degree in which you are interested and including your email address, we will evaluate your transcript and get back to you.
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8. How do I enroll in the ULM GOLD program?
IF YOU ARE . . . a transfer student, re-admitted and undergraduate student, or a international student, you can complete an application online at www.ulm.edu/enrollment/admissions.html.
IF YOU ARE . . . a college graduate and wish to apply for an online Masters degree, you may apply at www.ulm.edu/gradschool/admis.html
If you have any trouble with the online application, call Anthony Malta at (318) 342-3095 or 1-800-372-5127.
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9. Why I am required to complete a proof of immunization form if I'm taking courses online?
The immunization form is required for all students attending ULM. As a student of the University, it is required of you as well. You will note in the instructions for completing the form that you may complete the exemption portion of the form stating you are an online student. Completion of this form is a requirement for your admission. Once completed you can fax the form to (318) 342-5239
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10. Why is employment verification and résumé part of the admission process?
Three years of previous work experience is a requirement for admission to the undergraduate online degree program. The insight and knowledge gained from your work experiences are a key component to your success. Your résumé provides us a quick look at those experiences and the employer verification form is another vital piece of documentation. The purpose behind collecting this admission information is to help ensure your success in the program, should you be admitted.
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11. I am not currently working full-time at my job; do I have to be full time in order to apply?
If you have worked full-time in the past or parttime for a number of years, you can apply to the program. We will look at the employer verification form and your resume to determine your eligibility. The program was not designed for students coming to college directly from high school; it is for adults with some work experience. As a final note, the decision about your eligibility is ultimately based on a number of factors, not just your work experience. If you do not have the full-time work experience, you may submit an appeal to request admission to the program.
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12. I completed the online admissions form, what do I do next?
Please email onlinedegrees@ulm.edu to schedule an online advising appointment.
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13. Is there any other way to receive credit for my educational and professional experiences?
ULM is excited to offer a number of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) options. You may choose to test out of a particular course by taking a nationally standardized exam such as CLEP or DSST. Specific courses also offer challenge or skills exams as an option to taking the course. Portfolio assessment will be available in the future.
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14. Will I be required to take any kind of placement test?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. Whether or not you will have to take a placement test will be determined upon review of your previous educational history.
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15. Can I take an online course without enrolling in the program?
There are some online courses that are open to the entire campus population, but others are reserved for those students admitted to and enrolled in an online degree program.
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16. Do you have to already be a student at ULM in order to enroll?
ULM Admissions are the first step to admissions into the GOLD program. You have to meet admission requirements and be admitted to ULM before you can apply.