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Why is McPherson College establishing a degree completion program?
McPherson College is establishing a degree completion program to be of service to the community. This program will allow the degree to be accessible to the working adult. Employers today demand more skills and knowledge and this will allow an increase in skills and knowledge. Through this program the community will have more informed citizens.

Will a college degree make a difference in my career?
In our increasingly competitive market, employers are putting greater value on education. Today, college graduates earn an average of 98% more income over their lifetime than a non-college graduate. Those with a master's degree earn 170% more. And the gap is widening. (Source: U. S. Department of Commerce.) In addition, through the year 2006, employment opportunities will grow fastest for professionals with a college education. Currently, a majority of the fastest growing and highest paying occupations require at least a bachelor's degree. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

How fast can I complete my degree?
It will take less than two years to complete the degree if a student enters the program with all other requirements satisfied. The time it takes to complete your degree will vary, depending on how many credits your start with. The more credits you transfer in, the faster you will complete your degree.

Describe the general outline of the program
(i.e. enrollment requirements, hours & days required, degree received upon completion, etc.)
The requirements to enter the program include an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree or 64 college semester hours.
The Business Management courses will be offered one night a week for four hours. The major requires 45 semester hours (foundation and core courses). It will take less than two years to complete the degree if a student enters the program with all other requirements satisfied. Upon completion of the program a student will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. This degree will allow the student to acquire business technical knowledge and skill with ethical emphasis through an institution with the highest academic standards. Business Management will teach students to think critically and independently and explore values and service. It will assist the student in communicating business information clearly and effectively.

Will my degree from McPherson College
be accepted in the business community?
Yes. McPherson College is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. We develop our curriculum based on the current needs of business managers. We draw our faculty for the Degree Completion Program from our full-time faculty and from among the leaders of the various fields of business to provide the most valuable, real-world education possible. In addition, the curriculum at McPherson College is continually updated to reflect the latest concepts and practices in the business world.

Describe the relationship being established
with Hutchinson Community College.
McPherson College and Hutchinson Community College are presently working on a transfer agreement, which will allow a Hutchinson Community College student to transfer to McPherson College at either the McPherson Campus or the Hutchinson Community College campus. A Hutchinson Community College student who completes an associate of arts or associate of science degree based on a baccalaureate-oriented sequence of courses will be accepted as having completed the general education requirements of McPherson College for the Degree Completion Program. Students transferring from Hutchinson Community College to McPherson College without the associate of arts or associate of science degree will be given general education credit for any course completed at Hutchinson Community College that meets the requirement as defined in the McPherson College catalog.

Who will be teaching the courses?
McPherson full-time and part-time faculty will be teaching the courses. The part-time faculty are made up of professionals who have advanced degrees and work full-time in the field in which they teach.

How will area residents benefit from such a program?
This type of program makes a degree accessible for working adults. This type of program is a service to the community because it increases the number of informed citizens. Employers demand more skill and knowledge. This program allows the employees to gain more skill and knowledge.
Area residents will benefit through personal enjoyment of the program. Completing these types of programs give the students increased confidence, self-worth, and pride. Statistically, graduates of college programs earn twice that of non-graduates.

What is the general timeline for launching the program?
Classes are currently forming on the McPherson College campus and will be available at Hutchinson Community College in fall 2003.

How do I qualify for admissions?
Prospective students need an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science or 64 transferable semester hours to be admitted in the program. The classes are discussion oriented, therefore, students are encouraged to have at least 3 to 5 years of work experience or significant volunteer experience.

What if I don't meet all the admission criteria?
Can you still assist me?
Yes. The first step is to request a copy of transcripts be sent to our registrar. If you don't have 64 transferable semester hours, we may recommend that you complete those hours prior to attending the Degree Completion Program. We may also recommend that you attend classes at a local community college prior to enrolling in our Degree Completion Program. Our Director of Adult Education will be able to assist you in course selection to assure transferability.

If I have no college, can I still apply for this program?
Not at this time. You need to have 64 college semester hours to begin the Degree Completion Program. However, we will work with you to create a graduation plan that will help you achieve the hours you need to enter the program.

If I haven't taken a college class in years,
can I be successful in this program?
Yes! The Degree Completion Program is designed for adult learners. Classes are discussion-oriented, drawing from your practical work and experience.

What degree will I receive when I complete the program?
A Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

Where are your students employed? Will I fit into this program?
Our students represent a cross-section of organizations to include government, corporate, not-for-profit, etc.,therefore, students coming from any profession will fit in our program.

When do classes start and what are the class hours?
Classes begin at various times throughout the year, not just at the beginning of a semester term. Classes meet one evening per week from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. A course schedule is available by contacting McPherson College.

Where are classes offered?
Classes are offered at the main campus at McPherson College and beginning in the fall 2003 classes will be offered at the Hutchinson Community College campus.

Do I qualify for financial aid?
Students enrolled full time in the Adult Programs are considered full-time and are eligible to apply for state and federal grants or loans. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine eligibility. Most students qualify for the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

What other forms of payment are available?
In addition to the grants and loans McPherson College offers personal payment plans by term. Many employers offer tuition assistance to employees.

How do I get started?
We encourage you to have your prior college transcripts sent to McPherson College and contact an admissions counselor or the Director of Adult Education at (620) 241-0731 ext. 1104 or (800) 365-7402 ext. 1104. We then can review your transcripts and create a graduation plan for you.

How long has McPherson College been in existence?
McPherson College was founded in 1887 by the Church of the Brethren. McPherson College is a private four-year liberal arts college. The college welcomes students of all cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds.

Is McPherson College an accredited school?
McPherson College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (30 North LaSalle, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, telephone: 312-263-0456, web address: (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org ).

Is accreditation important?
Yes. In order to transfer credit or pursue a graduate study, it is important to attend an accredited college.

Who decides if I am admitted to the Degree Completion Program?
The Director of Adult Education

How many absences can I have each term?
Due to the concentrated schedule and the emphasis upon participatory learning, students are expected to attend every week. Absences due to illness or other emergency situations must be made up through activities required by the faculty member in that term or the program director.

How much preparation will I have to do for each class meeting?
This will vary depending on the class and the professor, as well as on your own personal style of studying. However, you can probably expect to spend at least 3-4 hours for every 1 hour you are in class.

Do I have to pay extra for course syllabi
or handouts distributed in each class?
No, your cost at the beginning of each term include your books and any other fees that may be required.

What are the main reasons for attending McPherson College?
The Degree Completion Program is designed for working adults to prepare them for innovative and effective careers. The accelerated format allows the adult learner to complete a degree in less than two years. As part of a small group, students receive personal attention, have more opportunities to discuss and share ideas, and learn from one another. All materials are provided to students prior to each term. You will not have to go to a bookstore and wait in line.