THE UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD

Universe Online
San Antonio, Texas

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) was founded in 1881 as an outgrowth of the original mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word who settled in San Antonio, Texas, in 1869. The school maintains the mission of the founders by providing quality educational opportunities to all students, developing graduates who are concerned and enlightened citizens. UIW is accredited by a variety of regional and national associations, but most notably by the regional accrediting body of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Through its College of Professional Studies, UIW is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Universe Online is accredited by the Association of Accredited Online Programs International.

Distance Learning Program

Universe Online is a natural extension of the mission and the entrepreneurial nature of UIW. By utilizing personal computers and asynchronous instruction, the program addresses the changing needs of adult learners. Maintaining the quality for which it is known, UIW allows students to complete a degree program totally online.

Delivery Media

Students accepted into the program use computer-conferencing software that allows for asynchronous interaction, in an eight-week-term format. Students interact throughout the week in both private and group discussions. Students are required to have an Internet service provider (ISP) to connect and upload/download assignments.

Programs of Study

Universe Online offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs and graduate programs.

Associate of Arts degrees are currently available in the fields of business, information systems, and liberal arts.

The Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) prepares the student for today's changing business climate. The required core and choice of specialization prepare students for positions of leadership in the business world. Areas of specialization include accounting, marketing, management, international business, and information systems.

Two new degrees have been developed specifically for the student with transfer credit that doesn't fit the major requirements but is still a valuable addition to their degree program. The Bachelor of Arts in organizational development and the Bachelor of Arts in human resources combine courses relevant to today's business world and the specialty with the opportunity for students to include transfer work or a minor.

The Bachelor of Arts degrees in applied administration and organizational administration are designed for the person who has an associate's degree in a specialized field or up to 60 credits of concentration area. Both degrees build a degree around the specialized field.

The Master of Business Administra tion (M.B.A.) degree program seeks to develop in each student a broad understanding of how the elements and processes of business organizations relate to one another and to the external environment. Degree require ments are designed to develop stu dents' proficiency and confidence in all of the functional areas of business. Students can elect the general or international focus.

The Master of Arts in Administration (M.A.A.) degree program provides participants with the knowledge and skills required for managers, administrators, and supervisors to function more effectively in all types of organizations, plus the specialized managerial expertise needed for management positions within or related to the organizational development profession. Concentrations are communication arts, organizational development, and urban administration.

Students must complete both the course work in their major field of study and the University's general studies core as required in all courses. A minimum of 128 credits of course work is required to graduate in all undergraduate programs. All classes, including graduate classes, are 3 credits (semester hours). Students must complete 36 semester hours to graduate from the graduate programs.

Student Services

All students at UIW, including Universe Online students, have a wide variety of student service options. Online students have access to academic and financial aid advising, library and bookstore services, and online admission application and registration. In addition, students have access to career planning services.

Credit Options

Universe Online welcomes transfer students. UIW accepts all transfer work, requiring students to complete a minimum of 45 credit hours to receive the UIW degree.

Upon acceptance as a degree-seeking student at the University, a student must obtain prior written approval to transfer any additional credits from other institutions.

Faculty

Given the stringent requirements of national/regional accreditation, faculty members must meet a very exacting set of requirements; this has led to a high-quality educational program delivered by highly credentialed and dedicated faculty members.

Admission

Undergraduate students must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Students having previous college work must have a 2.5 GPA or better. Students must have worked for three years prior to application, in or outside of the home. Students who have not com pleted English composition I and II and college algebra must take these courses early in their program of study and may be tested for level.

International student transcripts and course descriptions must be translated.

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate tuition is $360 per credit and graduate tuition is $545 per credit. There is a one-time transcript fee of $30. There are no other fees assessed.

Financial Aid

Financial aid and payment plans are available for all qualified students. Military benefits, as well as employer reimbursement benefits, may be used for online courses.

Applying

To apply for admission, students can fill out an application for admission through the Web site listed below. In order to be considered for admission, students must fill out an application online at the school Web site and submit official high school or postsecondary school transcripts from all institutions attended. Students are notified of application decisions via e-mail and U.S. mail.

CONTACT

Universe Online
University of the Incarnate Word
CPO #324
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Phone: 877-827-2702 (toll-free)
Fax: 210-829-2756
E-mail: virtual@uiwtx.edu
Web site: http://www.uiw.edu/online