Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions
SNL offers accelerated and flexible degrees that recognize learning achieved in life. Move at your own pace. Design a degree to meet your goals. Work closely with your own faculty mentor and professional advisor. Earn your degree from DePaul, a premier university. Start your degree any week of the year at any of our campuses or online.
What are the degree requirements?
Most SNL degrees have competence-based requirements: 50 are required to graduate; 12 must be taken through SNL. They are in three areas:
1) An individualized or pre-determined focus area of study that you design.
2) A liberal learning area that ranges over the humanities, sciences, and technology.
3) A series of core courses that build skills in goal setting, critical thinking, writing research, presentation, analytical and decision-making.
How do I satisfy degree requirements?
1) Take SNL courses.
2) Transfer courses with a grade of C- or better.
3) Demonstrate college-level learning from life experiences.
How do I get credit for experience?
Any learning experience that is not a college-accredited course, such as professional certification, community work, artistic endeavors, etc. is considered experiential learning. To gain credit, we help you describe and document the learning, and how it applies to an SNL requirement. This option does not apply to the Degree Completion Majors because they are course-based.
How long will it take?
Between 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years, going part-time and at your own pace.
How much is it?
Your investment depends on the number of transfer courses and college-level learning from life experiences. In the competence-based program, SNL courses satisfy two degree requirements, worth two credit hours of tuition each. Work and life experiences are assessed for a $150 fee. Loans, grants, scholarships and tuition payment options are available.
How am I admitted?
After you submit an online application and all official transcripts, your application and transcripts will be reviewed. If necessary, you may be asked for additional information. Once admitted, you will receive a letter and be elgible to take classes.
What kind of majors are offered?
SNL offers a variety of program options. In general, students can design a degree around any career or academic goal.
What is a competence?
Rather than giving you a specific list of courses to complete, SNL requirements are in the form of competence statements. Examples:
L-5: Can analyze issues and reconcile problems through critical and appreciative thinking.
A-2-C: Can employ principles of design to enhance the functions and aesthetics of objects or environments.
H-3-A: Can use two or more theories of human psychology to understand and solve problems.
S-1-E: Can analyze inventions or technologies and can understand their underlying scientific principles.
How many students are in a class?
The maximum number of students per course is 25. Certain courses allow only 20.
Can I get financial aid?
Yes. Most students receive financial aid. Students are eligible if registered for six credit hours per quarter. DePaul also offers a program that allows students eligible for employer tuition reimbursement to defer tuition payment until after grades are issued. See also SNL Scholarships.
Where is SNL?
Most SNL programs are offered at four DePaul campuses and online. See program details for specific locations.
Where should official transcripts from prior colleges be sent?
DePaul University, Office of Admission, Attention: Transcripts, 1 East Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604.
How do I get started?
It's easy to begin. No tests are required. Complete the online application and submit all official transcripts.