General Information
Wilkes’ University’s commitment to developing and nurturing a passion for lifelong learning in students of all ages is reflected throughout the academic undergraduate degree programs of the University and in the flexible scheduling and enrollment, including on-line course options and robust roster of special cultural and educational programs that serve both full-time undergraduate students and non-traditional degree- and non-degree-seeking students.
University Calendar
The academic year consists of two fifteen-week semesters, each of which includes a final examination period. The fall semester normally begins in late August and concludes with final examinations in December. The spring semester begins in mid-January and closes with a final examination period in May. An optional three-week Intersession is offered in late December and early January.
The University also provides a broad range of courses, workshops, mini-courses, and programs with outdoor activities during the summer months. The summer schedule includes a three-week Pre-Session, two five-week Day Sessions, and a nine-week Evening Session, plus special mini-sessions. The first regular summer Day Session begins in early June and concludes in mid-July; the second regular summer Day Session begins in mid-July and ends in late August. The nine-week Evening Session, which begins in early June and ends in early August, complements these two day-school summer sessions. Students interested in the summer programs should contact the Office of Summer Programs for specific course and scheduling information. Please request special summer discount information through the Office of Summer Programs (570) 408-4150.
Commencement exercises are held three times annually, at the close of the fall semester, spring semester and at the close of the Summer Sessions.
For a copy of the 2022-2023 Approved Academic Calendar, go to the end of this bulletin or click 2022-2023 Academic Calendar.
Accreditation
Wilkes University offers degrees and programs approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (3624 Market Street/Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680).
Certain academic programs are also individually accredited by the respective professional organizations. The Chemistry curriculum is approved by the American Chemical Society. The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master’s degree in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice/, and post graduate APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Programs in Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and the Bachelor of Business Administration degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) has granted full accreditation to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) program.
NOTE: When programs must meet curricular requirements set by external agencies, such as accrediting associations, curricular changes may be made without prior notice, and students will be required to conform to such changes when they become effective.
Course Numbering
Courses are designated by a course number code comprising two or three letters and three digits. The letter codes identify specific fields of study (e.g., ACC = Accounting; BIO = Biology; IM = Integrative Media; and THE = Theatre). The three-digit numeric codes identify the course level (first digit: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), subfields within a specific discipline, as defined by each department or program(second digit), and, when appropriate, the course sequencing or time of year when the course is offered (third digit). Course levels are denoted as follows:
1xx Introductory courses
2xx Intermediate courses
3xx Advanced undergraduate courses
4xx Advanced undergraduate courses and courses for graduate students
5xx Courses for graduate students only (except with special permission)
Course Scheduling and Enrollment
Wilkes University offers a full schedule of day classes during the fall and spring semesters. Evening, summer, intersession, and accelerated classes accommodate schedules of traditional and non-traditional full- and part-time students who cannot attend day classes or classes offered during the regular semester periods. A number of online courses and hybrid courses, which combine online learning with periodic classroom meetings and discussions, provide additional scheduling flexibility for traditional and non-traditional students.
Wilkes University welcomes part-time undergraduate students into all of its regular sessions and has established the Evening schedule to maximize scheduling possibilities for students who are not able to attend day classes. Evening courses generally meet one or two nights per week during the academic year and two nights per week during the nine-week summer Evening Session.
If seating is available, non-degree students may be admitted to classes for which they are qualified by virtue of their maturity, educational background, or work experience. Secondary school training is desirable, but not required, provided the student is qualified to meet the requirements for enrollment and the rigors of the academic course work involved. Direct all inquiries pertaining to continued learning opportunities to the Admissions Office at (570) 408-4400.
These flexible campus classroom and online offerings in a variety of disciplines provide the greatest possible flexibility of scheduling for full-time undergraduate students and enable graduates of accredited two-year institutions and returning non-traditional students to complete baccalaureate degrees in certain majors by taking courses beyond the regular daytime class meeting hours.
Full- and part-time undergraduate students should consult with their academic advisors concerning the various course formats and scheduling options and review the Schedule of Courses published each semester by the Office of the Registrar. Returning, non-degree seeking, and non-traditional students should direct inquiries to the Admissions Office at (570) 408-4400. Complete information about graduate, professional, post-baccalaureate, and continued learning opportunities is available on the Wilkes University Web site at https://www.wilkes.edu/graduatestudies
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