Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the School for Professional Studies (SPS)?
SPS is an Adult Degree Completion Program for the working adult to finish their BA degree in as little as 22 months through a cohort format.
-Courses are one night or morning per week
-Most courses are 5 weeks (Nursing, Math & Science courses are 7-10 weeks).
-Online courses available in an 8 week format (General Education & Early Childhood Education).
2. How often does a new cohort begin?
-Fall (August & September Starts)
-Spring (January & February Starts)
-Summer (May Start)
3. How many units do I need to begin a cohort?
57 units of General Education (GE) and electives must be completed. Students may petition to begin a cohort with 50 units. Student must hold a valid RN License for the RN to BSN program.
4. Do I need all my GE completed to begin a cohort?
No. Students may start a cohort with 57 units out of the 73 units of GE and electives required.
5. Do I have to finish my GE prior to transferring into the SPS program?
No. We offer GE courses in the once a week format. Students may transfer into the SPS program with any amount of units.
6. Can I test out of General Education units?
Yes. The CLEP and DANTES exam may be taken for a maximum of 24 units. Exams taken must not be duplicates of courses taken. Duplicate units will not be transferred in.
7. What day and time are courses offered?
Cohort courses are offered Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 6pm-10pm. Nursing cohorts may be on Thursdays 6pm-10pm. General Education and Elective courses are offered Thursday 6pm-10pm or Saturday 8am-12noon.
General education courses and Early Childhood Education are now offered online.
8. How much is tuition?
$330/unit for General Education courses
$460/unit for upper division courses
$515/unit for Nursing upper division courses
$200/unit for Early Childhood Education lower division courses
$375/unit for Early Childhood Education upper division courses
9. Is Financial Aid available?
Yes. Financial Aid is offered through the FAFSA application. Please see the Financial Aid website for further information.
10. Are scholarships available for SPS students?
Yes. Click here to see what is available to you.
11. Do I need 5 years work experience to be eligible for SPS?
Five years work experience is preferred, however not required. Students with less than 5 years work experience will be required to write an additional essay as part of the admissions requirements. Nursing students have a preferred 1 year work experience requirement in the field of nursing.
12. When is the Priority deadline?
Spring 2013 (February) – 2.1.13
Business, Psychology, Religion, Early Childhood Education: AA & General Education
Summer 2013 (May/June) – 4.26.13
Business, Psychology, Nursing, Early Childhood Education: AA & BA & General Education
Fall 2013 (August) – 8.9.13
Business, Psychology, Nursing, Early Childhood Education: AA & BA & General Education
Fall 2013 (October) – 9.13.13
Business, Psychology & Religion, Early Childhood Education: AA & General Education
13. What is the minimum GPA requirement?
2.0 GPA for regular standing.
3.0 GPA is Preferred for the RN to BSN program.
14. How do I get started?
Email an Admission’s Counselor at spsadmissions@vanguard.edu or call us at 714.668.6130 to schedule an appointment to review program details.
