Bachelor of Arts Program FAQ

Do I have to study subjects I’m not interested in?

Just like any other undergraduate program, we have general liberal arts requirements everyone must cover, regardless of their area of concentration, which we refer to as “degree criteria.” However, at UI&U you won’t be required to study a specific topic that you have no interest in. To meet the history criterion, for example, everyone doesn’t have to look at Western Civilization or European History. Instead, you can choose a topic that you’re interested in and that relates to your area of study; for example, you may look at the evolution of psychology or historical fiction to meet a given degree criterion. And, once you’re familiar with the study planning process, you’ll see how you can incorporate a degree criterion into a study project. After you’ve completed your first semester at UI&U, you’ll surprise yourself with how many creative ideas you have for study projects you want to do!

Do I have to design my studies completely on my own?

No. In fact, you will receive more individual attention from faculty and staff at UI&U than is typical of a traditional college program. You are intimately involved in the creation of each of your study projects since the goal is for you to study through the lens of your individual interests, but you will have a lot of guidance throughout the entire process. UI&U faculty are expert in helping learners get to the core of what they want to explore and learn about and turning those interests into viable academic projects.

Do I have to get a hotel room if I come to a residency?

No, you will be housed in one of our dormitories and your meals will be provided in our dining hall by the New England Culinary Institute. Room and board is included in your comprehensive tuition fee.

I’ve attended several colleges over the years. How do I get my transcripts? Does UI&U have an age restriction in regard to transfer credits?

It’s easy! Your enrollment counselor can provide you with a “transcript request form” to complete, and UI&U will order all your official transcripts, from regionally accredited schools, on your behalf. We will pay any associated fees. We do not have an age restriction on credits that we will consider for transfer. It’s not uncommon for our learners to have attended college quite some time ago.

Do I need an A.A. degree or other college credit to apply?

No.  We only require a high school diploma or GED to apply, so you are free to get started on your bachelor’s degree right away--with or without previous credits.

How do I get the books for my study?  Does the university supply them?

For more information, contact an enrollment counselor:

888-828-8575 or 802-828-8500 (outside the U.S.)
email admissions@tui.eduIt is up to each learner to find his or her own book for his or her studies; however, books may be borrowed from our Gary Library, which contains more than 45,000 print volumes and over 25,000 ebooks, as well as thousands of non-circulating reference books, print and electronic periodicals, learner theses, and doctoral dissertations.  Additionally, you may opt to borrow through our inter-collegiate library loan service or from your own local library.  Books for your study may also be purchased or, perhaps, if your study is something you have a great interest in, you may already have suitable books on your bookshelf.