FAQ - Online Classes

General Questions

Is Atlantic University Accredited?

Atlantic University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Distance Education Accrediting Commission
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808
Washington, DC 20036
202.234.5100

Read more about Atlantic University's accreditation here: https://www.atlanticuniv.edu/about/accreditation/

What does Atlantic University have to do with Edgar Cayce?

The founder of the university, Edgar Cayce, desired to have academic programs that spoke to the masses, not just those interested in his work. He wanted Atlantic University to include mainstream, applicable degrees, and programs that were split into three main categories:

• Spiritual philosophy
• Business
• Cultural Studies

The university also has a strong affiliation with the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), the nonprofit organization Mr. Cayce and supporters founded in 1931.

Is there a religious or spiritual tradition associated with any of the programs?

The university is not grounded in any one particular faith, religion, or spiritual tradition; rather, the academics are presented to allow the student to discover more about themselves as they relate to the material presented.

Does Atlantic University offer a Ph.D.?

No. Atlantic University does not have a Ph.D. program. We do offer an MA in Transpersonal Psychology and an MA in Mindfulness Studies. We also offer graduate certificates in Integrated Imagery: Regression Hypnosis and Mindful Leadership. For those looking to learn more about the program without a commitment to a graduate program, the university offers two noncredit options, the Spiritual Guidance Mentor Training Certificate, and the Lifelong Learning program.

Are all classes online? Do you offer any on-campus classes?

All Atlantic University classes are offered online in a virtual classroom using a secure learning management system. We do not offer any fully on-campus, face-to-face classes. 

What does an online class at Atlantic University look like?

What can I do with a degree or certificate from Atlantic University?

Once students complete their degree or certificate, they have many opportunities available. Many go on to teach, write, lecture, coach, and/or become entrepreneurs and build their own businesses. Some establish nonprofits or go to work with existing nonprofit agencies. Others use this education to add to their current professions and build upon what they already know, thus advancing their careers. Some complete these programs for personal enrichment, while others go on to a more advanced degree or certificate.

How long does it take to finish a program?

• The graduate programs, Transpersonal Psychology (36-39 credit hours) and Mindfulness Studies (39 credit hours) can be completed in less than two and a half years with full-time work (6 credits per semester). 
• The Graduate Certificate in Mindful Leadership (15 credit hours) can be completed in a year and a half (3 credits per semester).
• The Integrated Imagery: Regression Hypnosis Graduate Certificate (9 credit hours) is a three-course certificate program and can be finished in 12 months, with continuous enrollment.
• The Spiritual Guidance Mentor Training Certificate (five, 12-week courses) is typically completed in a year and a half (one course a semester for five semesters) but can be finished in less time by taking more than one class a semester, when available.
• The Lifelong Learning program allows students to take just one class at a time, and enroll in more whenever the time is right. Each course is 12-weeks in length.

Note: Master's degree programs must be completed within seven (7) years from the date of first enrollment.

FINANCES

Does Atlantic University Participate in Federal Financial Aid?

The university does not participate in Title IV Federal Financial Aid. We do offer the option to make monthly tuition payments. We also accept employer tuition assistance for select programs.

Does Atlantic University offer scholarships?

For those who qualify, scholarships are available and can reduce the cost of attendance. To see if you qualify, read more about Atlantic University Scholarships.

 

ADMISSIONS

Graduate

Do you require the GRE’s or any other exams for admittance to the graduate programs?

We do not require the GRE or any other exam for entrance into the university. International students who speak English as a second language will have to submit TOEFL scores as part of their admissions package.

I attended multiple universities while pursuing my bachelor’s degree. Do you need transcripts from all of the universities or just the university where I obtained my degree?

If you are applying to a graduate program, we will need only the transcripts from the institution that awarded your bachelor’s degree. There have been times when transcripts from all institutions attended are needed for supporting documentation. If this is the case, the applicant will be contacted.

I do not have a bachelor’s degree, ca I be accepted into a graduate program without a four-year degree?

No, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of Education to apply for a graduate program. However, prospective students without a bachelor's degree may be interested in the Spiritual Guidance Mentor Training Certificate or the Lifelong Learning program. Both of these programs are offered as noncredit options to students who do not have an undergraduate degree or to those who do not wish to pursue a master’s degree.

How do you evaluate undergraduate GPA in the admissions process?

Ideal candidates will have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but those who fall below this threshold are still encouraged to apply. Applicants are evaluated based on their total admissions package and interview. If the GPA is below 3.0, applicants are encouraged to spend quality time on their admissions essay, explain their GPA, and why the university is a good fit for them. 

Can graduate certificate courses be transferred into the master's programs?

Yes. Graduate certificate courses can transfer into the conferring degree programs. For example, courses taken as part of the Mindful Leadership Graduate Certificate can transfer into the Master of Arts in Mindfulness Studies, and Integrated Imagery: Regression Hypnosis courses can transfer into the Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology.

Does the University accept transfer credits?

In certain cases, yes. For graduate programs, we can accept up to 12 credit hours. These courses must be determined to be relevant and comparable to those offered by the university. See Transfer Credits to learn more.

Noncredit

Do I need a bachelor's degree to participate in noncredit programs?

No. Prospective students do not need a degree to participate in the Spiritual Guidance Mentor Training Certificate or the Lifelong Learning program. It is necessary, however, to have a high school diploma or a GED to apply.

Do I need to send in transcripts as part of my application package?

Transcripts are not required when applying for noncredit programs.

Can noncredit courses transfer into the master's program?

No. Courses taken at the noncredit level cannot be transferred into the graduate programs. Students may, however, transfer Lifelong Learning courses into the Spiritual Guidance Mentor Training certificate, where appropriate.

General

Could you provide some guidance on the application essay?

As outlined in the admissions requirements, the essay should be written specifically for admissions to the Atlantic University program for which you are applying. This essay is reviewed by an admission committee and is seen as a writing sample. It is encouraged that the admissions essay is closely proofread multiple times and reviewed to ensure all questions have been answered prior to submission to the admissions department.

Each program has different essay requirements. Please go to the program for which you are applying to read more about the specifics of the essay requirement.

How should I prepare for the admissions interview?

Review the admissions essay, write down why you believe you should be admitted to the program, and review your completed admissions package. Ask yourself these questions: Why am I applying to this program? What do I want to do upon completion of the program? How will I adjust my schedule in order to complete the program?

How many courses am I required to enroll in each semester?

Students can enroll in one, two, or three courses per semester. If you have a busy life, it is recommended that you begin with just one course to integrate this curriculum into your life before diving into more than one course.

To remain an active student, you must enroll in at least three semesters per academic year. If you need to take more than one semester off, you must apply for a Leave of Absence*.

*This does not apply to students applying for the Lifelong Learning program.

QUESTIONS?

Interested in learning more? Let's talk.

Call us toll-free at (800) 428-1512. Or, email us at info@atlanticuniv.edu.