Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restrictions on the courses I can take at UNC-Chapel Hill?
In addition to the courses scheduled in the evening especially for part-time students, Classroom Studies students can take any course for which they have met the prerequisites if there is room in the class. Students who wish to take graduate-level courses must obtain permission from the department offering the class.
Are the classes I took many years ago still applicable toward a degree?
In most cases, yes, though students seeking a degree in health-related fields might need to re-take some science courses.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid may be available to degree-seeking students with documented need. Students taking classes that are required for entry into a graduate or professional program might also qualify. For details, contact the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.
Must I fill out a residency form?
If you wish to qualify as a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes, you must complete a residency status form.
If I recently graduated from high school, can I become a Part-time Classroom Studies student?
Part-time Classroom Studies is a program for adults who wish to return to college or begin college on a part-time basis. You must have been away from a traditional school setting for at least one year before enrolling.
If I have an undergraduate degree in a field unrelated to the graduate program I wish to pursue, what classes should I take to become a competitive candidate?
A good source of information about graduate admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill is the Graduate Record. We also encourage you to make an appointment with an advisor in the department you are considering to discuss your options.
Will a low GPA on my record from long ago be a disadvantage to me now?
Your entire academic record is a part of your application, but typically a student who has been away from school for some time can overcome a low GPA by taking some classes and performing successfully.
Can I earn a second bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill?
No, except in certain health-related fields.
Can I get a degree through Part-time Classroom Studies?
Part-time Classroom Studies does not grant degrees. However, if you are an undergraduate, you can remain a part-time student until your last semester. At that point, if qualified, you may transfer to one of the University's upper-level schools or colleges and be classified as a full-time student to complete your undergraduate degree, even if you take an underload your last semester (see Transferring). There is no transfer opportunity available to Graduate School; postbaccalaureate students must apply directly to the Graduate School and the specific department or professional school.
Do online and correspondence courses count toward a degree?
Online and correspondence classes carry the same credit as courses taught in the classroom; however, UNC-Chapel Hill allows only six courses toward a degree. Students must have their advisor's written approval to take Self-paced Courses.
How many credit hours per term can I earn through Part-time Classroom Studies?
As a Part-time Classroom Studies student, you may register for a maximum of eight credit hours per semester. A part-time undergraduate student can appeal to take more than eight credit hours during the last semester before transferring to full-time. Taking two courses that total more than eight credit hours is also allowed.
Can courses I take at UNC-Chapel Hill be transferred to another school?
It is always up to the degree-granting institution to determine what courses will count toward graduation, so a student seeking a degree from a college other than UNC-Chapel Hill should check with that school about transferability.
How many undergraduate hours will transfer in from another school?
UNC-Chapel Hill will accept up to 64 hours earned at two-year schools and 75 hours earned at four-year schools. It will accept 75 hours from a combination of two- and four-year schools if the credit from the four-year school is earned last. Students must earn at least 45 hours of credit and take half of their major courses at UNC-Chapel Hill in order to earn a degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.
How will the new Undergraduate Curriculum affect me?
If you bring in at least 24 hours of transfer credit as a degree-seeking student, you may follow the old curriculum. If you do not have at least 24 hours of transfer credit, you must follow the new curriculum. Although degree requirements will be somewhat different, you will most likely be able to use all of your transfer credits in the new curriculum.
Can I get help if I have special needs?
Students with documented learning disabilities or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can receive services through the Academic Success Program for Students with LD and ADHD. Students with documented disabilites can receive services through Disability Services. Students must self-identify through Disability Services in order to receive services or accommodation from either of these offices.
Can I audit a course?
If you are interested in auditing a course, visit the Registrar's Web site for information on the process.