Frequently Asked Questions

A degree completion program is a pathway to a bachelor’s degree that incorporates a student’s previous education. A distinguishing feature is the emphasis on credit transfers, meaning that students don’t have to start from scratch. Instead, they can build upon the credits they’ve already earned.

Programs like Cal Lutheran’s Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals require that incoming students have completed a certain number of credits from previous accredited associate or undergraduate programs. For Cal Lutheran, the minimum requirement is 24 credits.

These programs are a great match for working adults who have some college experience but had to pause their studies. Cal Lutheran’s program includes support services that are specifically tailored to adult degree program participants, like personalized academic advising, flexible coursework options and career counseling.

The Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program is specifically designed for students who have already completed some collegiate education but did not complete a bachelor’s degree. These degree programs are excellent options for students who want to resume their education without starting over.

Many of our students are balancing other responsibilities in their lives, such as caregiving, work or personal commitments. Our goal is to provide the flexibility they need to earn their degree without putting their life on hold.

You can find out more about applying to these degrees, including info on credit transfers, on our admissions page.

The application process for every program in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals series is the same. You are welcome to apply if you meet the following requirements:

• Graduated from high school or possess a GED certificate
• Completed 24 semester hours of transferable college credit
• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25

Visit our admissions page for more information, including an application checklist.

On average, students can complete their bachelor’s degree in two years. The total time for each student depends on how many credits you are able to transfer into the program, the applicability of the credits to your degree of choice and whether you take courses full time or part time.

Both options are available.

• You are considered a full-time student if you take 6 credits per term
• You are considered a part-time student if you take less than 6 credits per term

The Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program is offered on campus or online. Note that online classes will not be available for the BS in Accounting and Financial Analysis until Spring 2025.

We have campus locations in Thousand Oaks and in Oxnard. You can find the specific campus availability below.

• BS in Accounting and Financial Analysis: Thousand Oaks
• BS in Business Management: Thousand Oaks and Oxnard
• BS in Criminology and Justice Studies: Oxnard
• BS in Organizational Leadership: Thousand Oaks and Oxnard
• BA in Psychological and Behavioral Science: Thousand Oaks and Oxnard
• BA in Strategic Communication: Thousand Oaks

Students in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals must choose to either be an online student or on-campus student. However, students who take the majority of their courses on campus can take up to 9 credit hours of online coursework.

Classes generally meet on campus once a week, Monday through Thursday. Most classes take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All applicants must have completed 24 semester hours of transferable college credit from accredited institutions. If you have not completed any previous collegiate-level work, we encourage you to explore our other undergraduate degrees.

If you have questions about whether your previous education qualifies as transferable credit, please call us toll-free at 866-944-8289.

You can transfer up to 40 military credits. We use the Joint Services Transcript (JST) to validate your military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding college credit recommendations.

Cal Lutheran is a Yellow Ribbon University and we have advisors available to help you maximize your education benefits. Visit our Ahmanson Veterans Resource Office page or contact the office at 805-493-3648.

Yes, Cal Lutheran offers a variety of funding options from internal and external sources. These include:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Credit reductions
• Veterans benefits
• Employer discounts

Visit our financial aid page for detailed information. You can also call an admission counselor at 805-778-8948 or 866-944-8289 (toll-free) to find out more about funding your education.

Our FAFSA school code is 001133.

Cal Lutheran being designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) signifies that we meet specific criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education, primarily that at least 25% of our full-time undergraduate student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

Being an HSI reflects Cal Lutheran’s broader commitment to diversity and community engagement. We offer a wide range of resources and opportunities, including scholarships, mentorship programs and courses that celebrate Hispanic cultures and heritage. We believe in creating a supportive space where students from all backgrounds can thrive and make lasting connections

Cal Lutheran warmly welcomes individuals of all faiths and belief systems. Our inclusive community does not require affiliation with any church, religion or religious organization. We embrace diversity in all walks of life, so that every member of our community feels valued and respected.

We’re happy to help. You can talk to an admission counselor via phone at 805-778-8948 or 866-944-8289 (toll-free). You can also email your questions to profprograms@callutheran.edu.