Frequently Asked Questions

A degree completion program is a bachelor's degree built for people who already have some college credit. Instead of starting over, you transfer in the courses you've already earned and build your degree plan from there.

For the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals, every incoming student brings at least 24 credit hours from a previous accredited associate or undergraduate program, and many bring more credits.

The difference from a traditional bachelor's degree is mostly who it's for and how it's run — not the quality of the education. A general program is built around full-time students who are usually new to college. Cal Lutheran's degree program is built around working adults who have some college behind them and a full life around them.

We know our students have to balance their degree around jobs, families and everything else, so most programs run fully online with an optional weekly live session in the evening. Two programs also offer in-person evening classes at our Thousand Oaks campus.

Student support services are built for adult learners coming back to school too: academic advisors know your situation and personalized career counseling when you need it.

For someone who started a degree years ago and always meant to finish, a completion program is the most direct way back.

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

These majors are designed for adults who have earned college credit before and are ready to finish their bachelor's degree.

Instead of centering the experience of first-time college students coming straight from high school, these programs are built for people who are returning to school with work experience, responsibilities and a clearer sense of what they want their degree to do for their careers.

Beyond that, there is no single type of student. Some are early in their careers, others have decades of experience behind them. Many are balancing school with a full-time job, family responsibilities or both. Some know exactly where they want their degree to take them, while others are still deciding what comes next.

That range adds value to the classroom. Students bring real work and life experience into discussions, and faculty design their courses around adult learners, not straight-from-high-school students.

No. You can choose any of the six bachelor's degrees, regardless of what you studied before you came to Cal Lutheran.

An enrollment specialist can help you see how your existing credits apply to the major you choose — call us at 805-521-9856.

The application process for every program in the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals 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 credits of transferable college credit
• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25

If you're ready to apply, you can start your application for any of the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals programs.

No, all applicants must have completed 24 credits 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 at 805-521-9856. An enrollment specialist will talk through what credits you've earned and what can apply towards your degree.

You can transfer up to 40 military credits. We use the Joint Services Transcriptto 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 Officeor contact the office at 805-493-3648.

No, the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals programs do not require standardized test scores to apply.

Both options are available.

• You are considered a full-time student if you take 6 credits (usually two courses) per term
• You are considered a part-time student if you take less than 6 credits per term

For the in-person courses, classes generally meet on campus once a week, Monday through Thursday. Most classes take place from6 to 9:30 p.m.

You should plan for 12 to 14 hours per week per class, which includes time spent in class sessions, completing assignments and participating in any group meetings.

The actual time may vary depending on your prior experience and how efficiently you apply what you've already learned on the job or in previous courses.

All degrees in the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program are offered online.

Some programs also offer an in-person option at our Thousand Oaks location.

You'll enroll as either an online or in-person student and must stick with that modality throughout your degree. However, in-person students can take up to 9 credits of online courses while online students can take up to 9 credits of in-person courses.

Yes, from several sources. Students can apply for federal aid such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans, and other awards can bring the cost down further.

If you transferred from a California community college, you may qualify for a Cal Grant, and graduates of a PACE program at a partner community college can receive a $100 per credit tuition reduction through PACE Promise. Many employers also offer tuition assistance, and as a Yellow Ribbon school, Cal Lutheran supports students using veterans benefits.

Our tuition and financial aid page has more information on funding options.

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.

If you choose to study online at Cal Lutheran, you'll receive comprehensive support to meet your academic goals, including:

• A dedicated academic counselor who will personally guide you from enrollment through graduation, assisting you with course selection, class registration and any questions you may have
• Faculty mentors who can provide career and academic guidance
• Small class sizes that foster strong connections with instructors and classmates
• A new student orientation that sets you up for a successful start

It's called “Enormous Luther” and it's an abstract sculpture of Martin Luther. It's stood in front of the Pearson Library and Preus-Brandt Forum since 1986. If and when you visit camps, we hope you'll snap a photo of yourself with it.

Read more about the history and meaning behind the sculpture.