University Without Walls Program
The University Without Walls (UWW) is a self-paced program that builds on prior college-level learning gained outside of school and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. UWW is geared to meet the adult student’s learning needs and long range goals through a course of study that includes personalized curricula and independent study.
Finish What You Started with NEIU's University Without Walls!
Established in September 1971 to suport self-directed learning for the adult student, University Without Walls (UWW) is a degree completion program for nontraditional students with extensive prior knowledge and work experience. It leads to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in University Without Walls. Using both prior learning assessment and block credits, UWW recognizes learning that occurs outside of the traditional classroom including on the job learning, continuing education certification, micro-credentialing, volunteering, and more.
University Without Walls students work with an Academic Advisor (a Northeastern Illinois University faculty member), a Community Advisor and a UWW Faculty Advisor to design an individualized curriculum that highlights UWW's program requirements of depth, breadth, and effective communication.
Depth
Depth area knowledge is a student's extensive prior experiences, substantial knowledge and understanding in a specific area of academic expertise. Depth area interests include but are not limted to: health services, violence prevention, entrepreneurship, social justice, community development, education-related fields, and recreation services.
Breadth
Breadth area knowledge mimics a liberal arts education and refers to subjects other than the depth area. Learning in the breadth must include classes and/or competencies in Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Science/Behavioral Science, and Natural Science.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Effective communication refers to both written and spoken English skills, and may include other languages, forms and media as well.
Advising
Each student, with an Academic Advisor (a Northeastern Illinois University faculty member), a Community Advisor, and a UWW Faculty Advisor, develops a Learning Contract which outlines the student’s individualized curriculum: prior learning experiences and new learning goals. The UWW student’s individualized curriculum has three program requirements: depth, breadth, and effective communication. These three elements provide an organizational structure for the Learning Contract.
Each semester, UWW students register for either UWW Independent Study hours or traditional NEIU courses. At the end of every semester, students submit a Semester Report that specifies learning activities and accomplishments of the semester. To ensure that UWW students make sufficient academic progress, UWW students are expected to meet with their academic and community advisors regularly during each semester of UWW participation.
Graduation is based on both demonstrated prior learning competencies and credit hours completed.
Admission
Admission to University Without Walls is for "nontraditional" students with extensive prior learning and work experience. Students must be at least 25 years old and out of high school for 7 years. In addition, applicants must have a Sophomore status -having earned 30 to 59 credits from a regionally accredited college or university - and do the following:
1) Attend a prospective student meeting with the UWW Faculty Advisor or Nontraditonal Degree Programs Director. Prospective student meetings are held throughout each semester to explain the program and answer questions about the application process. For additional information, please visit www.ndp.edu or email ndp@neiu.edu.
2) Complete an NEIU undergraduate application. For students transferring from a regionally accredited college or university, please click here to access NEIU's undergraduate applicant portal.
3) Complete a Narrative Application that includes:
- Autobiographical statement -- a four to five page narrative that describes your prior work experience, reasons for applying to the UWW program, and future academic/career plans.
- Professional resume
- Prior and proposed learning in the Depth Area
- Prior and proposed learning in the Breadth Areas
- Prior and proposed learning in Effective Communication
- Documentation of prior learning (include a sample of certificates, certifications, proposals, etc.)
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Official high school or GED transcripts (if applicable: please see the Academic Catalog for details)
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
University Without Walls
Graduation Requirements
The student’s program is monitored closely each semester and upon meeting the Learning Contract terms, the student convenes a Graduation Review Board that has the sole authority to authorize graduation. In addition, students must also fulfill the Writing Intensive Program requirement, the Improving Human Relations requirement and the Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Further details regarding these graduation requirements can be found under the heading “Bachelor’s Degree Requirements” elsewhere in this catalog.
Transfer Credits (30 to 59 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university)
Credit for Prior Learning (up to 30 credits) -- Depth and Breadth Areas
Block Credits (up to 30 Credits) -- Depth Area focus
30 NEIU Credits (Residency) - including UWW 303, NDP 330, and UWW 311
- Completion of 120 hours of college-level course work
- Completion of:
- ENG 101: Writing I
- UWW 303: Introduction to University Without Walls
- NDP 310: WIP Diversity in the Workplace
- NDP 330: Creating a Prior Learning Portfolio
- Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
- Breadth area courses in:
- Humanities (6 credit hours)
- Fine Arts (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (6 credit hours)
- Social Sciences (6 credit hours)
- Completion of UWW 311: Independent Study in Capstone Portfolio and Review Board Preparation
- Minimum of 30 hours as a student within the program.
- Payment of graduation fee
- More information about the University Without Walls can be obtained in the NDP office, B-147 or at (773) 442-6030 or NDP@neiu.edu or the NDP website
Nontraditional degree program
NDP-201. College Success For Adult Returning Students. 3 Hours.
Students will examine college success strategies including self awareness, critical thinking, styles of learning, time management, reading and notetaking skills, writing techniques, study skills, test taking strategies, overcoming math anxiety and strengthening learning gaps. The course will also provide an orientation to the NEIU learning environment with focus on university engagement. NDP-201 is open to all incoming adult returning students from all academic disciplines.
NDP-301. Putting It All Together: Projects For Academic And Career Goals. 2 Hours.
This project-based course integrates out-of-college learning with the college curriculum and equips students with skills that can be applied across academic disciplines and in their careers. Students consider academic and career goals as they plan, develop and execute a personal project to accommodate those goals. Topics may include self-assessment, goal setting, learning theory, critical reading, project development and presentation.
Requirement: 45 credit hours completed.
NDP-305. Introduction To Library Research And Information Fluency. 1 Hour.
Introduction to Library Research and Information Fluency, lcr. This class will introduce students to library research and issues in information studies. Students will acquire the skills to find and evaluate information and will learn how to create a bibliography and write citations. The course is geared towards students Interested in learning how to research for class assignments, prepare research in their major or for graduate studies.
NDP-310. Writing Intensive Program: Diversity In The Workplace. 3 Hours.
Workplace diversity is a hallmark of contemporary life. This course explores multiple dimensions of diversity, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities with the goal of preparing students to function in varied settings. The course is a writing intensive experience, offering the opportunity to develop and hone written communication skills applicable to the workplace.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C.
NDP-321. Correspondence On Current Biology Topics. 3 Hours.
This course is designed for students interested in understanding current topics in the field of biology. The correspondence will vary based on instructor and student interest, but will focus on the appropriate biological background, experimental techniques, and the impact of these topics on health, society, and the environment. In addition, scientific reasoning and effective means of communicating biology to different audiences will also be discussed. Through the course materials, assignments, and regular correspondence, students will develop an appreciation for the living world around them, an understanding of experimental techniques in the natural sciences, and effective ways of communicating scientific information.
Prerequisite: (100 - 399 or 100A - 399Z).
NDP-330. Creating A Prior Learning Portfolio. 1 Hour.
This one-credit hour course guides students through the process of creating a portfolio that showcases prior learning experiences. The course examines issues relating to learning and life experience. It explores questions of academic specialization and professional development. Final portfolios can be used to request credit by assessment and as a testament to a student’s personal and professional accomplishments.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C and ENGL-102 with a minimum grade of C.
NDP-341. Human Rights: An Introduction. 1 Hour.
Human rights principles have been explicitly enshrined in international documents since the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which American leaders helped formulate in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Human rights language is increasingly used in struggles for social justice worldwide. This course introduces students to the conceptions and debates about human rights in the US and globally, examining examples of the ways these values have and have not been implemented or secured.
NDP-342. Environmental Justice. 3 Hours.
This class will give students an overview of issues and concerns related to environmental justice. Understanding environmental issues is crucial today in the context of global warming. This course introduces new ideas through which to consider the environment and our ethical responsibilities living in it.
NDP-351. Time And Project Management Skills. 1 Hour.
This course explores the range and types of time and project management skills used in everyday life, academic and life-long learning, and in work settings. Students will analyze their own styles and theories of time management, learn how to set effective goals and objectives, and learn change management techniques that can be applied to new approaches, strategies, and techniques of time/project management.
NDP-380. Project Management For Individuals And Organizations. 3 Hours.
This three-credit hour course guides students through the process of creating a project management proposal including a timeline. The course examines issues related to project structure and stakeholders and considers the process from selection to completion. It explores responsibilities within a project as well as how to identify and delegate project tasks. Students will be exposed to project management as it relates to organizational and individual goals, preparing them to participate in projects while maintaining a professional perspective. Content for this course is skill-based and includes knowledge topical to project management through weekly topics in learning modules.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C and ENGL-102 with a minimum grade of C.
University Without Walls
UWW-201. Participated In University Without Walls. 1 Hour.
UWW-202. Participated In University Without Walls. 2 Hours.
UWW-203. Participated In University Without Walls. 3 Hours.
UWW-204. Participated In University Without Walls. 4 Hours.
UWW-205. Participated In University Without Walls. 5 Hours.
UWW-206. Participated In University Without Walls. 6 Hours.
UWW-207. Participated In University Without Walls. 7 Hours.
UWW-208. Participated In University Without Walls. 8 Hours.
UWW-209. Participated In University Without Walls. 9 Hours.
UWW-210. Participated In University Without Walls. 10 Hours.
UWW-211. Participated In University Without Walls. 11 Hours.
UWW-212. Participated In University Without Walls. 12 Hours.
UWW-301. University Without Walls Independent Study. 1 Hour.
University Without Walls students receive credit as they fulfill individualized curricula developed in consultation with and under the direction of the UWW Academic Advisor (or another faculty member recommended by the Academic Advisor), the UWW Community Advisor, and UWW Faculty Advisor.
UWW-302. University Without Walls Independent Study. 2 Hours.
University Without Walls students receive credit as they fulfill individualized curricula developed in consultation with and under the direction of the UWW Academic Advisor (or another faculty member recommended by the Academic Advisor), the UWW Community Advisor, and UWW Faculty Advisor.
UWW-303. Introduction To University Without Walls--First Sem Independent Study. 3 Hours.
Introduction to University Without Walls prepares students to receive credit as they fulfill individualized curricula developed under the direction of the UWW Academic Advisor (or another faculty member recommended by the Academic Advisor), the UWW Community Advisor and the UWW Faculty Advisor.
UWW-304. Contemporary Topics In Depth Area Study. 3 Hours.
This course will examine contemporary topics related to student's prior/proposed learning and depth area concentration. With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore the socio-political, cultural and economic relationships between the contemporary topics they choose and their depth area. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-305. Independent Study In Health Services. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in health services fields (community health, health administration, healthcare systems, medical services, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of health services as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-306. Independent Study In Violence Prevention. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in violence prevention fields (hospital responders, outreach workers, peace academy workers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of violence prevention as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-307. Independent Study In Research Methods. 3 Hours.
Students will examine research methods specific to investigating prior learning/depth area processes and outcomes; including research design, theory, data collection, and reporting.
UWW-308. Independent Study In Community, Human And Social Services. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in community, human service or social service fields (case managers, community service officers, family support, community outreach workers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of community, human or social service as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-309. University Without Walls Field Experience Independent Study. 3 Hours.
Students will engage in in-depth experiential learning, integrating academic course work, prior learning experience, and/or on the job experience.
UWW-310. Independent Study In Recreation Services. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in recreation services fields (recreation leaders, recreation assistants, event specialists, youth recreation/athletics workers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, students will explore topics in the field of recreation services as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through a traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-311. Independent Study In Capstone Portfolio And Review Board Preparation. 3 Hours.
University Without Walls Capstone Portfolio and Review Board is the capstone course for the UWW academic program. In this course, students will finalize their learning contract and compose an online portfolio that will be presented to a UWW board of evaluators.
UWW-312. Independent Study In Education-Related Fields. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in education-related fields (paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, school office managers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of recreation services as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.