NONTRADITIONAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Our Department

The Nontraditional Degree Programs (NDP) Department allows you to transfer your existing credits and complete your undergraduate degree faster!

Our goal as a department is to meet you where you're at and find a flexible solution to fast-track your previous experience by turning it into an undergraduate degree you can be proud of and map to your own career interests.

When you consider taking the leap, many thoughts may come up:

• I want to change my career without putting my life on hold
• I work and/or am a caretaker: I need the flexibility to earn my degree on my schedule
• I have several interests and I want a degree that offers variety 
• I'm a bit anxious to go back to school and need support each step of the way
• I want to turn my work experience or military experience into a degree
• I wonder if it's too late to start again

As you can see, you're not alone! Our two programs are designed to address your needs, and we have a whole team to support you along the way. You can transfer credits and begin this new phase on your own terms.

NDP Major Programs

B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS)

• Recommended for students with an Associate's Degree or 60+ credit hours
• An alternative build-your-own program that is compatible with your interests 

University Without Walls (UWW)

• Designed with students with fewer than 60 credits and extensive professional experience in mind
• Discover your path through breadth, depth, and effective communication areas with an assigned Program Advisor and your own personal Community Advisor

Both of these programs lead to an undergraduate degree and offer several benefits along the way:

• Flexibility and hybrid/online learning formats
• Build-your-own path approach
• Personal advisor from start to finish
• Graduate school and career preparation
• Generous transfer credit policies
• Free tutoring 

So How Do I Get Started?

Advising

Our department NDP advising staff is available to discuss transcripts, transfer credits, course selection, career options or any questions and concerns you may have both before and during the program.

• If interested in BAIS: Contact our office at ndp@neiu.edu or (773)-442-6030 to schedule an advising appointment (virtual or in-person). Be sure to also check out our BAIS advising page.
• If interested in UWW: Attend a virtual Prospective Student Meeting -- check out upcoming prospective student meeting dates. Have questions or need to book an individual meeting? Reach out to us today 
• Not sure? We will help you select the path that best fits you. Contact our office!

Applying to NEIU

• In order to apply to NEIU, go to the Admissions page and select NDP for application type.
• The Transfer Center assists transfer students and students who are veterans transition to our campus.
• Please note that if you already possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, you will not be admitted to either program. If you seek graduate level studies, please visit our Graduate Studies page.

Find and Contact Us

Location 

Northeastern Illinois University

Nontraditional Degree Programs Department

5500 North St. Louis Ave

Building B, Suite B-147

Campus Map 

Reach out

📩ndp@neiu.edu

📞(773)442-6030