Nontraditional Degree Programs (NDPs) include two regionally accredited undergraduate degree completion programs for adult students at Northeastern Illinois University:

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) is a credit-based, alternative, self-paced program compatible with career and family responsibilities. Approximately 900 returning adult students are enrolled in BAIS.
• University Without Walls Program (UWW) is a competency-based degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. UWW students design and complete approved experiential curricula as an alternative to traditional courses. 

Both programs offer:

• Generous transfer credit policies
• Flexibility and choices
• Holistic advising
• Academic rigor
• Graduate school preparation
• Options to demonstrate experiential learning

How to Become a Major

Attend a Prospective Student Meeting, or call (773) 442-6030 to discuss your interests, needs and program requirements. 

For general Northeastern admission requirements, the Admissions Office helps new and returning students through the application process. In addition, the Transfer Center assists transfer students and students who are veterans transition to our campus.

Please note that an adult holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university will not be admitted to either program.

Academic Advising

Our advising staff is available to discuss transcripts, transfer credits, course selection, career options or any questions and concerns you may have. Once you are accepted to an NDP program, you will meet with one of the following advisors:

Timothy Barnett, University Without Walls

Jennifer Blair, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Jacqueline Butler, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

For Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies students, check out our Advising page.

Careers and Graduate Schools

Our graduates enter a variety of careers and graduate programs. 

Free Tutoring for NDP Students

NDP regularly employs graduate assistants to tutor our students. If you are a current NDP student and are interested in using this service, please email us at NDP@neiu.edu or call our office at (773) 442-6030.

Help Us Build a Scholarship

Scholarships can be transformative. They affirm our students' good work and can make a crucial difference on the road to achieving one’s degree. We are working to build an endowed scholarship specifically for NDP. If you would like to help support this effort, you can make a tax-deductible gift to the NEIU Foundation in one of two ways:

Online, select Designation: “Nontraditional Degree Program”, and complete the rest of the form as prompted,

or, via check made payable to the NEIU Foundation. Please designate “Nontraditional Degree Program” in the memo, and mail to: NEIU Foundation, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.

Location

NDP is housed in the B Building, Suite 147.

Contact Us

Visit our Contact Us page!