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Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see your question here? Contact an Enrollment Advisor at 800.405.5844, or at admissions@ellis.nyit.edu.

Faculty

What credentials/experience do you require of Ellis College faculty?
Every Ellis instructor is required to hold a Master's degree in the subject matter in which they teach. Of our over 400 faculty members, almost half hold a Doctorate or other terminal degree such as a Juris Doctorate (J.D.). For professionally-oriented courses of study, we've built an impressive "practitioner faculty" of business leaders and other successful professionals with exceptional career backgrounds. All instructors complete an intensive training program in online instruction.
How do you ensure that instructors are effective?

Ellis continually monitors its instructors to ensure their teaching effectiveness. New instructors receive coaching throughout their initial courses, and all faculty are encouraged to attend regular educational Webcasts on the latest online teaching practices. Student feedback is also compiled to provide further insight into an instructor's practices and then submitted to the instructor for review.

In addition, all instructors are reviewed annually via an intensive course audit performed by another member of the Ellis faculty, ensuring that every instructor remains a valued and effective educator throughout their tenure.

Ellis instructors are bound by ten guiding principles to ensure that each course provides an engaging, rewarding experience for every student. These ten principles are:

  1. Launch your course in a timely and engaging manner.
  2. Clearly communicate your expectations of students and discuss their expectations of you.
  3. Reach out to less involved and at-risk students.
  4. Always maintain a positive, encouraging tone with your students.
  5. Be present and engaged in all class discussions.
  6. Demonstrate a solid mastery of course content and always conduct yourself in a professional manner.
  7. Maintain the high-level of service required by Ellis College, including 48-hour turnaround on graded assignments and availability six days per week.
  8. Provide meaningful, actionable feedback for all graded assignments.
  9. Provide appropriate guidance on policy and procedures.
  10. Complete final course activities in a timely, accurate manner.
How do students interact with instructors?
Ellis College ensures that all of its instructors are available - and approachable - both inside and outside of class. Every instructor is required to log on at least six days per week to answer questions and participate in student discussions. In addition, many instructors hold regular, real-time chat sessions within the course platform where they can answer questions and coach students on upcoming assignments. Students may also interact privately with the instructor via the Faculty 1-to-1 feature available within all courses.

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Financing Options

What financing options are available to Ellis College students?
Ellis College offers a variety of financial assistance options to qualified applicants. These include an array of government-sponsored grants and loans, employer reimbursement initiatives, private loans and our exclusive Pay As You Go program. Assistance programs include:
  • Pay As You Go
  • Federal Financial Aid
  • Ellis College Alternative Loans
  • Employer Reimbursement: Tuition Deferral
  • Employer Reimbursement: Direct Billing
  • GI Bill
  • Military Tuition Assistance

For more information on these programs, please visit the Financial Assistance page.

To see how much financial aid you may be qualified to receive, use our Financial Aid Calculator.

Will my employer's tuition reimbursement or educational assistance program support my studies at Ellis College?
Many of our students benefit from some form of corporate sponsorship or tuition reimbursement, and we are committed to helping you secure such support if your company offers it.

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Graduate Programs

How long will it take me to complete an Ellis graduate program?

It will take a student proceeding through the regular MBA program in six week terms approximately 18 months if he or she takes one course per term. Other graduate programs can take students who complete one course per term approximately 18 to 21 months to earn their degrees, depending on how many credits are required in their particular programs. If a student transfers credits to Ellis College, the time required to complete a degree will be shorter.

Use our Time/Cost Calculator to estimate how long it will take you to earn your degree, and what it will cost.

Will Ellis College accept transfer credits from another university?
Students enrolled in an Ellis College graduate program of 36 or 45 credits have the opportunity to transfer up to nine credits into Ellis College.
What is the normal course load I might take during an Ellis College term?
As an Ellis College student undertaking an online Graduate program, you have multiple responsibilities in your personal and professional life. You may find that you can only devote enough quality time to take one course towards your degree each term. As your goals, responsibilities, and knowledge of a subject area change, you may find that you are able to take more than one course during a particular term. Your advisor can help you determine how best to match your responsibilities to the demands of taking multiple courses. There may be financial aid implications when taking more than one course in a term.
Do you offer specializations for the MBA program?

Yes, we have several optional specializations available for the MBA program. Your Academic Advisor can tell you more about our requirements for specializations and help you plan your schedule around one or more specializations as you approach completion of your core requirements.

View specializations

Do I need to complete all of my business core courses before beginning the courses in my chosen specialization?
No; usually after your sixth course, you'll begin to schedule specialization courses. Specialization and elective courses are not offered every term, so your advisor will work with you to schedule your remaining core courses around your specialization and elective courses in order to create a gapless schedule.
Can I take two specializations while pursuing my MBA online?
Yes. You can use the three elective courses to fulfill the first specialization and your three additional specialization courses (totaling 45 credits) for the second specialization. Note that only one specialization will be noted on your transcript. Your advisor can help you determine what specializations may be applicable to your areas of professional interest.
Will the MBA with a Professional Accounting specialization prepare me to sit for the CPA examination?
Most U.S. states adopted the 150-credit requirement for candidates to sit for the CPA examination. Students often fulfill this requirement by taking an undergraduate degree combined with additional coursework (at the undergraduate or graduate level). If you do not have an undergraduate business degree in accounting, the Professional Accounting specialization will not provide you with sufficient technical accounting and business law background to sit for the CPA examination. If you have an undergraduate business degree in accounting, the Ellis MBA program may provide you with the additional courses to fulfill the 150-credit requirement to sit for the CPA examination. However, you should contact your state's CPA exam board to verify that taking Ellis classes will allow you to sit for the CPA exam.
What is the grading scale used in Ellis College graduate courses?
Ellis College graduate courses use a letter grade system for final course grades, with possible grades of A, B+, B, C+, C, and F. Other final course assessments are possible for situations of course incompletes, drops, and withdrawals. Ellis College graduate courses also use a mastery system for the individual tasks. You may receive an Exemplary, Mastery, Needs Improvement, or Incomplete on an individual task in relation to how well you mastered the learning outcomes associated with the task.
If I transfer courses into Ellis College, will they count toward my grade point average (GPA)?
Your final course grades for transfer courses typically are not included in the calculation of your GPA.

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Learning Experience

What is Ellis College's online learning environment like?

Ellis College offers a unique and interactive learning environment like no other. Courses come to life with highly engaging simulations, videos and demonstrations. You'll be immersed in real-world work situations which enable you to "learn by doing" so you can acquire knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately to your current job. Our community-oriented environment ensures that you don't learn alone by continually connecting you with classmates and instructors though a variety of tools including discussion boards, real time, online chat and a faculty 1-to-1 feature that enables you to interact privately with your instructors.

Ellis College also ensures that you receive the support you need to succeed by providing you with an Academic Advisor who will closely monitor your progress and help you achieve your educational goals. In addition, faculty are online six days each week to answer your questions and provide guidance.

Experience Ellis College for yourself—get a free guest pass and take advantage of Ellis College CourseBites™ mini-courses, educational Webcasts, and our interactive course demo! Preview Ellis College.

Is there any kind of training provided for using the online classroom environment?
Yes - Ellis College offers an in-depth orientation session after you enroll and before you attend your first class. During the orientation, you'll have a chance to:
  • Review the Ellis College learning environment
  • Learn about services and support available to you
  • Meet and chat with fellow students
  • Engage in a question and answer session with staff members

In addition, all students enrolled in a Bachelor's program are required to take a College Success Seminar as their first class. This seminar provides you with invaluable information for ensuring success in your online degree program. Furthermore, every course includes its own orientation that includes a Getting Started tutorial as well as a short Flash demonstration about how to navigate the Cardean course platform.

Do I have to log in to my courses every day?
No - at Ellis College, daily postings are not required. However, you must either submit an assignment or post a message by your fourth day in class. If this is not done, we will assume that you are not planning to attend class, and will withdraw you from the course and process a full refund—minus a $100 administrative drop fee.
What time are classes held?
There are no set times when classes are held, although there may be specific due dates for assignments. You can complete your coursework whenever and wherever it's convenient for you.
Do classes have specific start and end dates?
Yes. New classes start every three weeks, and are six weeks long.

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Military Personnel

Does Ellis College provide a discount to the United States military?*
Yes. Ellis College of NYIT offers a 20% discount from the standard tuition rates to U.S. active duty military, members of the Selected Reserve and their spouses. The discount applies to tuition for the undergraduate degree programs and the graduate degree programs, including the MBA in General Business Studies. The discount does not apply to the already discounted tuition for courses in MBA specialization programs.
Does Ellis College provide a discount to retired United States military?
Yes. Ellis College of NYIT offers a 15% discount from the standard tuition rates to retired U.S. military and their spouses. The discount applies to tuition for the undergraduate degree programs and the graduate degree programs, including the MBA in General Business Studies. The discount does not apply to the already discounted tuition for courses in MBA specialization programs.
Is Ellis College a member of the Service Member's Opportunity College?
Yes. NYIT is a longtime member of SOC and adheres to its principles.
Does Ellis College accept military training for transfer credits?
Yes. Ellis College will thoroughly review your military transcripts to determine how you can transfer the maximum amount of your military training credits towards your undergraduate degree. This will reduce the number of courses required to complete your degree, saving you time and money.
Will I need to discontinue my studies if I PCS?
No. If you are in the Army, Navy or Air Force and have Internet access, a recent version of a Web browser, and can keep your textbooks with you, you can continue your studies from nearly anywhere in the world. You are not required to be online at any specific time, so you can study whenever and wherever time allows.
How quickly can I earn my degree?
This will depend in part on how many credits you can transfer to our programs. As a member of the military, you will have the option of having you military training evaluated for transferable credits. You will also benefit from taking placement tests such as:
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests
  • (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests
  • Excelsior

As a member of the military, you may take these exams free of charge and apply them towards your degree. Ask one of our Enrollment Advisors for information about how this process works.

What Is Tuition Assistance and how do I apply for it?

The Department of Defense offers Tuition Assistance for voluntary, off-duty education programs that support military service members' professional and personal self-development goals. Some branches of the military have specific policies on tuition assistance that do not mirror the standard policy of the Department of Defense. The best way to verify your benefits is to check with your Educations Service Office to find out for which education programs you may be eligible.

Our Enrollment Advisors can provide information on Tuition Assistance and how to apply for it in your branch of service. In all branches of the military, your Educational Service Officer must approve your plans. If you need assistance in locating your Education Service Officer, we would be happy to provide the appropriate contact information.

Can I use my Veterans Administration Benefits?
Ellis College accepts all V.A. education benefits. However, how you apply your benefits to your studies at Ellis College varies depending on for which G.I. Bill program you are eligible. Verify your benefits by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1, or checking www.va.gov for additional information. If you are having difficulty contacting the V.A., please call us and ask to speak to a military Enrollment Advisor. We will be happy to facilitate contact with your V.A. representative.
What happens if I am deployed?
If you are deployed for service and cannot complete an Ellis College course in which you are enrolled, Ellis College will support you. You will not be penalized for serving our country.

*You must be an active duty member of the U.S. military or the Selected Reserve or a spouse, admitted to Ellis College of NYIT, and enroll in and pay for an Ellis College course, in order to qualify for this discount. The 20% discount applies to standard tuition in effect from time to time for course enrollments in programs leading to an undergraduate degree, graduate degree, MBA in General Business Studies or a completed certificate program. It does not apply to books, fees or materials. Ellis College reserves the right to change its tuition prices at anytime or terminate this discount at any time. This discount is not valid in combination with any other promotional offers or discounts and does not apply to MBA courses taken in excess of the MBA in General Business Studies requirements.

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Technical & Support

What are the technical requirements for taking Ellis College courses?
Basic technical requirements you must have include:
  • Internet Access
  • Internet Connection Speed 56K bps (DSL or cable recommended)
  • Email Account
  • Installed RAM 64 MB (128 MB strongly recommended)

You will know whether or not you are missing any required software or plug-ins the first time you log in. Our system notifies you of needed upgrades or additions and provides you the links from which you can download them for free.

Operating System

  • Microsoft WindowsTM 2000/XP
  • Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4*

Display and Hardware

  • 800x600 pixels, thousands of colors (1024 x 768 pixels recommended)
  • Sound card and speakers or headphones
  • Printer (not required but recommended)
  • CD-ROM drive

Web Browser

  • PC: Microsoft Internet ExplorerTM 6 or later
  • Mac: Safari version 1.2 for Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4*

Plug-ins

  • Macromedia FlashTM 8.0
  • ShockwaveTM 8.51
  • Apple QuickTime 4.1
  • Adobe Reader 6.0

Software

Microsoft Office ProTM 97 or higher for your Windows computer, or an office suite compatible with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Microsoft PowerPoint file formats.

Certain courses may require additional software.

*Not all elements of all courses are accessible with Apple hardware and software.

Is technical support available?
Yes. We have a help desk available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. CST and Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. CST. Contact the help desk at help@ellis.nyit.edu or via phone at 877.355.4748 or at 212.261.1799 when you need help accessing or navigating your courses.

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Undergraduate Programs

General Questions

Business Program Questions

Interdisciplinary Studies Program Questions

General Questions

How long will it take me to complete an Ellis College undergraduate program?

How long it will take you to complete a program depends on how many credits you transfer, how many credits are required for your program, and how often you take classes.

Use our Time/Cost Calculator to estimate how long it will take you to earn your degree, and what it will cost.

Will Ellis College accept transfer credits from another university?

Yes. Ellis College accepts transfer credits for many courses completed at other regionally accredited colleges and universities. Ellis College permits graduates of an Associate degree program to transfer a maximum of 70 credits. For students transferring from a Bachelor's degree program, a maximum of 90 credits may be transferred.

A maximum of 30 credits may be obtained through approved alternative means such as CLEP, DANTES, ACE recommendations, and portfolio evaluations based on work/life experience.

What is the grading scale for online education used in Ellis College undergraduate courses?
Ellis College online undergraduate courses use a letter grade system for final course and individual assignment grades, with possible grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and F. Other final course assessments are possible for situations of course incompletes, drops, and withdrawals.
If I transfer courses into Ellis College, will they count toward my grade point average (GPA)?
Your final course grades for transfer courses typically are not included in the calculation of your Ellis College GPA.
What is the normal course load I might take online during an Ellis College term?
As an Ellis College student undertaking an online undergraduate program, you have multiple responsibilities in your personal and professional life. You may find that you can only devote enough quality time to take one course online each term. As your goals, responsibilities, and knowledge of a subject area change, you may find that you are able to take more than one course during a particular term. Your Ellis College advisor can help you determine how best to match your responsibilities to the demands of taking multiple courses. Also, there may be financial aid implications when taking more than one course in a term while attaining your degree online.
How will I use the required textbooks and course packs in conjunction with the online materials?
Most Ellis College courses require the purchase of textbook and course pack materials. These materials integrate, enhance, and extend the concepts discussed in the online materials. You should obtain the required materials before the first day of your course to be ready to move forward with your learning and your online business degree.

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Business Program Questions

Do I need to complete all of my general education courses before beginning the business core courses?
Ellis College encourages flexibility in many aspects of its programs. You can intersperse general education and business core courses as long as you fulfill the applicable course prerequisites. Your advisor can help you structure your program to help you accomplish your educational goals and minimize the overall time needed to complete your degree program.
Do I need to complete all of my business core courses before beginning the courses in my chosen major?
Yes. You should complete the 13 business core courses before beginning the courses in your chosen online major.
What are my options if I lack confidence using software applications like Microsoft Office?
The Ellis College BSBA and BSA degree programs require an Introduction to Computer Applications course as part of their business core courses. This course provides you with an introduction to computers, computer applications, and their business uses. Software covered includes presentation programs, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. This course is also open to students in other Ellis College undergraduate degree programs.
Can I take general education courses while completing my business core and major courses?
Yes. You have the flexibility to intersperse your general education and business courses as needed to match your personal and professional responsibilities and available courses.
Will the online Professional Accounting area of study prepare me to sit for the CPA examination?
Most U.S. states adopted the 150-credit requirement for candidates to sit for the CPA examination. Students often fulfill this requirement by taking an undergraduate degree combined with additional coursework (at the undergraduate or graduate level). The Ellis College BS Accounting degree program (with the Professional Accounting area of study) will provide you with the technical accounting and business law background to sit for the CPA examination. Note that you must obtain an additional 30 credits beyond the 120 credits in the Ellis College BS Accounting degree program (with the Professional Accounting area of study) to fulfill the 150-credit requirement to sit for the CPA examination.
What is the difference between the Managerial Accounting and Professional Accounting areas of study?
The Managerial Accounting area of study emphasizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for careers in or advancement within the private sector related professions. Relevant professional certifications to the Managerial Accounting area of study that you might consider are the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) examinations. The Professional Accounting area of study emphasizes similar types of knowledge, skills, and abilities for public accounting related professions. A relevant professional certification to the Professional Accounting area of study that you might consider is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. Your advisor can help you determine how best to match your professional examination goals with relevant Ellis College online courses, majors, and examination requirements.

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Interdisciplinary Studies Program Questions

Why is Interdisciplinary Studies a good choice for Bachelor's degree completion?

The Interdisciplinary Studies program allows you to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and disciplines—and a wide range of past college credits—for the completion of a Bachelor's degree. Students undertaking an Interdisciplinary Studies degree online graduate prepared for a variety of careers with a breadth of knowledge and excellent problem solving skills.

Interdisciplinary Studies programs have become popular alternatives for adults returning to school to complete their Bachelor's degrees. These students generally want to integrate their prior learning experiences into their degree programs and seek to receive an education that reflects the complicated and diverse needs of their workplace. A wide range of institutions have Interdisciplinary Studies programs, including University of Virginia, University of California at Berkeley, and Georgia College, among others. Though the particulars of each program vary, the intent and purpose remain the same: to provide students with a broad-based education that prepares them for diverse career opportunities.

Interdisciplinary Studies concentrations -what do they entail and why does the program require students to pick three?

Interdisciplinary Studies is a broadly focused online degree program that allows you to develop competency in several disciplines. At Ellis College, we believe a broad-based education is often the best preparation for today's labor economy, in which adults make frequent career changes and need a wide base of knowledge. The three concentrations within the Interdisciplinary Studies program allow you the opportunity to organize a degree program to suit your academic and career goals. Students take at least 12 credits in each area of concentration to attain their Interdisciplinary Studies degree online. An additional 18 elective credits may be taken in one of these areas of concentration, and an additional 6 elective credits may be taken in each of the other two areas.

In choosing three concentrations from the 13 available, you are able to customize your online education to your future goals and past studies (to maximize transfer credits).

How is a concentration different from a major?

A concentration is different from a major in that it requires fewer credit hours. This allows you to have multiple concentrations and to broaden your areas of study-a primary intent of the Interdisciplinary Studies program. You are the best person to decide which concentrations to choose based on your personal interests and professional goals.

For example, individuals with good experience in the hotel industry may want to move from their current positions into general management. If they want a broad-based, flexible program like the Interdisciplinary Studies program, they may choose to concentrate in Business, Hospitality Management, and Communication Arts. This would give them wide exposure to a variety of fields and skills that may help them in the workplace. The same individuals could also choose our BSBA program, and major in General Management or Human Resources Management. This would give them more in-depth exposure to business processes, but would have less flexibility in mixing and matching other courses in different areas.

What will appear on my diploma if I'm in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program?
Your degree will list your degree type (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Professional Studies) and that you've graduated from the Interdisciplinary Studies Program (e.g. Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies). Your concentrations will not appear on your diploma.
How do I choose between a BA, BS, and a BPS degree?
Actually, you don't really "choose" which degree you get, though you do choose your concentrations and which courses you take online - which in turn translates into the degree you may receive. Students whose total credits include at least 75% (90 credit hours or more) of liberal arts courses will be granted the Bachelor of Arts degree. Those whose credits reflect at least 50% (60-89 credit hours) of liberal arts courses will be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree. The Bachelor of Professional Studies degree is granted to those students who acquire at least 25% (30-59 credit hours) of liberal arts courses.
How many online courses do I have to take through Ellis College?
At a minimum, you will need to take 30 credit hours at Ellis College (the maximum number of credits you can transfer into Ellis College is 90). These 30 hours must include 12 credit hours in your selected concentration areas and 3 credit hours in the Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone Seminar - a course that rounds out the Interdisciplinary Studies experience by involving you in research and analytic activities related to your individualized program of study.
The focus of my previous studies is not listed - can my credits still be transferred to Ellis College?
Yes. You may be surprised at the courses that will transfer as either elective credits or concentration credits towards earning your Interdisciplinary Studies degree online. This said, if you have a highly specialized background in an area we do not offer as a concentration, you will only be able to transfer in 30 of those credits as general electives. We'll work closely with you to ensure that you're able to transfer as many credits as possible into Ellis College.
What is the Ellis College "core curriculum"?
Ellis College's online core curriculum is the same curriculum that is required of all NYIT undergraduate students. The purpose of the core curriculum is to provide students with the communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills they need for job success. The core also provides students with a broad perspective of history, science and philosophy, as well as insights into human behavior derived from the study of behavioral science and literature. View Core Curriculum

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