Since 1978, the Professional Studies program at CBU has been serving the needs of working adults and helping them realize their dreams and goals. With accelerated eight-week classes and a dedicated staff and faculty who understand the challenges you face, adults are discovering that they can be successful students as well.

What are accelerated terms?
· Professional Studies terms are eight weeks long.
· Earn either one, two, or three semester credit hours for each class that you take.
· Terms begin in:
   · August
   · October
   · January
   · March
   · June
· You can take two classes in each 8-week term. The two terms are bridged together in the Fall and Spring. Bridging the terms together in either Fall or Spring allows a student to be full-time and qualify for grants and loans.

When do classes meet?
· Classes meet twice a week (either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday).
· Evening classes meet from either 5:45-7:55 pm or from 8:05-10:15 pm.
· A few classes meet on Saturday from 8 am to 12:20 pm. We have recently added an occasional Friday class which meets from 5:45 pm until 10:15 pm. Friday or Saturday class meets once a week for the 8 week term.
· Many students taking two courses in a term schedule two classes that meet on the same nights.

How can I earn 30 semester credits per year?
If you take two courses per eight-week term, you will earn 30 credits (3 credits x 2 courses x 5 terms per year). The total number of hours earned will vary depending the coursework you choose.

Can I take more than two courses per term?
If you maintain a 3.2 grade point average or above, you can petition to take more than two courses per term.

How long will it take to complete my degree?
The answer to this question depends mainly on the number of credits that will transfer from your previous institutions. When you apply, you will receive a transcript analysis that identifies the courses for which you will receive transfer credit and the courses that you need to take in order to complete your degree.

Are there any credit alternatives?
CBU does not give credit for life experience. There are two examination programs that enable students to earn up to 30 semester credits for prior knowledge.

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. This program enables students to take nationally normed tests and present appropriate test scores for credit at CBU. The cost of these exams is approximately $70.
• Students may also take challenge exams for specific courses prepared by CBU academic departments to demonstrate their competence. The charge for these exams is $100.
• For more information about these credit alternatives, contact an Evening Program Admissions Counselor at 321-3291.

Will my credit from previous colleges/universities transfer?
Yes, as long as the courses meet CBU's transfer criteria. Only courses with grades of "C" or better will be accepted for transfer from other accredited institutions.
To view transfer agreements from local community colleges, click on the appropriate links:

Transfer Agreements
Mid-south Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College