Overview

The Complete to Compete (C2C) Program at Alcorn State University has been phased out. In its place, the University Studies Program continues the same mission of helping adults complete their degrees — but without the C2C funding component.
The University Studies Program is designed to assist adults who have earned college credit but have not yet completed a degree. This initiative provides a flexible pathway for returning students to finish their education, enhance career opportunities, and improve their overall quality of life.
For more information about enrolling in the University Studies Program, please contact:
Dr. Felicia McGowan
Director of Adult Education & Program Coordinator
📞 (601) 877-2415 | ✉️ [email protected]

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bachelor of Arts in University Studies is an adult degree completion program that provides nontraditional learners with a flexible, individualized pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree.
The program encourages Mississippi adults who have completed some college coursework—but have not earned a degree—to return to Alcorn State University and complete their studies.

Eligibility

The program is designed for students who:

  • Are at least 21 years old
  • Have earned a minimum of 12 college credit hours
  • Have not completed a baccalaureate degree
  • Have not attended a postsecondary institution within the past 24 months (based on the last date of attendance)

Each student’s curriculum is customized based on previously completed coursework, professional experience, and future career goals.

PROGRAM STRATEGIC GOALS

  • To decrease time to degree for adult and nontraditional students by offering alternative degree options, flexible course delivery methods, and comprehensive student support services.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

To be admitted to the University Studies Program, applicants must:

  1. Be at least 21 years of age
  2. Have been out of college for at least 24 consecutive months
  3. Have not completed a baccalaureate degree
  4. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  5. Complete the Alcorn State University Undergraduate Admissions process, which includes:
    • Submitting a completed Undergraduate Admissions Application
    • Providing an official high school transcript or GED equivalent
    • Submitting official college transcripts
    • Providing immunization records (if born after 1957)
    • Submitting a copy of a birth certificate

The program coordinator will conduct an academic evaluation to determine how earned credits can be applied toward the Bachelor of Arts in University Studies. If requirements are not fully met, the coordinator will guide the student toward the next best steps to achieve degree completion.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Total Hours Required: 120
    Category Hours
    General Education Core (IHL Policy 521) 30
    – English 6
    – Creative Arts 9
    – Natural Science & Mathematics 9
    – Social & Behavioral Science 6
    Electives 30
    Residency Requirement 30
    Upper-Division Courses (300–400 Level) 30

Experiential Learning Credit (ELC) Policy

Students enrolled in the University Studies Program may be eligible to earn up to 30 hours of institutional credit through Experiential Learning Credit (ELC).

This policy recognizes work experience, professional certifications, and law enforcement or military training.

To be considered, students must provide appropriate documentation such as:

  • Letters from employers verifying experience and tenure
  • Copies of certifications or training records

Academic Forgiveness Policy

The Academic Forgiveness Policy allows students to recover from prior academic difficulties by excluding a limited number of low grades (typically D or F) from their GPA calculation.

  • The forgiven grade remains on the official transcript but is marked with a notation (e.g., “E”) indicating that it has been excluded from GPA computation.
  • This policy provides students with a fair opportunity to progress toward academic success.

Funding

The University Studies Program is not a fully funded program. Recognizing that financial barriers may exist for adult learners, participants are encouraged to apply for:

  • Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
  • Alcorn State University Foundation Scholarships and other institutional assistance