Question 1

Who are the students at UoPeople?

Accepted Answer

University of the People has a steadily growing number of students from over 200 countries and territories. With students hailing from all points of the globe - from different countries, cultures and nationalities - University of the People is able to create a diverse online network. Students are introduced to peers they otherwise may not meet, creating an international community adding creativity, awareness, as well as individual growth. Because of this, the experience and education students receive at UoPeople is invaluable around the world. Moreover, even though 92% of our students work during their studies and 73% have dependents, a total of 94% of our students are satisfied with their experience at UoPeople. For a more personal perspective, we invite you to experience first-hand reviews directly from our students, or to read some valuable student testimonials on our website.

Question 2

Who started University of the People?

Accepted Answer

Founder and President Shai Reshef established University of the People to marry the opportunities between unprecedented access to the Internet, dropping technology costs, and rising tuition fees worldwide. UoPeople is the world's first tuition-free, American accredited, online academic institution dedicated to the global advancement and democratization of higher education. The high-quality, low-cost and global educational model embraces the worldwide presence of the Internet and falling technology costs to bring collegiate level studies to even the most remote places on earth. With the support of respected academics, humanitarians and other visionaries, the UoPeople student body represents a new wave in global education.

Question 3

Where can I find the replay of an old webinar?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to find the replay on our events page: https://www.uopeople.edu/events/Events

Question 4

What is your total number of students?

Accepted Answer

We have over 126,000 students from over 200 different countries & territories. This number continues, and is expected to, grow over the coming terms and academic years.

Question 5

Hi, We want to become a partner of UoPeople, whom can I talk to?

Accepted Answer

You may visit the following URL or contact: communications@uopeople.edu https://form.jotform.me/81740892758470

Question 6

Does UoPeople need more volunteers?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is constantly seeking out volunteers for its various departments. While we cannot promise that each and every potential volunteer will be able to find a suitable volunteer position with us, we try our best to match potential volunteers with their desired position. Please fill out the volunteer form here: https://www.uopeople.edu/volunteer/

Question 7

Do you have online programs for international students?

Accepted Answer

Yes! University of the People was created to open the gates of higher education for all qualified individuals, around the globe. It is the aim of the University to provide access to accredited academic studies regardless of financial, social or geographic constraint.  UoPeople is made up of a community of volunteers and students from all over the world, allowing students to benefit from having a truly international university experience. UoPeople has admitted more than 17,000 students from more than 200 countries & territories!

Question 8

Is there someone I can speak with at UoPeople?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople is always ready to answer your questions. Visit our Contact Us http://uopeople.edu/groups/contact_us page to find the relevant department for your query.

Question 9

How can I work as a teacher at UoPeople?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is based on the premise that education is crucial to the advancement of individuals and society at large. Millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries, are excluded from higher education for various reasons. As a volunteer with UoPeople, you help make the dream of attainable academic education anywhere come true. Click here for more information about volunteering: http://uopeople.edu/volunteer/

Question 10

What is the UoPeople time zone?

Accepted Answer

Because UoPeople students come from all over the world and from all time zones, our clock is set to GMT (-5). This ensures that we have a consistent standard in which to open and close the window for assignment submission. However, we recognize that this means deadlines for course work will occur at different times for different parts of the world. Please take this into account when planning your studies.   The best way to find out what the UoPeople time would be in your country at any given time is to go to one of the "time zone" sites on the internet, such as greenwichmeantime.com or timeanddate.com

Question 11

Does UoPeople have a telephone number?

Accepted Answer

You can contact us 24/7 on our UoPeople WhatsApp number: +1 (626) 264-8880. You can also reach us through our Facebook messenger or our Bot on our website. Both of these options have an escalation process to bring you to a live advisor if you need one.   If email is easier, you can reach us at info@uopeople.edu, we usually respond within 24 hours. If you insist on calling us, we do have a telephone number: (626) 264-8880.   That being said, since all of our resources are devoted to tuition-free, high-quality online education, the number goes directly to a voice mail service. If you would like to leave a voice message, please be sure to provide your email address and your Applicant/Student ID so we can get back to you via email as quickly as possible.

Question 12

Can I represent UoPeople for my country?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your interest in representing UoPeople! It is incredibly important to our mission to open higher education to the masses and making it a right for all. You spreading our message can make a huge impact. UoPeople has incredible Student Ambassadors who represent and advocate for the University by sharing their stories and the message of the University to the entire world! This can involve media interviews, appearing in marketing and internal materials, and assisting prospective students with information. We have special outreach platforms and ambassador groups, as well as exciting opportunities to connect with people on local, national and international levels. We are so excited and appreciative of your interest in helping to spread the word about us in countries around the world. To get more information on representing UoPeople in your country and/or initiating partnerships, please contact us at communications@uopeople.edu. You can also sign up to be an ambassador here!

Question 13

Where is the University based?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is the world's first non-profit, tuition-free, American accredited online university. We are licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (“BPPE”) of the State of California, United States of America, and accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (“DEAC”). Our Office of Admissions is located in Pasadena, California, where staff members handle most of the University's paperwork and document processing. We are an online university and we don't have a physical campus. Instead, we are focused on creating a diverse online environment. We also have staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds working around the world, including New York, California, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India. Feel free to visit our website and perhaps visit Essential Documents or Press Releases to see more information about the university. You can also check out this blog answering our most popular FAQs.

Question 14

What is the Education Revolution?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is the Education Revolution. We are the world's first tuition-free, non-profit, American accredited, online university. With a groundbreaking online learning model and volunteers from the world's foremost academic institutions, UoPeople offers the opportunity of a high quality, accessible, affordable American degree. We aim to revolutionize education by opening access to higher education globally by helping qualified high school graduates overcome financial, geographic, political, and personal constraints keeping them from collegiate studies. Because UoPeople degrees are 100% online, you can study anywhere you want, and you can dictate your own study schedule. We have students that log in each day from over 200 countries around the world. So when you are a student with us, you are a student instantly connected to a global community.

Question 15

Who is Simone Biles?

Accepted Answer

Simone Biles is the most decorated American gymnast and four-time Olympic gold medalist. In 2018, Biles started her college journey at the University of the People, and also became a Global Ambassador for the university. She helped in launching The Education Revolution and the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund for foster kids and others.

Question 16

Does UoPeople offer degree courses in English in the USA?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is a U.S. accredited, online university. All our degrees are taught in English. We offer the following eight degrees: Associate and Bachelor degrees in Computer Science; Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration; Associate and Bachelor degrees in Health Science; and a Master degree in Education.   Visit our website to learn more about our degree programs.

Question 17

What programs does University of the People offer?

Accepted Answer

University of the People offers the following six undergraduate degrees: Associate (A.S.) and Bachelor (B.S.) degrees in Computer Science, Associate (A.S.) and Bachelor (B.S.) degrees in Business Administration and Associate (A.S.) and Bachelor (B.S.) degrees in Health Science. We offer Master's degrees in Business, Information Technology, & Education. There are 11 certificate programs available in the areas of computer science, business, and health science. Finally, we offer an English as a Second Language program for those who need to improve their academic and business English skills.

Question 18

Many programs require a much higher CGPA for admission. Why doesn't UoPeople?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople is based on the belief that education is a basic right for all qualified applicants, not just for a privileged few. The University works to open the gates of higher education to qualified students anywhere in the world, because everyone deserves a chance to improve their future. Therefore, no matter who you are or what experience you may or may not have, you deserve a chance to earn a higher education degree.

Question 19

So, you've provided an estimate of cost of fees to complete various degree programs. What are the fees for the cost of books, supples, etc.?

Accepted Answer

University of the People does not charge students to take classes, for any reading or study materials, or for annual enrollment. It is the university's mission to provide affordable, tuition-free education for everybody. UoPeople charges nominal fees in order to remain sustainable. For students who cannot afford those fees, we have a variety of scholarships available. For more information about Our Scholarships. Read more: Fees What is Tuition-Free?

Question 20

Do I have to pay any fees to study at UoPeople?

Accepted Answer

As a non-profit academic institution dedicated to opening access to higher education, UoPeople has succeeded in cutting down almost the entire cost of higher education. University of the People does not charge its students tuition. To help support the university's continued operation, University of the People asks for a non-refundable Application Fee of $60 and an Assessment Fee of $120 per Undergraduate course, or $300 per Graduate course. There are no annual enrollment fees, and no cost for course material. For those who cannot afford these fees, scholarships are available to help support their studies. To learn more about our fees, please visit here https://www.uopeople.edu/tuition-free/processing-fees/.

Question 21

Will I travel if I am a student?

Accepted Answer

University of the People degrees and courses are 100% online. This means that, as long as you have an internet connection, you can study with us anywhere and anytime! Part of our mission is to help students overcome obstacles getting in the way of their studies, such as location or work and personal obligations. Our online environment allows for flexibility, so that no student is left out. No matter where you are, we will be there.

Question 22

What is an accredited university?

Accepted Answer

In the United States an accredited university is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institution that has been approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). You can check here to confirm if your institution is recognized as an accredited university by the U.S. Department of Education.

Question 23

What is your accreditation?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an accreditation agency that is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) - an organization with the authority to accredit institutes of higher learning. UoPeople is also approved to operate by the State of California and is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). UoPeople has received eligibility for WASC accreditation. We are extremely proud to say that the very fact that the university received accreditation from the DEAC, is a clear indication of the quality, academic excellence and rigorous standards of our institution. It offers assurance that UoPeople provides valuable instruction by highly qualified professors, offers student advising and other services created for the benefit of its students, employs ethical admissions policies, and engages in continual self-improvement. To read more about our accreditation, click here.

Question 24

Is UoPeople accredited in other countries?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople is a U.S. accredited institution. Because of the fact that, in many places, being accredited in the U.S. means that we are a highly respected institution, UoPeople has not pursued accreditation in any other country. UoPeople cannot guarantee that its degrees or their credits will be accepted by other international academic institutions or employers, since this is determined by each institution individually.

However, UoPeople accreditation, academic partnerships with NYU and Edinburgh, together with the support of our academic partners and leadership - hailing from such universities as Yale University, University of Oxford, Columbia University, and more - we feel certain that UoPeople students will be able to go far with their degrees. It may help to know that many of our students and graduates have gone on to continue their education at universities around the world, including NYU, MIT, the University of Auckland (New Zealand), UC Berkeley (USA), the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Carnegie Mellon University (Australia), University of Newcastle (Australia), Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and many more. UoPeople graduates have used the education they receive to progress in their careers through promotion and new employment opportunities.

Many of our students and graduates work at top international companies and organizations such as Google, IBM, Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Amazon and even the United Nations. You can see their LinkedIn profiles here. 90% of our graduates recommend UoPeople to their friends, and 87% are employed. That being said, international applicants are encouraged to check the status of UoPeople degrees in their own country.

Question 25

Are all your programs internationally accredited? If not internationally, do they hold up in the entire US?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an accreditation agency that is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) - an organization with the authority to accredit institutes of higher learning. UoPeople is also approved to operate by the State of California and is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). UoPeople has received eligibility for WASC accreditation.

We are extremely proud to say that the very fact that the university received accreditation from the DEAC, is a clear indication of the quality, academic excellence and rigorous standards of our institution. It offers assurance that UoPeople provides valuable instruction by highly qualified professors, offers student advising and other services created for the benefit of its students, employs ethical admissions policies, and engages in continual self-improvement. To read more about our accreditation, click here.

That being said, UoPeople cannot guarantee that its degrees or their credits will be accepted by other international academic institutions or employers, since this is determined by each institution individually.

Because of UoPeople US accreditation, our academic partnerships with NYU and Edinburgh, as well as the support of our academic partners and leadership (hailing from such universities as Yale University, University of Oxford, Columbia University, and more), we feel certain that UoPeople students will be able to go far with their degrees. It may help to know that many of our students and graduates have gone on to continue their education at universities around the world, including NYU, MIT, the University of Auckland (New Zealand), UC Berkeley (USA), the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Carnegie Mellon University (Australia), University of Newcastle (Australia), Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and many more. UoPeople graduates have used the education they receive to progress in their careers through promotion and new employment opportunities. Many of our students and graduates work at top international companies and organizations such as Google, IBM, Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Amazon and even the United Nations. You can see their LinkedIn profiles here. 90% of our graduates recommend UoPeople to their friends, and 87% are employed. That being said, international applicants are encouraged to check the status of UoPeople degrees in their own country.

Question 26

Is University of the People an accredited university?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In February 2014 UoPeople received accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In addition, UoPeople has been recognized as a Candidate for Accreditation by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). For more details, see our Accreditation page.

Question 27

Can your Associates degree allow a student to matriculate to a US BSc, and your BSc to US MSc

Accepted Answer

The transferability of credits you earn at University of the People is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the degree you earn in Business Administration, Computer Science, Community and Public Health, Master of Education, and/or Master of Business Administration, is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer.

Question 28

Will I get a diploma when I finish my UoPeople degree?

Accepted Answer

Sure! Just like any other accredited university, UoPeople graduates receive graduation documents once all degree program requirements have been satisfied. These graduation documents include an official UoPeople diploma, transcripts stating that a student has successfully completed his/her program, with the final grades for each course taken, as well as a personal letter from Shai Reshef, the president of UoPeople. These will be sent via regular post mail.

Question 29

Are University of the People degrees transferable?

Accepted Answer

Like other universities, UoPeople cannot guarantee that its students or their credits will be accepted by other academic institutions, since this is determined by each institution individually. If you are looking to transfer credits earned at UoPeople to another institution, students should consult and verify with the receiving institution regarding the transferability of UoPeople credits.

However, UoPeople accreditation, academic partnerships with NYU and Edinburgh, together with the support of our academic partners and leadership - hailing from such universities as Yale University, University of Oxford, Columbia University, and more - we feel certain that UoPeople students will be able to go far with their degrees. It may help to know that many of our students and graduates have gone on to continue their education at universities around the world, including NYU, MIT, the University of Auckland (New Zealand), UC Berkeley (USA), the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Carnegie Mellon University (Australia), University of Newcastle (Australia), Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and many more. Because of this, we are confident that our students and graduates will have the opportunity to continue their studies in the coming years at more top universities around the world.

University of the People offers the following eight degrees: Associate and Bachelor degrees in Computer Science; Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration; Associate and Bachelor degrees in Health Science; and a Master degree in Education.

Question 30

Will my degree be accepted at other universities?

Accepted Answer

University of the People and all of its academic degrees are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Students will need to check with their individual institution regarding whether degrees/credits from UoPeople are accepted.

Question 31

How does the educational model of UoPeople differ from the MOOCs?

Accepted Answer

What is a MOOC? A MOOC is defined as a massive open online course which aims to obtain hundreds of thousands of students in mass-classrooms to provide knowledge to significant numbers of people in an open way. Many UoPeople students have no other access to higher education; whereas approximately 80% of MOOC students already have a BA and about 40% have advanced degrees.

UoPeople offers full student support services and academic advising, similar to that found in any other university. Additionally, UoPeople in its commitment to democratize higher education, limits the use of audio or video so that students with low internet bandwidth are able to access the courses as well.

MOOCS do not currently offer the opportunity to earn a full associate or bachelor degree, something which is an important part of UoPeople's educational model and its mission to open the gates of higher education globally. UoPeople offers eight fully structured degree programs complete with Arts & Science courses to complement chosen programs of focus, while MOOCs are stand-alone courses that are sporadically selected by students.

Question 32

What kinds of research resources does UoPeople have?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople offers its students access to library resources through the Library Information and Resources Network (LIRN). These resources support the research, writing and homework needs of its students. With a simple query, students are put in touch with an experienced librarian who can help them navigate the array of digitized books, journals, documents, photographs and other research materials available to them. UoPeople also makes the resources of JSTOR available to its students. Both the JSTOR and LIRN resources can be accessed by students right inside their courses.

Question 33

How does University of the People promote its students' success?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople offers several tools to promote students' academic success. The learning model includes lessons, classes, discussions, readings, assignments, exams and so much more. Owing to UoPeople's online learning model, students have the opportunity to choose their location and hours of study. University of the People's goal is to allow students to live their lives, make a living however they choose, while still being able to enjoy a supportive learning environment which will help to lead them to a better life.

Each student will be connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who will remain with them until graduation. The student's personal Program Advisor acts as a support system throughout their studies, and our dedicated Course Instructors are also always available to answer questions when needed. The UoPeople small online classroom setting (20-30 people) allows for a community of supportive collective peer thinkers and teachers. Instructors provide full support, while creating a community for students to work cooperatively and assist one another. In our online learning community, students share resources, exchange ideas and discuss weekly topics. Students are graded on learning journals, quizzes and final exams. Moreover, because University of the People classes take place online, students can learn wherever and whenever Internet connection is available. This means you will have the opportunity to study according to your schedule! As proof, in our most recent student survey, 73% of students report that they have dependents to take care of and a whopping 92% of students work while they study!

Some of the best educators in the world have joined UoPeople to help make education accessible and affordable. The curriculum itself is supported by scholars who are experts in their respective fields. You can learn more about this on our website. In addition, the university is guided by its prestigious President's Council, comprising current and former leaders of top universities around the world. You can read more about them here. If you want to learn more about our grading policies and academic model, feel free to visit our student catalog here.

Question 34

What is the learning model for University of the People?

Accepted Answer

University of the People offers high-quality, accredited degree programs, together with a unique learning experience that combines peer-based and collaborative learning with cutting-edge information technology and the Internet. Each student will be connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who will remain with them until graduation. The student's personal Program Advisor acts as a support system throughout their studies.

The UoPeople small online classroom setting (20-30 people) allows for a community of supportive collective peer thinkers and teachers. Instructors provide full support, while creating a community for students to work cooperatively and assist one another. In our online learning community, students share resources, exchange ideas and discuss weekly topics. Students are graded on learning journals, quizzes and final exams. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to study according to your schedule and our Course Instructors are always available to answer questions when needed.

Some of the best educators in the world have joined UoPeople to help make education accessible and affordable. The curriculum itself is supported by scholars who are experts in their respective fields. You can learn more about this on our website. In addition, the university is guided by its prestigious President's Council, comprising current and former leaders of top universities around the world. You can read more about them here. If you want to learn more about our grading policies and academic model, feel free to visit our student catalog here.

UoPeople graduates have used the education they receive to progress in their careers through promotion and new employment opportunities. Many of our students and graduates work at top international companies and organizations such as Google, IBM, Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Amazon and even the United Nations. You can see their LinkedIn profiles here. For additional information, you can also read more about the UoPeople student experience here.

Question 35

Where can I find information about the Business administration degree

Accepted Answer

Please refer to our Catalog http://uopeople.edu/about/uopeople/essential-uopeople-documents/university-catalog/  or the website https://www.uopeople.edu/programs/ba/ to learn more about our Business Administration program.

Question 36

What is the maximum number of courses per term I can take for the MBA?

Accepted Answer

The maximum number of courses students can take during the MBA is three per term, provided the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Question 37

What are the requirements to apply for the MBA program?

Accepted Answer

To apply for the MBA program, applicant's must:   1. Have a Bachelor's degree from a US accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an accredited international institution;   2. Two years of full-time work experience; and   3. Provide a letter of recommendation.   For more information, you can read our Graduate Catalog for more information about admissions to our MBA program.

Question 38

What are the costs involved in order to complete the MBA program?

Accepted Answer

University of the People is the world's first tuition-free, non-profit, American accredited, online university. Though we are tuition-free, there is a one-time $60 Application Fee. We charge the $60 fee to review your application because the UoPeople Admissions team has to manually review each application submitted. Given the large volume of applications we receive, this process is lengthy, and by extension, expensive. Due to the pressing nature of this work, we compensate our Admissions team accordingly.

Additionally, there is a $120 fee per course assessment in undergraduate degrees and a $300 fee per course assessment in graduate degrees. These minor fees are to be paid at the end of each course. The total cost for a Bachelor Degree is approximately $4,860 and for an MBA is approximately $3,660 (including the application fee). You can learn more about our fees on our website.

University of the People (UoPeople) believes that access to higher education is a key ingredient in the promotion of world peace and global economic development. It views higher education as a basic right, and believes that it can both transform the lives of individuals and be an important force for societal change. UoPeople believes that education plays a fundamental role in strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in promoting understanding and tolerance.That is why the mission of University of the People is to offer affordable, quality, online, degree-granting educational programs to any qualified student.

Question 39

Are there any pre-requisite courses to take for the MBA?

Accepted Answer

No! Students are required to have completed a Bachelor's degree from a US accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an accredited international institution in order to be eligible for the MBA program, but that's it! To learn more about admissions requirements, please visit our Graduate Admissions page on our website.

Question 40

What are the technology requirements to complete a certificate program?

Accepted Answer

To complete a certificate at University of the People, students will need to have consistent access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. If students are working on a computer that is not their personal computer and are unable to save documents, it's important also to obtain an external drive. Because there are no mandatory video materials for University of the People courses, this drive can be a simple USB drive.

Most of the learning materials that students will be dealing with in their UoPeople courses are compatible with Adobe PDF or Microsoft Office. Our learning platform, Moodle, can be accessed by the latest versions of IE, Safari, Opera and Chrome, but we recommend that students use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. Note also that although working through a mobile device is not recommended, it is an option. There is no need to purchase software to study at University of the People. Adobe PDF Reader can be downloaded for free by following this link.

Note that whatever system students choose to use, all files shared with Course Instructors and classmates must be saved in either Microsoft-compatible formats or PDF format.

Question 41

Is the certificate program available for students from every country?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 42

Do other universities accept credit transfers from University of the People?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students who wish to transfer their UoPeople graduate credits to another institution are strongly advised to discuss this with the receiving institution as the transferability of credits earned at UoPeople is at the complete discretion of the institution to which students may seek to transfer.

Question 43

How many students will be accepted?

Accepted Answer

There is room for everyone in an online classroom and there is no limit to how many students can be accepted into UoPeople's certificate programs.     However, at this time UoPeople only accepts new students into the UoPeople certificate programs. Students already seeking a degree at UoPeople are ineligible at this time.

Question 44

Who is behind the program?

Accepted Answer

Each certificate program has an advisory board to guide and develop the program courses included to ensure students receive a quality education. For example, the Business Administration Advisory Board contributes to the development of the Business Administration Certificates program.

Question 45

How many students per class?

Accepted Answer

20-30

Question 46

Do students' study in cohorts?

Accepted Answer

No. Because we are an online university, and many of our students work while studying, we allow students to take breaks from their studies if they need to (although this is not encouraged), and as a result, classes are mixed up every term. We also believe strongly in making students part of the global economy by being part of the global village, and exposing them to different kinds of students from different cultures, in order to broaden their horizons. This is what makes them global citizens.

Question 47

Is it possible to fail? Can students re-take exams? How many times?

Accepted Answer

Yes, students can fail, and they are permitted to re-take exams - once. Students will need to re-pay the exam fee in order to retake the exam.

Question 48

Are there opportunities for classes to meet in person?

Accepted Answer

The university does not facilitate face-to-face meetings as this would be impossible due to the global make-up of the classes. We are aware of students who have organized in-person meetings with fellow students from the undergrad programs, and when Shai travels to conferences, he does his best to meet with groups of students (as was done in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Haiti, India, etc.), but in general, the answer is no - this is not something the university can facilitate.

Question 49

Is there much support for students in an online classroom?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Highly qualified Instructors are assigned to classes of 20-30 students, usually representing as many countries, and the instructor is available to answer student's questions and offer support. The University of the People student body hails from 194 countries worldwide, inspiring interesting dialogue between peers, and offers students alternative perspectives to their own. University of the People's pedagogical model is based on an online collaborative learning environment that promotes a culture of shared learning, dialog among peers, interaction and peer-to-peer teaching and assessment, and utilizes open-source technology along with open educational resources.

Peer-to-peer interaction is a hallmark of the UoPeople program and central to the learning process. The UoPeople small online classroom setting allows for a community of supportive collective peer thinkers and teachers. Professors focus on each student's needs and provide full support; while creating a community for students to work cooperatively and assist one another. Students share their experiences, so that knowledge-sharing and motivational support occurs on a peer-to-peer level, creating an open space for students to learn, share ideas, ask questions, and generate solutions pertaining to their academic experiences. Students are also provided with technical support throughout their studies in the classroom.

Each student will be connected with a personal Program Advisor at the commencement of their studies, who will remain with them until program completion. The student's personal Program Advisor acts as his/her support system throughout their studies. He/she will be happy to answer any questions the student may have, offer academic advice, discuss course selection, and offer encouragement throughout the student's studies.

Question 50

How are students graded?

Accepted Answer

Every week students have readings and are assessed on their homework. Students also have to take quizzes and are assessed on their contribution to class discussion.

Question 51

Are there networking opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UoPeople works hard to help further students' networking abilities, offering a growing global community, making students' networking potential international. Networking is an essential tool for building a successful career. At UoPeople our international community of students and faculty provides a global networking community. With students hailing from over 200 countries and faculty from top international universities, corporations, and foundations-the networking potential at UoPeople is vast! UoPeople uses Microsoft Yammer for its internal social media network. Here, students can network with other UoPeople students, even those who are not in the same class. Beyond the classroom, UoPeople partners with world-wide leading corporations to open the door to first-rate networking opportunities for our students to broaden employment opportunities.

Question 52

Aren't there concerns about online programs?

Accepted Answer

People have various opinions regarding online education because it is a new concept in contrast to the old tradition of physically attending school. Studying online is an effective and successful way to learn, and many of the best universities in the world, as well as almost all universities in the U.S., are offering more and more online courses.

There is also a strong movement for open platform education; this means organizations like UoPeople are working to bring education online in a more affordable manner. Our peer-to-peer learning, which teaches the students to study and interact with other students from around the world, is part of what works best in international companies, where people need to work with teams from around the world. More and more companies are beginning to recognize online education these days - so we believe it is just a matter of time before there will be more universal acceptance. Moreover, one can look at who is behind the university to see the caliber of support and recognition.

Question 53

How do students take exams?

Accepted Answer

All exams are administered online.

Question 54

Where can I get more information about the Computer Science program offered at UoPeople?

Accepted Answer

You can read more about the Computer Science degree programs here.
University of the People offers high-quality degree programs, together with a unique learning experience that combines peer-based and collaborative learning with cutting-edge information technology and the Internet. The Computer Science Program provides an appreciation of the foundations of computation, an understanding of the structure of programming languages, the skills to put these concepts and technologies into practice, and the know-how to utilize hardware to its fullest potential. The Computer Science team is led by Dr. Alexander Tuzhilin - Professor of Information Systems at the New York University (NYU) and Chair of the Department of Information, Operations and Management Sciences at Stern School of Business. Additionally, some of the best educators in the world have joined UoPeople to help make education accessible and affordable. The curriculum itself is supported by scholars who are experts in the field of computer science.

Computer Science applicants will be asked to demonstrate that they possess the pre-requisite level of experience in mathematics or computer science that will be needed to succeed in the program.

The UoPeople small online classroom setting (20-30 people) allows for a community of supportive collective peer thinkers and teachers. Instructors provide full support, while creating a community for students to work cooperatively and assist one another. In our online learning community, students share resources, exchange ideas and discuss weekly topics. Students are graded on learning journals, quizzes and final exams. Moreover, because University of the People classes take place online, students can learn wherever and whenever Internet connection is available. This means you will have the opportunity to study according to your schedule! Our dedicated Course Instructors are also always available to answer questions when needed.

The total approximate costs to earn a degree at UoPeople are the following:

Associate Degree: $2,460

Bachelor's Degree: $4,860

For more information, contact your personal advisor. Contact your advisor for further information! Not sure who your advisor is? Email admissions@uopeople.edu.

Question 55

If I get a computer science degree from uopeople, Can I use it to apply to graduate school in the US?

Accepted Answer

Like other universities, UoPeople cannot guarantee that its students or their credits will be accepted by other academic institutions since this is determined by each institution individually. If you are looking to transfer credits earned at UoPeople to another institution, students should consult and verify with the receiving institution regarding the transferability of UoPeople credits.

However, UoPeople accreditation, academic partnerships with NYU and Edinburgh, together with the support of our academic partners and leadership - hailing from such universities as Yale University, University of Oxford, Columbia University, and more - we feel certain that UoPeople students will be able to go far with their degrees.

It may help to know that many of our students and graduates have gone on to continue their education at universities around the world, including NYU, MIT, the University of Auckland (New Zealand), UC Berkeley (USA), the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Carnegie Mellon University (Australia), University of Newcastle (Australia), Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and many more.

University of the People offers the following eight degrees: Associate and Bachelor degrees in Computer Science; Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration; Associate and Bachelor degrees in Health Science; and a Master degree in Education.

Question 56

Will UoPeople be adding any other degree programs in the future?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople is constantly working on developing new programs for their students and expects to have more degree earning programs in the near future.

Question 57

What is the difference between an Associate's degree and a Bachelor's degree?

Accepted Answer

The Associate's program introduces students to the basic tenets of the field and also provides a foundation for continued study towards a Bachelor of Science Degree. The Associate's degree program requires completion of at least 60 credit hours. The Bachelor's program teaches the tenets of the field in greater depth and provides a foundation for continued study towards a Bachelor of Science Degree. The Bachelor's degree program requires completion of at least 120 credit hours. As such, many of the program learning outcomes are similar. However, Bachelor of Science degree students will be expected to achieve these outcomes at a higher developmental level.

Question 58

Can I change programs once admitted?

Accepted Answer

Students may request to change majors by submitting a request in the UoPeople Portal with the following conditions: Students are required to be in good standing with a CGPA of 2.00 or higher to request to change majors, and must pass all prerequisites listed in the requirements section of the new program of study before being eligible to make the change. For more information, please visit UoPeople's University Catalog.

Question 59

Does UoPeople offer a Master's degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes, University of the People currently offers Master degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and in Education (M.Ed). For more information about our degree programs, visit our Degree Programs page on our website.

The total cost of an MBA will be $2,940, and the total cost of an M.Ed. will range from $3,180 and $4,140 depending on the number of specializations you pursue.

University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an accreditation agency that is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) - an organization with the authority to accredit institutes of higher learning. UoPeople is also approved to operate by the State of California and is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). UoPeople has received eligibility for WASC accreditation. UoPeople also boasts outstanding academic leadership - hailing from such universities as Yale University, University of Oxford, Columbia University, and more.

Question 60

Can I switch from an associate degree to a bachelors degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many of our students start out pursuing an associates degree and then continue on to complete a bachelor's degree. The associate degree requirements are the same as the first two years of the bachelor degree requirements, therefore it is a straightforward transition.

Question 61

Can I study two degrees at the same time?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople students are permitted to study one degree with us at a time. Students that have graduated with an Associate's Degree from UoPeople may apply to complete their Bachelor's Degree in the major field of study in which they earned the Associate's Degree. Students that have graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from UoPeople are also welcome to apply to complete a Master's degree with us.

Question 62

Do you have high school programs?

Accepted Answer

UoPeople is a U.S. accredited university. Therefore, we do not offer high school programs. We offer high-quality online Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. To find out more about UoPeople degree programs, please visit our website.

Question 63

How long does it take to complete a degree?

Accepted Answer

Full time students who are enrolled year-round are able to complete an Associates degree in a year, a Bachelors degree in two years, and a Master degree in less than a year. This may vary depending on your course load per term. Students can verify their progress through the degree audit in the UoPeople Portal.

Question 64

How long does it take to complete the program?

Accepted Answer

Full-time Degree Seeking students may enroll in up to 2-3 courses per term, and part-time Degree Seeking Students may enroll in 1 course per term. Students must complete all requirements for the Associate's Degree in no more than 25 terms of active enrollment, excluding any periods of separation from the University; they must complete all requirements for the Bachelor's Degree in no more than 50 terms of active enrollment. Students generally complete the associates degree in 2 years, and a Bachelor's Degree normally is completed in 4 years. This may vary depending on your course load per term. You may verify your progress on your degree audit in the Self Services Portal.

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