General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What degrees and certificates are offered by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville?

  UW-Platteville offers a variety of degrees and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Visit our Degrees Programs page and our Certificate Programs page for more details.

• Is UW-Platteville accredited?

  Yes, UW-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UW-Platteville is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. UWP is a Global Registered Educational Provider of the Project Management Institute.

• What is the cost of tuition? Are payment plans offered? Is financial aid available?

  • Current Tuition Rates
  • UW-Platteville does not offer payment plans. All tuition and fees must be paid before you begin a course. American Express, MasterCard and VISA are accepted.
  • Financial aid is available. To determine eligibility, contact the financial aid office at 608.342.1836 or trotter@uwplatt.edu. Please specify that you are a prospective distance learning student.

• Do I ever have to physically appear on-campus?

  No, you may earn your degree 100% at a distance.

• Does the GI Bill apply to UW-Platteville's distance education programs?

  You should talk to your education officer about the restrictions and requirements and also specify that you are interested in taking distance education courses. Your education officer will evaluate the circumstances for your unique situation and provide you with the information and material you need to begin. After talking with your education officer, you should contact the UW-Platteville Registrar to learn how to process your benefits. You may reach the Registrar's office at 608.342.1321 or email registrar@uwplatt.edu. Or read more about the Wisconsin GI Bill.

• How do I apply to a distance education program?

  Registering for a course is secondary to applying to a program. You apply one time for admission to the university to pursue a degree. After being accepted, you register for each course you wish to take.
  
  To begin the application process, first determine if you plan to be a matriculated or special student. A matriculated student is an individual who intends to earn a degree from the institution at which he or she is taking course work. A special student is an individual who has not applied for and been admitted to a degree program. Special students are taking courses for personal enhancement, are trying to earn a certificate or diploma rather than a degree, are planning to transfer courses to another institution, or want to start a course or two while waiting for the admission process to be completed.
  
  If you have not yet applied for admission to a program, but are interested in doing so, please apply online.

• How do I register for a class?

  • Once admitted, online students may register for courses using the appropriate link on the registration page.
  • Print-based matriculated students register for courses by contacting their advisor, Kelly Curtiss, at 608.342.1886 or curtissk@uwplatt.edu.
  • Special students may register for courses by completing online registration or contacting the Distance Learning Center at 1.800.362.5460.

• How does the registration process differ for international students?

  In addition to meeting the basic admission requirements, international students must also demonstrate proficiency in English by scoring a minimum of 500 on the TOEFL examination. Those who have earned grades of "B" or higher in two semesters of college-level English (excluding English as a Second Language courses) may be excused from taking the TOEFL. Transcripts sent to UW-Platteville must be in English. International students must also arrange for a proctor in their area who is fluent in English. International students should apply online.

• How do I receive my textbooks and course materials?

  See the Textbooks page for details.

• How are examinations administered?

  Examinations are proctored at a location near you by a person whom you select and the university approves. Examples are educators, librarians, clergy, and human resource personnel. Not all courses have proctored examinations.

• How long does the admission process take?

  You will receive an answer regarding your admission approximately 4-6 weeks after all of your official transcripts have been received at the Distance Learning Center. Allow two weeks for all of your transcripts to arrive at UW-Platteville. It is your responsibility to request transcripts. We cannot accept or evaluate unofficial transcripts.

• Will my previous course work transfer to UW-Platteville?

  The distance learning staff will review and evaluate transcripts to determine which credits will transfer to UW-Platteville before you are admitted to a degree program. The number of credits transferred will be dependant upon the accreditation of previous schools attended, grades received, and the content of courses taken. There are articulation agreements in effect with technical colleges in Wisconsin and, increasingly, with two-year colleges in Iowa. UW-Platteville must abide by these agreements, which indicate which courses will be accepted. Not all courses from these institutions may transfer.
  
  If you are interested in taking classes at another university and using them as your general requirements, consult with your academic advisor before enrolling in the course at the other institution. You will need to contact the other institution and request a course number and description. The course description will be needed to receive approval for this course.

• Where should previous schools I have attended send my official transcripts?

  Distance Learning Center
  University of Wisconsin-Platteville
  1 University Plaza
  Platteville, WI 53818
  
  Note: Transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution. Transcripts sent by the student will not be accepted or evaluated.

• Can I earn credit for life or work experience?

  Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration may be eligible to earn credit for prior business-related work and life experience by enrolling in a course called Portfolio Development. Students in this course are assigned to a faculty mentor who guides them through the process of documenting work experience and formal training that they believe is equivalent to particular business-related courses that they are trying to earn credit for. The portfolio is reviewed by a faculty member who determines the number of credits a student may be granted for the specific course. Not all students will earn credit for their past experience.
  
  Graduate students may be eligible for credit for life experience based on limited transfer agreements developed with specific institutions issuing professional certificates. For complete information, visit the individual degree information page:
   

  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science in Engineering
  • Master of Science in Project Management

• How long will it take me to earn my degree?

  The time required to obtain a degree varies based on the number of transfer credits a student receives, how much time a student is able to devote to coursework, and individual financial considerations.

• Will I have an academic advisor?

  Yes, you will be assigned to work with an advisor after you have been admitted as a matriculated student.

• Will I have access to library resources?

  Yes, all students have access to UW-Platteville's Karrmann Library. Visit the Karrmann Library website for more information.

• Do you have a question that isn't answered here?

  Try our "Help" section or phone the Distance Learning Center at 1.800.362.5460, or email us at disted@uwplatt.edu. The Distance Learning Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.