Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions before you apply or start your online program, you’re not alone. Below, find answers to some of the questions we receive most often from prospective students. Remember, we’re here to support you no matter where you are on your educational journey. If you have additional questions that we don’t answer here, request more information to speak with an engagement specialist.
Admissions FAQ
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.
- You can apply to our online degree programs through the online application form. Remember to submit official copies of your high school and/or college transcripts, along with any other required documentation that is specific to your degree program. You can visit the admissions process page to learn more about what to expect throughout the process.
- Campbellsville's supportive online learning environment offers the flexibility and connection you need to finish your degree on your schedule. Your professors will deliver the same quality instruction you’d receive in person — but you'll have the convenience to study wherever you are. As part of our diverse online learning community, you'll have access to student services ranging from mental health support to technical resources. Explore our student life page and read testimonials from past online students to learn more.
- We offer six start dates for our online degree programs, with dates in the spring, summer and fall. Take a look at the academic calendar for more information.
- No. Your diploma will be the same as it would if you attended Campbellsville University in person.
Financial Aid FAQ
- To determine your eligibility for any financial aid, your first step is to complete the FAFSA form. Our school code is 001959. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- Yes! You can search for outside scholarships online via Fastweb or CareerOneStop. In addition, scholarships may be available through community services, professional affiliations, or even your employer!
- Yes. Campbellsville will not review your FAFSA for aid eligibility until after you are accepted into the school.
- If you have financial aid in excess of your tuition and fees, you may choose to use the extra funds to cover your textbooks through our bookstore.
- Campbellsville University does offer a transfer scholarship of $1,500 for alumni and staff of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). New, incoming students may qualify. Visit the transfer student page for more details and ask an enrollment counselor for further information.
- Your financial aid will be disbursed directly to your account at Campbellsville University. If you have aid in excess of your tuition and fees, you may use the extra funds to cover additional education expenses, such as textbooks and supplies.
- Yes! You can call Federal Student Aid at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
- Yes! There are many considerations when determining financial aid eligibility. Even if you don’t qualify for grant funds, there are other resources such as federal loans which are available regardless of financial need.
- Federal loans offer more flexible repayment options, generally lower interest rates and better tax benefits. In most cases, they also don’t require a cosigner or credit check. Due to these additional benefits, we recommend students utilize federal loan funds before private loan funds.
- Graduate students may qualify for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
- SAP stands for Satisfactory Academic Progress. This is a set of requirements which must be met in order to continue qualifying for federal and state aid. This includes a GPA requirement, course completion requirement and timeliness in completing a degree.
- Students who wish to use financial aid will need to start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once a FAFSA is submitted, Campbellsville will receive it after you are accepted into the University. Campbellsville’s Financial Aid Office will review your FAFSA for any missing documents and proceed with creating an award package for you. You will then have the option to accept or decline what you are offered.
- Federal Student Aid (FSA) may select your FAFSA for a review process known as verification. This process is essentially a quality control measure where Campbellsville will review your FAFSA for accuracy. During this review, Campbellsville will coordinate with KHEAA to request certain documents needed to verify accuracy.
- The FAFSA uses prior-prior year tax information. For example, the 2024-2025 FAFSA uses 2022 tax information.
- Typically, financial aid is credited to your account a couple of weeks into the semester. This date will vary based on your individual situation, so please be sure to consult your Financial Aid Counselor for an anticipated disbursement date.
- KHEAA is the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. Campbellsville utilizes their services to process verification documents.
Military and Veterans FAQ
- Yes! Campbellsville participates in VA Education Benefits programs, including the GI Bill®. In addition, we are a Yellow Ribbon school and have a reduced tuition rate for active military students.
- You can apply for grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid. See the Save Time & Money tab above for the many options available. You can also apply for federal student aid: Campbellsville University's school code is 001959.
- Yes, if you provide documentation that you are eligible and have applied for the COE. However, only the Department of Veteran Affairs can determine eligibility for VA benefits. We only provide an estimate of what the VA will pay. You will be responsible for any debt the VA does not cover. If you are unsure, wait until you receive the COE by mail.
- The Post 9/11 GI Bill® does include a textbook stipend. Certain other programs may cover course materials. Contact our Certifying Official for additional information.
- Yes, you can. We are required to report the net tuition cost to the VA after applying grants, scholarships, discounts, etc., that apply to tuition. The balance is what VA will pay under chapter 33.
- No. You will not receive a W-2 from the VA, and benefits paid under any law administered by VA should not be reported as income to the IRS.
- Yes! Active-duty military members may receive a discount. For online undergraduate degrees, this discount is $250 per credit hour, and for online graduate degrees, this discount is $275 per credit hour.
- You do not need to apply. The Yellow Ribbon program is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Funds are automatically applied if tuition exceeds the maximum state cap for reimbursement and you qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits at the 100% rate.
- Go to the VA's education application page and follow their instructions.
- If you are a veteran, use the Find a Form link, search and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. You will receive a certificate by mail in about 8 weeks. To access your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please sign in to your account. Once you log in to your account, you can make this request. You will only be able to view the benefit if you were awarded educational benefits.
- Request and provide an official copy of your JST or CCAF transcript during the admissions process, along with prior college transcripts and high school transcripts so they can be evaluated. You can order your transcripts using the appropriate military branch link below. Please note that you will likely be prompted to manually accept the DoD's security certificates.
- We have a dedicated military support team to help all military-affiliated students and their families make sense of and use their benefits. For more information regarding the GI Bill® or Tuition Assistance benefits, you may contact our VA Certifications Officer/Administrative Support, Shayla Shirk, at sshirk@campbellsville.edu or at (270) 789-5442. "
- Please contact our VA Certifications Officer/Administrative Support, Shayla Shirk, at sshirk@campbellsville.edu or at (270) 789-5442. You can also visit https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- It is possible. If you're authorized to use more than one GI Bill® benefit, you're allowed to use up to 48 months of benefits, but one at a time. If you have used your entire chapter 30 and have never used a different chapter (31, 32, 34, 35, 1606, or 1607), you could be eligible for an additional 12 months if you have not reached your delimiting date.
- First, connect with our Certifying Official about which benefit you plan to use. They will be able to guide you through the process. If this is your first time using benefits at Campbellsville, you will need to either apply for benefits or transfer them to Campbellsville. This will generate a Certificate of Eligibility which will be mailed to you. You will need to submit this to the Campbellsville Certifying Official once you receive it. You will also need to submit a Veteran’s Tracking form, which includes information such as program of study and anticipated hours of enrollment.
Program FAQ: A.S. in Early Childhood Education
- Complete Campbellsville's Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education, then meet your state's specific licensing or certification requirements for early childhood or preschool teachers. Those requirements are set state by state, not by Campbellsville. The program itself is approved by Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board and accredited through CAEP, which supports meeting that kind of state-level requirement.
- No. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a separate, national early-childhood credential, not a college degree.
Program FAQ: A.S. in Social Services
- This associate degree is built for entry-level human services roles such as case aide, community outreach, and social service assistant positions.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $45,930 for social and human service assistants (May 2025), projecting 7% growth from 2025 to 2035. A high school diploma is the base requirement for this occupation category, and an associate's degree is what many employers prefer. Titles like "case manager" that pay more typically call for a bachelor's degree. An engagement specialist can walk through realistic entry-level roles for this degree specifically.
Program FAQ: B.S. Elementary Education (P–5)
- In the state of Kentucky, you must complete a teacher preparation degree program, pass qualification exams and submit official transcripts to earn a teaching license. Campbellsville University's online B.S. in Elementary Education can prepare you to become a certified P–5 elementary education teacher in four years or less, depending on transfer credits.
- Early childhood education involves early care, early education and family support for children aged birth through six years. Campbellsville University offers several degrees in early childhood education. Explore our education programs to learn more.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $62,340 for kindergarten and elementary school teachers (May 2024), with the lowest 10% earning under $46,440 and the highest 10% earning over $102,010.
- Early childhood education is a highly rewarding field. By creating safe, quality learning environments for young children, early childhood educators are uniquely positioned to have a positive impact on the future. This field also offers steady job growth and opportunities for employment, with approximately 56,300 openings for preschool teachers expected each year through 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Campbellsville University offers several degrees in early childhood education. Explore our education programs to learn more.
Program FAQ: B.S. in Criminology
- Yes, you can complete the online B.S. in Criminology while working full time. Courses are offered asynchronously, so you and your advisor can build a part-time or full-time schedule around your job and family. Coursework runs in 8-week terms within 16-week semesters across Fall, Spring and Summer Terms, giving you regular points to start or adjust your pace without losing momentum. When you are ready to plan your first term, review the academic calendar for online students.
- Yes, international students are welcome to enroll in the online B.S. in Criminology program. Because the program is delivered fully online, you can complete your coursework from outside the United States while working toward the same degree as your peers and is taught by faculty with real careers in criminal justice. Admissions follow the same general process as other applicants. Reach out to the admissions team early so they can walk you through your specific steps. This program is not eligible for the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) F-1 visa program.
- No, the online B.S. in Criminology does not prepare you for a specific professional licensure or certification exam. The program instead builds a theory-based foundation in why crime occurs and how social, historical and psychological factors shape the justice system, which suits careers that do not require a license as well as future graduate study. If your career goal depends on a specific credential, confirm those requirements directly with that field's licensing body before you enroll. Review general licensure information for Campbellsville's online programs for more context.
- Tuition for the online B.S. in Criminology is $455 per credit hour. Paying by the credit rather than a flat term rate lets you see the exact cost of each course before you register, which makes it easier to budget around a part-time or full-time course load. For a full breakdown of total costs, fees and financial aid, visit the tuition and costs page before you enroll.
- Yes, Campbellsville is recognized as a Military Friendly® School, and that designation extends across its online programs, including the B.S. in Criminology. As a service member, veteran or military spouse, you can expect an admissions team and campus culture built with your experience in mind rather than treated as an afterthought. Because education benefits and eligibility can vary by program and by individual service history, confirm your specific benefit details before you enroll. Visit the Military and Veteran Students page to connect with a dedicated advisor.
- No, criminology and criminal justice are related but different fields of study. Criminology focuses on the theories behind why crime happens, drawing on sociology and psychology to explain criminal behavior and society's response to it, while criminal justice concentrates on the systems and processes that respond to crime after it occurs. Campbellsville's online B.S. in Criminology suits students who want that deeper theoretical grounding, often as preparation for graduate study, while the Criminal Justice Administration degree leans more practical. Compare both paths before you choose your major.
- A Bachelor of Science in Criminology opens the door to work across the roughly 250 career fields connected to the criminal justice system, including corrections, courts, victim services and public sector agencies. Because Campbellsville's program is theory-based, you graduate with a deep understanding of why crime happens rather than only how the system responds to it, a perspective suited to research, case management and policy-focused roles. Many students use this degree as a stepping stone toward a master's in criminology or criminal justice. See where the path can lead through a probation officer career profile.
- You can apply to the online B.S. in Criminology with two items: a completed online application and your official transcripts. If you have completed a Kentucky Law Enforcement Council approved basic training academy, you may also qualify for up to 12 credit hours toward your degree, shortening your path to graduation. This makes the program especially accessible if you are moving from academy training into a broader criminology career. Start your application on the admission process page, and explore transfer credit options if you have other college coursework.
- Campbellsville University Online pairs a faith-based learning environment with a criminology program built around close relationships between students and faculty. Classes run small, about 10 to 20 students per section, so your professors, many of whom built careers in law enforcement, courts and corrections, actually know you and your goals. Campbellsville gives you a distinct path into a field connected to roughly 250 career options. Compare it with other online criminal justice degree programs as you weigh your options.
Program FAQ: B.S. in Marriage and Family Ministry
- A ministry degree typically leads to roles like pastor, worship or youth director, missionary, or church/nonprofit administrator, and many graduates use it as a stepping stone into further study such as an M.Div. Campbellsville’s bachelor’s points specifically toward pastoral leadership and educational ministry roles.
Program FAQ: B.S. Psychology
- You can complete the online B.S. in Psychology program in as few as two years when you transfer 90 credits from an accredited institution.
- When you complete the online B.S. in Psychology program, you’ll be prepared for roles in every industry. Many of our graduates find success in careers such as substance abuse counselor, community service manager, research assistant and more.
- The field of psychology explores the human mind, cognitive processes, social and cultural influences, brain functions and more, preparing you to address complex human situations in every field. Psychology is an ideal major for students who are interested in unlocking diverse professional opportunities after graduation.
Program FAQ: B.S. Public Health
- Earning a 100% online B.S. in Public Health prepares you for several career paths in public agencies, the private sector and other settings. You can also earn a BSPH as a step towards graduate school in a range of health disciplines.
- A Bachelor of Science in Public Health is an undergraduate degree focused on public health. It is an ideal option for students who are interested in improving the health of individuals and groups in their communities.
Program FAQ: B.S. Special Ed. – Learning Behavior Disorders (P-12)
- In the state of Kentucky, you must complete a teacher preparation degree program, pass qualification exams and submit official transcripts to earn a special education teaching license. Campbellsville University's Online B.S. in Special Education can prepare you to become a certified special education teacher in Kentucky at the primary through the 12th-grade level.
- Special education certification, or SPED certification, qualifies you for public and private teaching jobs in special education classrooms. Graduates of Campbellsville University's online B.S. in Special Education – Learning Behavior Disorders program have the initial licensure required to teach special education at the primary through the 12th-grade level.
- Earning a Bachelor of Science in Special Education gives you the specialized knowledge and experience to teach students with individual disabilities, differences and needs. Special education is a rewarding career path that helps you directly impact students' lives.
Program FAQ: BSW
- Campbellsville's BSW is CSWE-accredited and prepares you for entry-level, nonclinical social work roles such as case management and community or family services. After you're admitted to the university and have completed the program prerequisites, you'll separately apply to the Carver School with three letters of reference to enter the social work major itself. An engagement specialist can walk you through both application steps in order.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual wage for social workers overall at $61,780 (May 2025). A BSW is the most common requirement for entry-level, nonclinical roles in that figure. Clinical roles and higher-paying specialties typically require an MSW plus state licensure on top of the bachelor's. An engagement specialist can talk through how this program fits your career goals.
Program FAQ: Dual Certification: P–5/IECE Birth to 5th Grade
- Yes. Campbellsville's online dual certification program prepares you to attain teaching certificates in IECE and elementary education in Kentucky after graduation. As a dual-certified teacher, you'll have the qualifications to teach in preschool and public schools from kindergarten through 5th grade. We structured the program to put you on track to graduation in 4.5 years — ahead of schedule compared to pursuing individual bachelor's degrees in elementary education and interdisciplinary early childhood education.
- You can transfer up to 90 credit hours if you previously completed bachelor's level courses at an accredited college or university. For more information, please visit our Transfer Students page.
- This dual certification program includes all online classes required for two career-focused credentials in a single pathway. You can earn your B.S. in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education after only one additional semester of study, helping you save time and money. By becoming a dual-certified teacher, you can pursue more career options after graduation, including roles with preschools, elementary schools, daycares and more.
Program FAQ: M.A. Education School Counseling P-12
- Beyond the required master’s degree, most states also expect supervised internship hours and a certification application or exam through the state education board. Campbellsville builds this into the curriculum with three supervised internships, including one at 200 clinical hours.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $65,140 for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors (2024), with the middle range running from $43,580 to $105,870. BLS projects 4% employment growth through 2034. Master's-level counselors typically start about $3,354 (8.3%) above bachelor's-level pay on most district pay scales.
- Most states, including Kentucky, require a master’s degree in school counseling or a closely related field, plus state certification through the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). Campbellsville’s 48-credit program is built to satisfy that degree requirement directly.
- Day to day, school counselors handle academic advising, social-emotional support, crisis intervention and coordinating resources for students and families.
Program FAQ: M.Ed. Montessori Teacher Education
- Montessori teacher pay isn’t tracked as its own federal labor category, so it generally tracks close to standard early-childhood or elementary educator salaries, with some premium for AMI/AMS-recognized credentials — the kind Campbellsville’s program builds toward.
- To become a Montessori educator, you will need a bachelor's degree followed by specialized training in Montessori theory, approaches, philosophy and educational foundations. Campbellsville University's online M.Ed. in Montessori Teacher Education graduate program provides the knowledge and skills you need for this rewarding education career path.
Program FAQ: M.S. Cloud Computing
- Campbellsville University's 100% online M.S. in Cloud Computing program takes an average of one year to complete, depending on the number of transfer credits.
Program FAQ: M.S. in Computer Science
- Computer science is a broad field of study that includes the information technologies, automated systems and networks behind much of modern life. Computer programming is a component of computer science and uses programming languages to "code" the applications that run on computers, smartphones, web servers and other hardware. While pursuing your Associate of Science degree in Computer Science online at Campbellsville, you will be introduced to programming concepts and numerous other computer science principles.
- By studying computer science, you can prepare for rewarding careers with strong demand and competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an average of 377,500 computer and IT job openings each year from 2022 to 2032, and the median annual salary was more than double the average for all occupations in May 2023.
Program FAQ: M.S. in Customer Experience
- Graduates typically move into senior CX leadership roles — titles like director of customer experience, VP of client experience or chief customer officer — across industries from healthcare to retail to hospitality. CX directors average over $122K and VPs of customer success average over $165K annually, though both reflect senior-level roles, not entry-level outcomes.
Program FAQ: M.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- For most students the answer hinges on fit with fast-growing, well-paid roles like data scientist, data engineer and AI engineer — all roles that industry reports consistently flag as high-demand. Campbellsville’s 36-credit, one-year format is built to get you to that return-on-investment point faster than a traditional two-year program.
- Graduates use this degree to move into roles like data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI engineer, and data or analytics lead, across industries from healthcare to finance to retail. The curriculum blends applied statistics, machine learning, and AI coursework, so it's built for a hands-on technical role, not just a general business-analytics one. An engagement specialist can talk through how the curriculum lines up with the specific role you're targeting.
- Artificial intelligence and data science help machines and computers perform complex tasks that usually require human intelligence. The 100% online M.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program will teach you to apply these principles to solve complex problems.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $120,230 for data scientists (May 2025) and projects 35% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, far faster than the average occupation. An engagement specialist can go over how this program positions you for those roles.
Program FAQ: M.S.W. – Foundation
- Yes. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the university holds SACSCOC accreditation. The Foundation track is 60 credit hours and includes 900 total practicum hours, 450 of them at the foundation level. An engagement specialist can confirm whether the Foundation or Advanced Standing track fits your background.
- Licensure requirements vary by state. Always verify exact rules with your local state licensing board. The general path is supervised clinical hours after graduation followed by a state licensing exam.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $61,780 for social workers overall (May 2025), $67,880 for healthcare social workers, and $60,280 for mental health and substance abuse social workers. Clinical and higher-paying roles typically require the MSW plus state licensure.
Program FAQ: Master of Divinity
- The program offers three tracks: Missions and Ministry Leadership, Biblical Studies, and Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a 2-3 page philosophy of Christian ministry essay, two reference letters (one from a former professor, one from a current pastor), and an interview with the program director. An engagement specialist can walk through which track fits your calling and background.
- Campbellsville’s 75-credit-hour M.Div. is a three-year program, though many students complete it faster depending on transfer credits (up to 25 accepted) and course load each term.
- Graduates go into chaplaincy, nonprofit and missions leadership, and denominational roles, not just pastoring a congregation. Compensation varies by role, denomination, and region. An engagement specialist can talk through the ministry and non-ministry paths this degree supports.
Program FAQ: Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Standing
- To qualify for the MSW advanced standing program, you must have a bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited institution. Learn more about our requirements on the MSW program page.
- Students can complete the online MSW Advanced Standing program in nine months. Learn more on the MSW program page.
- MSW stands for Master of Social Work — a graduate credential that prepares social workers for advanced, licensure-track practice with individuals, families and communities. Earning it online at Campbellsville means the same CSWE-accredited coursework as the on-campus track, with in-person field placements built in along the way.
- The online MSW Advanced Standing program prepares students for graduate-level social work licensure, allowing them to provide direct client services under the supervision of an appropriately licensed social worker. The online MSW Foundation program is designed for individuals who do not have an undergraduate degree in social work and delivers foundational skills to prepare students to enter the field.
- By starting a career in social services, you can make a real difference in the lives of those in your community. This rewarding industry is always looking for dedicated professionals.
Program FAQ: MBA
- No. To apply, please submit an online application, an official transcript showing a minimum 2.5 GPA, and a resume. The GMAT is not listed as a requirement. An engagement specialist can confirm current admission criteria before you apply.
- Yes. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), a business-specific accreditor. An engagement specialist can explain what that accreditation means for employer recognition and credit transfer.
Program FAQ: MSN
- The Campbellsville University MSN Student Handbook is available upon request. Please contact the MSN Program Coordinator at tbharris@campbellsville.edu for further information.
Program FAQ: RN to BSN
- Many hospitals, including Magnet-recognized facilities, require or prefer a BSN for roles like charge nurse, case management, and other leadership tracks that aren't open to associate-degree RNs. An engagement specialist can talk through how a BSN could affect your specific career path.
- RN to BSN students can complete the program in as little as 10 months. Program completion time and total credits required depend on the number of transfer credits received. Because the program enrolls six times a year, you don't have to wait long for the next start date to become available. An engagement specialist can confirm the next open start date and map out a completion timeline based on any transfer credit you bring in.
- Tuition is $360 per credit hour. Across the 30-credit core, that totals $10,800, which is why Campbellsville advertises the program at under $11,000. There is no application fee. An engagement specialist can discuss potential financial aid options for your specific timeline.
- Yes. The RN to BSN core coursework is delivered 100% online, with a practical capstone course that can be completed locally. The program covers 30 credit hours and most students finish in 10 to 12 months, with six start dates a year. An engagement specialist can walk through the current start date and course sequence with you.
Tuition and Costs FAQ
- Campbellsville University participates in third-party payment options with employers who provide an educational benefit to employees enrolled in school. Those options can be setup through the Student Accounts team.
- Your textbooks requirements will vary depending on the courses you're enrolled in. In most cases, when both physical books and e-books are available, you can choose which you would prefer.
- Graduate students will have a $75 technology fee per 8-week term. Otherwise, there are no flat fees but there may be additional fees by course.
- CU offers a variety of tuition payment arrangements such as: by month, by semester, by academic year. These arrangements are made through the Student Accounts Office which can be reached at 270-789-5203.
- For undergraduate students, bills are generated upon enrollment. For graduate students, preliminary charges will populate about a month before class start.
- Undergraduate students are billed by semester, and graduate students are billed by term.