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Frequently Asked Questions
One of our goals is to help you get the answers you need as easily as possible. We've compiled a list of FAQs and organized them in categories.
Apply to WBUonline
How do I apply?
It's easy! Start here.
What documents do I need?
Official transcripts from every college and/or university you have attended
Official military transcripts (AARTS, SMARTS, CCAF, etc.) if you have served
Official high school transcript if you have less than 24 hours of prior college coursework.
What makes a transcript "official"?
In a word, security. Ask your previous institution to send your official transcript directly to WBU as either a sealed printed document or a secure electronic document (PDF).
Degree Programs
What Programs are Available online?
These Online Degree Programs are available at various WBU locations and are offered in a combination of online and classroom courses. Not all programs are available at all locations.
Is WBUonline accredited?
Yes. Wayland Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Wayland Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's levels.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404- 679-4500 in order to:
(1) learn about the accreditation status of the institution,
(2) file a third-party comment at the time of the institution's decennial review, or
(3) file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement.
Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission's office. The university is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The university is also accredited by the Texas Education Agency for teacher certification and for veterans training, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Taking Classes At WBUonline
How many terms are offered online?
There are 5 sessions during the calendar year:
Fall 1 8-week session
Fall 2 8-week session
Fall 16-week term
Spring 1 8-week session
Spring 2 8-week sessions
Spring 16-week term
Summer 8-week is a stand-alone session
What is a full time course load?
Undergraduate:
Students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in a 16-week term are considered full-time. Students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours in each of two consecutive 8-week sessions (e.g. Fall 1 and Fall 2, Spring 1 and Spring 2) within a 16-week term are considered full-time.
Graduate:
Students enrolled in 9 or more hours during a 16-week term are considered full-time. Students enrolled in 4 or more credit hours for an 8-week session are considered full-time and students enrolled in 3 hours in each of two consecutive 8-week sessions within a 16-week term are considered 3/4 time.
The 2020-21 Wayland Catalog will state the following:
"University's Graduate Course Load
Course Length Course Load Student Status
16-week 9 credit hours full-time
6 credit hours three-quarter time
4 credit hours half-time
Students using Ch. 33 Post 9/11 VA benefits must be more than half-time in order to receive the housing stipend. Student using any Veterans Education Benefits from the Veterans Administration must contact the School Certifying Official to determine how their rate of pursuit during an 8-week session of a 16-week term will affect their benefits for Tuition and Fees, as well as their Basic/Monthly Allowance for Housing (BAH/MAH). The BAH/MAH payment will be based on the rate of pursuit according to the VA's calculations.
8-week session 4 credit hours full-time
3 credit hours three-quarter time"
Where can I find course descriptions, class schedules, and class syllabi?
What if I'm not located near a WBU campus?
No problem! We designed WBUonline specifically for people who aren't located near a campus or who work during traditional class hours.
What if I am located near a WBU campus but only want to take classes online?
Then take all of your courses online! Every WBU student is assigned to a campus, so you may want to choose the one nearest you in case you want to meet your advisor in person, but you don't need to come to campus to take classes.
Transfer Credits
Which of my previous classes will transfer to WBU?
We accept courses from regionally accredited colleges and universities and many nationally accredited institutions. We also use the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) for courses taken at Texas institutions. Courses not listed and other forms of credit must be evaluated by your advisor for eligibility.
Can I receive credit for work experience?
Yes! You may be granted up to 12 credit hours for certain civilian or military work experience. The job must be a full-time, supervised, paid position with formal training to receive full credit. Your WBUonline admission counselor can advise you on required documentation.
Can I receive credit for licenses or certificates I have earned?
With appropriate documentation, it's possible to receive credit for certain licenses and certificates. Contact your advisor to learn more.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How much is tuition?
WBUonline is more affordable than you think!
Visit our tuition and fees page.
Are books included in the tuition cost?
No, you are responsible for securing the necessary books and materials. Many books and class materials are available at the WBU Bookstore. Some books are available in electronic format.
What types of Financial Aid are available?
• Veterans' Assistance (VA)
• VA Benefits
• Tuition Assistance (TA)
• Scholarships
• Grants
• Loans
As WBU is a private university, we cannot accept forms of aid designated specifically for public universities (e.g., the Hazelwood Act).
How many hours must I take to get financial aid?
You must be actively seeking a degree to qualify for financial aid. You need at least 9 hours to be considered full time and 6 hours to be considered part time. To learn more, contact the Financial Aid Office at 806-291-3520.
Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions, no worries.
Email us
Call us: 1-800-588-1928