We know you might have a lot of questions about online programs. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about SWU online programs.
Academics | Admissions | Financial Aid | Technology | About SWU
About Online Learning
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates earn roughly 65 percent more than high school graduates on average. That’s nearly $1 million more over the course of a career! Those with Master’s degrees earn an average income of 107 percent more than high school graduates.
Yes and no. While the learning outcomes and course content for online and in-person classes are the same, the schedule and format in which you will learn is different. There are no required meeting times with online classes, and you get to learn at your own pace. Because of these factors, you can earn a degree from SWU no matter how far away from our campus you are. Online learning does require a higher level of discipline and self-motivation to see success. Most online courses last seven weeks and can be taken year-round in three semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
Online classes allow you to complete your coursework on your own time. Whether in between your work day or after spending time with your family, the self-paced structure of online learning puts you in control. Check out this video for more tips on navigating online learning or take a peek at Canvas, our learning management system, for a closer look at one of our courses.
Degree completion time greatly depends on the chosen program and the amount of transfer credit you may have. Contact our enrollment staff to learn more.
Relocation is not a problem. The only thing you need is a secure internet connection, and you’ll be able to continue your coursework from wherever you are. SWU, like a majority of the states within the US, is also member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), so you should be able to complete your online degree uninterrupted if you relocate.
In order to be counted present for the online course, you must complete at least one assignment during the week. In order to be successful in the course, we recommend that you access the course every day to check for new announcements, discussion posts, and due dates. Most of the work can be done on your own schedule, but there may be some specific times scheduled for meeting online with your instructor and classmates.
See our complete listing of online degree programs and courses.
Books and other course materials can be purchased through our online bookstore. You can choose to buy new or used, rent a hard copy or even purchase an e-book. You are not required to use our online bookstore, but we’ve found the prices to be comparable to other sources.
Many of our students have been out of school for ten, twenty, even thirty years. Our students range in age from early twenties to mid-sixties, and while most will quietly admit that they are nervous about coming back to school, you’d be surprised at how many are more open about it.
We’re here to let you know that it’s okay to be nervous. In fact, you should be nervous. Going back to school is a huge decision. Gather your support system and write down the reasons you want to do this. Then, a year or two down the road when you’re close to burn-out, refer back to those reasons to keep you going. You will have to make life sacrifices to do this, but don’t let nerves keep you from stepping into your dreams. And remember: we’re here to support you!
Because most company-issued computers don’t allow for software and hardware changes, we recommend having a personal computer with the following minimum system recommendations.
About Admissions Process
Our online application process is simple and should only take about 15 minutes. Once you’ve submitted an application, your personal admissions coordinator will contact you and help you through the admissions process as well as enrollment in your first classes. If you’d rather get started by phone, please call (877) 644-5557.
The admissions requirements vary per program. Please view the academic catalog for the requirements specific to your desired program.
Yes, we accept transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions and a limited number of other institutions with which we have cooperative agreements. Our complete transfer policies can be found in our Academic Catalog.
About Cost and Financial Aid
Price per credit hour depends on the program. Check our Tuition and Costs page for information on current tuition and fees.
There are a variety of ways you can finance your education. Learn more about how our financial aid packages can help you pursue your dreams.
Southern Wesleyan’s FAFSA School Code is 003422. Learn more about the FAFSA.
Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to your Financial Aid Counselor.
For questions about your bill, please contact your Student Accounts Representative.
If your student account has an excess of funds after paying your bill, you may request a refund check by contacting Student Accounts at 864-644-5520 during business hours (8 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday).
If you have an excess of funds in your student account, you do not have to receive a refund check. Consider returning the excess funds to your lender to help pay down debt or keep them on your student account for future expenses. Remember, you’ll be paying interest on those loan funds—you might as well spend them wisely.
About Technology and Online Tools
A dependable computer with stable internet access is imperative to your success in an online degree program. Check out our computer recommendations and minimum system requirements to learn more about your technology needs.
Canvas, our online learning management system, is where you’ll access your courses, interact with instructors and course mates, and complete your assignments. You can access Canvas by logging in to my.swu.edu and clicking the “Canvas – View My Courses” Quick Link.
If you experience Canvas issues while working in your course, we recommend that you first reach out to fellow course mates and/or your instructor to see if they may be able to quickly answer your questions. As a second step, you can click the Help icon in Canvas from the global navigation menu, where you can search for answers in the Canvas Guides or submit an incident report that will be routed to the appropriate help representative. You can also reach the Helpdesk for support by dialing 864-644-5050.
Courses are usually accessible one to two weeks before the course start date.
About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, as a four-year, private, liberal arts college, SWU’s structure and name have changed, but our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.
Southern Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC). Many of our programs also hold additional accreditation and/or approval from organizations specific to their field. Learn more about our accreditation.
We’re committed to academic integrity. To ensure the value of your education, all of our faculty members have either master's or doctorate degrees.
No. All of our diplomas state “Southern Wesleyan University” with no distinction between traditional campus or online degree programs.