Navigating the Excelsior University Student Portal: A Comprehensive Guide

Excelsior University, since its founding in 1971 by the New York State Board of Regents, has been committed to providing educational opportunities to adult learners. Formerly known as the Regents External Degree Program, then Regents College, Excelsior University in 2022 continues to evolve to meet the needs of its diverse student population. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Excelsior University student portal, designed to help students navigate their academic journey, from application to graduation.

Understanding Excelsior University

Excelsior University caters to a wide range of students, including those just starting their degrees, those returning to finish their education, full-time professionals, and full-time parents. The university offers flexible online degree and certificate programs, as well as hybrid degree programs in St. Petersburg, Florida, combining hands-on learning with online flexibility. These hybrid programs, particularly in nursing and technology, feature in-person labs that allow students to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, and confidence.

Excelsior's programs span six areas of study:

Business
Health Care
Liberal Arts
Nursing
Public Service
Technology

Getting Started: Application and Enrollment

The first step in your educational journey at Excelsior University is the application process. It is advisable to begin filling out your application early. While exploring programs, remember that Excelsior welcomes visiting and non-matriculated students who wish to take courses during the summer or explore new subjects.

Key Steps for Enrollment

Complete the Application: Begin by filling out the online application form.
Submit Official Transcripts: Have your official transcripts sent directly to Excelsior from all issuing institutions.
Complete the FAFSA: Make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year in which you plan to enroll. This may help you obtain scholarships, even if you don’t plan to use financial aid immediately.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consider enrolling in Excelsior as soon as possible to receive professional guidance.

Degree Programs at Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers a variety of degree programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

Business Degrees

A business degree from Excelsior University provides students with core skills in critical thinking, analytics, and strategy, applicable across various industries. Common career paths include finance, marketing, and human resources, with opportunities in health care administration, nonprofit leadership, and government positions. A business degree can also be a foundation for entrepreneurship.

AAS in Administrative and Management Studies: Provides a foundation in business basics for students starting their careers.
BPS in Business and Management and BS in Business: Designed to enhance existing skills for career growth or further education.

Health Science Degrees

Health science degrees combine scientific principles with an understanding of health and wellness. The curriculum includes math, ethics, and science, with courses focusing on health care policy, research methods, and health care systems.

AS in Health Sciences: For students entering the health care field.
BS in Health Sciences: Prepares students for careers in various health care settings, including hospitals, treatment centers, and nonclinical health organizations.
BS in Health Care Management: Focuses on higher-level skills needed to manage large health care systems and programs.
BS in Public Health: Explores public health challenges and cultivates leadership and critical thinking skills for advocating for healthier communities.

Liberal Arts Degrees

A liberal arts degree develops critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Students study subjects across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to cultivate broad knowledge and intellectual curiosity.

AS in Liberal Arts and BS in Liberal Arts: Flexible programs that allow students to use professional training and life experiences to build an educational path tailored to their goals.

Nursing Degrees

Nursing is a popular area of study at Excelsior, offering opportunities to make a difference at both the individual and community levels. The university's online programs are a natural choice for busy working nurses.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs administer medications, give injections, and change dressings.
Registered Nurse (RN): RNs provide a wide range of care, including patient assessment, developing and implementing care plans, and administering medications.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): APRNs are registered nurses with specialized education and training, who can order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and perform procedures. This category includes nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.

Public Service Degrees

Public service degrees prepare students for careers in government agencies and nonprofit organizations, covering fields like public administration, social work, and criminal justice. Excelsior offers online public service degree programs for students passionate about building policies, programs, and systems that improve people’s lives. Criminal justice degrees are available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.

Read also: Excelsior Eligibility

Technology Degrees

Technology degrees lead to in-demand jobs that shape how we play, work, and communicate. These degrees span specialties such as energy, electronics, engineering, and programming, and require strong skills in problem-solving, creativity, and project management.

AAS in Technical Studies: Helps students new to the field discover their interests and start their careers.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Available in technology management, computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering technology, information technology, and nuclear engineering technology, helping students grow their skills in a technical specialty.

Maximizing Credit Opportunities

Excelsior University offers multiple avenues for students to earn credit towards their degrees, catering to diverse learning styles and prior experiences. These include:

Online Courses through Excelsior: Traditional online courses offered directly by the university.
Excelsior College Examinations (ECE): Exams designed by Excelsior to assess knowledge in specific subject areas.
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) Exams: Standardized exams covering introductory college-level material.
DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) Exams: Exams similar to CLEP, often used by military personnel.
TESC (Thomas Edison State University) Exams: Another option for standardized exams to earn college credit.
Transferring Courses: Transferring credits from other accredited institutions.
Prior Learning Assessment: Earning credit for knowledge and skills gained through work experience, training programs, or other non-traditional learning experiences.

With many of Excelsior's degree programs, it is possible to test out of all requirements, with the exception of a required Information Literacy course.

Tips for Credit by Examination

Obtain the "Student Guide to Credit by Examination at Excelsior College": This catalog lists CLEP, DSST, and ECE exams that meet degree requirements and the scores needed to pass each exam.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan to prepare for exams.
Consider Exam Order: If taking College Math, consider taking it right after or right before College Algebra. If you need Money and Banking, take it right after Macro and Microeconomics (in that order).
Take Advantage of Resources: Utilize resources like InstantCert to prepare for exams.

Student Support and Resources

Excelsior University is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for its students. The university offers a range of resources to help students succeed academically and professionally.

Academic Advising: Provides guidance on program selection, course planning, and degree requirements.
Tutoring Services: Offers tutoring in various subjects to help students improve their understanding of course material.
Career Services: Provides career counseling, resume writing assistance, and job search support.
Student Support Services: Offers a range of support services, including disability services, counseling services, and financial aid assistance.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

The journey through higher education can be challenging, and it's important to stay motivated and persistent. Many students face discouragement along the way, but it's crucial to remember that others have also experienced similar challenges and have successfully completed their degrees.

Tips for Staying Motivated

Set Realistic Goals: Break down your degree requirements into smaller, manageable goals.
Find a Support System: Connect with other students, friends, or family members who can provide encouragement and support.
Celebrate Your Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
Remember Your "Why": Keep your goals in mind and remind yourself why you started this journey.

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