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Frequently Asked Questions about Goucher II

 

What Is Goucher II?

Goucher II is a re-entry program for adults who wish to complete or begin their undergraduate studies at Goucher College. This flexible, daytime program is for those who wish to study either part-time or full-time and emphasizes the development of a strong foundation in a wide range of basic academic skills. Goucher II students do not take continuing education courses, but enroll in the same rigorous course of study offered to traditional-aged undergraduates. In small classes taught by Goucher faculty, they learn in a mutually supportive atmosphere.

Through Goucher II, adults participate in a college tradition that for more than a century has been firmly committed to an outstanding undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a beautiful, conveniently located 287-acre campus in Towson, Maryland, Goucher is coeducational and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Goucher offers bachelor's degrees in 24 curricular areas and master's programs in education, teaching and historic preservation.

Who Are the Goucher II Students?

Goucher II students are a remarkable and diverse group of women and men. They range in age from 25 to 70, and average age 40. Some are married; others are single, widowed or divorced. Many have children. Some have part-time jobs, and a few work full-time. This year, several students have relocated to Baltimore to study in the Goucher II program. Though they come from diverse backgrounds, Goucher II students share high motivation, a strong interest in learning and a willingness to meet new challenges.

Who Is Eligible for the Goucher II Program?

Prospective students are eligible for Goucher II if they have "independent status" as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1992 (at least 24 years of age, or a veteran, or married, or with legal dependents other than a spouse) and have had a seven-year gap between high school and Goucher matriculation.

What Are the Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree?

To receive a bachelor's degree, Goucher II students must fulfill the same requirements as other Goucher undergraduates.

Each candidate for the degree must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit, of which at least 60 credits must be taken at Goucher, and at least 30 credits must be taken in a major field of study. The rest of a student's program is centered on liberal arts distribution requirements, writing proficiency requirements, foreign language proficiency and electives.

What Majors Are Available?

Goucher II students may choose their majors from a wide variety of subjects, including American studies, art and arts administration, biological sciences, chemistry, communication, dance, economics and management, education, English, history and historical studies, international relations, mathematics and computer science, modern languages and literature, music, philosophy and religion, physics and astronomy, politics and public policy, psychology, science and engineering, sociology and anthropology, theatre and women's studies. A number of interdisciplinary majors also are available for students whose intellectual interests are not directly addressed by any existing program.

Can I Transfer to Goucher?

The college accepts up to 60 credit hours for courses completed at other accredited two- and four-year institutions in which at least a grade of C was earned. Course credit may be transferred regardless of when the courses were taken, but must be relevant to the Goucher curriculum to be accepted. Students must send official course descriptions and a statement of degree requirements for all courses submitted for transfer credit. Transfer students who meet Goucher II eligibility requirements may enroll at Goucher through this program.

Are There Special Services for Goucher II Students?

Goucher II offers resources to help students make the transition to college-level study. These include close peer support, career counseling, mentorships, special subject tutoring, a newsletter, and computer workshops. Goucher II students have access to all college facilities, such as the 280,000-volume Julia Rogers Library, the Academic Center for Excellence, the Pearlstone Student Center, the Career Development office, well-equipped laboratories and computer and information technology centers. In addition Goucher II students may take advantage of a wide range of sports and recreation facilities, including tennis courts, a 25-meter pool, and hiking and picnicking areas.

What about Tuition Costs? Is Financial Aid Available?

Although the cost of a private college education is higher than that of public institutions, scholarships and other aid can make Goucher College affordable. One source of financial aid for adults is the Goucher II Scholars Award that reduces substantially the cost of tuition for many students in the program. All Goucher II students who enroll on a part-time basis will automatically receive this award, and no separate financial aid application is necessary. Those Goucher II students who take at least six credit hours per semester and can demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply for federal aid such as the Pell Grant, work-study and federal loans. In addition, Goucher II students are eligible for the Margaret Mary Allgeier Memorial Scholarship. For more information about scholarships and financial aid, contact the Goucher College Student Administrative Services office at 410-337-6500.

How Do I Apply?

To apply, applicants should call 410-337-6200 and schedule a personal interview with the director of the Goucher II program. Applicants must submit:

  • a completed transfer student application form that includes a written personal statement and a nonrefundable application fee;
  • official transcripts from universities or colleges attended (and official secondary school transcripts if less than 30 college credits have been completed);
  • two letters of recommendation from persons who know the applicant well enough to give an informed opinion of his or her intellectual ability and capacity for sustained effort.

Click here to download the Goucher II application for admission.

In addition to academic performance, Goucher views the applicant's work or volunteer history and his or her communications skills as important qualifications. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis and Goucher II students may enter the College in either the fall or the spring semester. It is recommended that students apply for admission anytime from 4 months to 1 year in advance of the projected enrollment date.

Where Do I Get More Information?

To receive an application or a catalogue, arrange for an interview, or obtain more information about Goucher II, call the Welch Center for Graduate and Professional Studies at 410-337-6200 or 1-800-697-4646. The Center's e-mail address is center@goucher.edu and the fax number is 410-337-6085.