What is the Virtual University?

The Virtual University (VU) is an alliance of three universities, West Chester, Millersville and Shippensburg that are working together to offer distance learning courses to non-traditional students.  

What is a non-traditional student?

The VU was created to provide easy access to college courses for people who cannot, or prefer not to attend classes on a university campus. You may be a single parent, a high school student who wants to take a course for college credit, a person who is mobility-impaired, a retired person or an individual who wants to take your career further or in a new direction. If you have limited time to travel to a campus, some knowledge of how to use a computer and the desire to continue learning, the VU may be an ideal way for you to pursue your educational goals.

  How are the courses taken?

Courses in the VU are offered using several high technology media, including the World Wide Web and videoconferencing. If you have access to a computer that is connected to the World Wide Web of the Internet you can take one of the VUs Web-based courses. Video conferencing courses are offered through special centers, such as other universities and businesses, where video conferencing equipment is available.

  Will I receive college credit for the courses I take?

Yes.

• If you are currently seeking a degree at a college or university, you will need to check with your school to make sure that you will be awarded tranfer credit for a VU course.
• If you are not currently seeking a college degree, you can enroll in a course and receive credit from the university offering the course.
• If you decide to apply for a degree program at West Chester University, the credits from any of the VU courses will apply to your degree.  Of course, you will need to check with an academic advisor in the department in which you are majoring to determine whether a course will apply to your specific major or will count as a general education requirement or free elective.

  How can I find out what courses are available?

It's easy. Just click on the VU Homepage link below and you will automatically link to VU Homepage.  The page contains the list of courses that are being offered. On the list you will find courses offered by each of the three VUniversity partners. The list will continue to grow each semester.

Take me to the VU Homepage  

How can I enroll in a course?

To register for a class, call or e-mail the Office of Adult studies at West Chester University.

  Office Of Adult Studies E.O. Bull Center, Room 143 West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 (610) 436-3550    

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