SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Washington, D.C.
The University
Southeastern University is a dynamic, small, business-oriented international university in Washington, D.C., with a declared mission as an academic innovator. The roots of the University reach back to 1879, when the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) organized business and liberal arts courses for residents of Washington, D.C. The University is chartered by an act of the Congress of the United States, is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a full member of the prestigious Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Although half of the students enrolled at the Washington campus are international (representing from forty to forty-five countries at any one time), traditionally, most students are adult workers who hold full- or part-time jobs. Some students come to the University directly from high school, while others–frequently, those who obtain jobs with the federal government and move to Washington–transfer credits previously earned from institutions of higher education.
The University has emerged in recent years as an intellectual, cultural, and economic force in the southwest quadrant of the city and as a leader in the attempt to organize Washington's institutions of higher education on behalf of businesses and economic development throughout the Potomac region.
The University offers Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, and a wide variety of master's degrees. Majors include accounting, business administration, computer information systems, computer science, finance, government management, government program management, health services administration, information systems management, legal studies, and marketing. Many teachers in the D.C. Public School system take an exciting master's degree program that is offered in a compressed format as a result of a partnership between the University and the Washington Teachers Union. Southeastern offers a wide range of other instructional and in-service courses for D.C. teachers.
Over the past century, many of the city's leading professional practitioners have graduated from Southeastern. Also, the University has sponsored a widely commended and highly successful College Access Program for local high school graduates. Enrollment has tripled over the past several years, and more than 900 students currently enroll in Southeastern's programs each quadmester–quarter terms with full semester credits.
Southeastern University partners or joint ventures with a number of the most advanced professional associations and private industries on the Eastern Seaboard. These dynamic partnerships arise from the role played by the University's president, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, a longtime District of Columbia Councilmember and distinguished expert on urban economic and community development.
The University partners with the Greater Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, providing a wide range of programs jointly through the Washington School of Accountancy. CPAs from throughout the country may obtain a master's degree while satisfying their annual state continuing education requirements; courses have been specially designed with the working professional in mind.
The University cosponsors a Small Business Development Subcenter with nearby Friendship House. The subcenter, an affiliate of the federally funded Howard University Small Business Center, offers training and counseling throughout the year to many entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Southeastern is a partner and sponsor of Techworld Public Charter School, cosponsors the Certified Nurses Aide Program with Rosario Adult Charter School and Medlantic Hospital, and partners with groups such as the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, the Potomac Regional Educational Partnership, and the Community Business Partnership of the Greater Washington Board of Trade.
The University's Student Government Association sponsors an active social and cultural program; prominent national and local leaders speak at colloquia, and access is facilitated to national institutions located on the Mall–"America's front yard''–just two blocks from the site of the main campus. A professional academic advising staff is available full-time, and there is a very active Student Services Office as well. Active student groups include Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, the Chinese Students Association, and a variety of other political and social organizations.
In addition to the University's undergraduate programs, graduate degrees are available in accounting, business management, information system management, marketing, government management, health services administration, and nonprofit management. There is also a certificate program in computer information system. Graduate tuition fees cost $300 per credit.
Location
The University's main office is located in an attractive contemporary building close to the Maine Avenue waterfront in the redeveloped southwest section of Washington, D.C. The University is close to such well-known cultural institutions as the Arena Stage and L'Enfant Plaza and to the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and many other significant political and aesthetic foci of American life. The proximity of most of Washington's federal agencies makes Southeastern especially convenient for many federal employees and others who live and work in Washington.
Majors and Degrees
Southeastern University awards the Associate of Science degree in business management (accounting, finance, and legal studies), computer information systems, computer science, government management, and health services administration.
The Bachelor of Science degree is granted in accounting, banking, business management, computer information systems, computer science, financial management, government management, health services administration, liberal studies, and marketing. In addition, a new Bachelor of Art is available in child development.
Academic Programs
The Associate of Science degree normally requires two years of study and 60 credit hours, of which at least 30 credit hours must be earned at the University.
The B.S. degree requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. At least 60 credit hours must be earned at the University. Baccalaureate candidates are required to complete 60 credit hours of general education course requirements; the remaining 60 credit hours consist of major courses or supplementary business courses.
A maximum of 30 credit hours may be awarded to undergraduates who earn successful scores on College-Level Examination Program tests. Students may also seek credit by examination, and up to 25 percent of the total credit hours needed to complete the degree may be awarded for life/work experience in the undergraduate program. Southeastern University also recognizes the credit recommendations given in the Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education. Southeastern University also has a cooperative education program through which a student can earn up to 12 credit hours while working.
Southeastern University operates on a quadmester system, meaning that the academic year consists of four semesters per year. This is not a quarter system. Students receive full semester credits for each course. The four quadmesters–winter, spring, summer, and fall–begin, respectively, in early January, early April, late June, and late September. Under the quadmester system, students can conveniently take up to one third more courses during an academic year, flexibility in scheduling becomes greater, assistance is given to international students to facilitate the immigration requirements, slightly expanded class sessions provide innovative teaching approaches, and transfer students can enroll during any term. Undergraduate courses are taught on weekdays during day and evening hours as well as on weekends.
The English as a Second Language Program at Southeastern University is used by many international students in order to prepare themselves for successful academic endeavors at an American college. The program offers an intensive course that leads to a certificate in English communication skills and American cultural studies. Upon completion of the program, a student is prepared for admission to the undergraduate program of Southeastern University or to another college.
Academic Facilities
The University's facilities include an impressive library with audiovisual materials, several computerized classrooms, a computer center (equipped with the latest-model hardware and software), and many other innovations.
Costs
Undergraduate tuition for 2004–05 is $240 per credit hour. A full-time undergraduate taking 12 credit hours per term for four terms paid $11,425 in tuition and fees for the academic year. Book costs were estimated at $1000 per year, but the University is committed to working with students in order to facilitate their academic progress.
Financial Aid
Southeastern University participates in federally funded and subsidized student financial aid programs. Most financial aid awards are based on need, and eligible students are usually awarded a combination of grants and loans in a financial package. Federal Work-Study Program awards are available, as are a number of academic scholarships. Financial aid applications may be submitted at any time during the year, although the bulk of funds is committed to students who enter in the fall term. Grants constitute 40 percent of the financial aid awards, and 65 percent of the student body receives aid. A large and helpful staff is available to assist and guide each student through the financial aid process.
Faculty
There are 12 full-time and 82 part-time faculty members. Full-time faculty members are drawn from a national search process; they publish, teach, and perform community service in Washington. Part-time faculty members are outstanding professionals selected specifically for their special background and position; essentially all part-time faculty members are employed full-time in their disciplines and teach on the weekends or at night. Virtually every full-time faculty member holds a doctorate, as do most part-time members. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1. Faculty members act as academic and career advisers and are involved in many student organizations.
Student Government
The Student Government Association (SGA) works to promote and provide an organized program of student activities. The SGA is involved in developing new activities and organizations. Through the SGA and the representation of that body on the University's Board of Trustees, students have an active voice in University administration.
Admission Requirements
All entering students are required to take the University placement test (English and mathematics). Although SAT I or ACT scores are recommended, there is no minimum score requirement, nor are these tests mandated for students who desire to enter the University. Test scores are used for placement purposes only. International students, however, are required to submit TOEFL scores for determination of English proficiency; all courses are taught in English. Students who do not meet language or other standards and who do not qualify as degree candidates may be enrolled in either the English as a Foreign Language Program or in the widely acclaimed Developmental Studies Program. Then, when they achieve language or academic proficiency, they are automatically admitted into the regular program.
In addition, there are a number of programs the University offers for degree and nondegree students who are seeking job promotion and professional development. The University also partners with prominent businesses in the Washington area in an effort to place every graduate and those students who need ongoing job placement.
Application and Information
Southeastern University is a highly respected institution in Washington, D.C. To accommodate student interest, therefore, the University maintains a rolling admission plan. Applicants are notified of admissions decisions four to six weeks after receipt of all required documents. A nonrefundable $45 application fee is required of all applicants. Admission is granted to incoming students for any of the fours terms during the year.
For more information, students should contact:
