Embry-Riddle Approach Ensures Timely Degree Completion

It can often be the toughest consideration for anyone looking to pursue additional education: How long is it going to take?

The anticipated time investment can loom large for any student, but it’s especially concerning for those who are already working and want new skills to boost their earning or promotion potential. The prospect of spending years working toward a graduation date while juggling the demands of full-time and perhaps a family may not be very enticing.

That’s why Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide, the nation’s premier provider of flexible, online education, has created an approach that ensures degrees can be earned in a reasonable amount of time.

From the start, with our Enrollment Operations Counselors, Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers advisement and counseling services that can clear up any questions about the process and address key issues, such as transferring credits earned at other schools, said Associate Registrar Dana Howard.

Students get an official transfer evaluation after they are admitted, she said, and they may also get credit for work experience they’ve accumulated over the years, if recognized by the American Council on Education. Counselors can help navigate the entire process, which can ultimately cut the time it takes to get started on a degree.

“Worldwide generally does maximize transfer credit for our students,” Howard said.

Advisors also are available to help prospective students with questions they have about applying or specific degree programs. After admission, students are assigned a dedicated advisor who will be with them through graduation.

“Advisors work with students with any communication method that works best for them,” said Amy Jefts, Executive Director of Online Advising/Online Education. “We use all modalities – email, phone, and virtual advising sessions. Students also have the option to schedule phone or virtual face-to-face advising sessions during a time that works best for their schedule, but either option is available as-needed as well.

Jefts also said the online campus advising team holds monthly virtual advising town hall sessions called “Eagle Launchpad.” These live sessions are led by advisors who introduce newly admitted students to important resources and information that will help them get started. Advisors also explain how they support students while enrolled at Embry-Riddle.

“Students receive personalized attention from admission through graduation,” she said. “The advisor assists with providing personalized degree planning and assistance with course registration and really serves as the liaison for the student with all other university departments.”

All of these services save valuable time for students, so they can focus their energies on job one: Graduating. Jefts said the advisement team understands all of the obstacles faced by busy students and is always ready to help.

“Advisors create connections with our students and truly care about their journey to graduation,” she said. “When life challenges get in the way, the advisor is the first person the student can count on to help them through it.”