Below are answers to commonly asked questions about the NITE program. If a question you have isn't answered below, please feel free to call 1-800-380-1218.

Yes, Cambridge College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Cambridge College and its degree programs are authorized in our home state of Massachusetts, and also in California, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and Puerto Rico.

Cambridge College and its faculty recognize the value of the life experiences of our students. Cambridge College faculty utilizes the adult learning model in their teaching methods as we work on Connecting Teachers. All NITE faculty are experienced public school educators and bring a level of expertise that is unparalleled by other institutions.

Our student body reflects the diversity in our public schools and provides a wealth of resources for our learning community. Students tell us that our courses are unlike any that they have taken in other graduate schools; they find them exciting, relevant, provocative, stimulating and practical.

The Professional Seminar is a signature element of adult learning at Cambridge College. The seminar leader is the faculty advisor who supports you and the other students in your program. The Professional Seminar is an academic setting for:

• Studying professional issues and standards in education. In licensure programs, you will study professional standards and state requirements for licensure as well.
• Learning graduate research design and statistical procedures.
• Integrating your learning from classes, workshops and experience.
• Developing your Independent Learning Project from proposal to completion.

About 37 years old. Some of our students are new to teaching, and some have years of teaching experience.

Please call 1-800-380-1218 at anytime to speak with an admissions counselor who will be happy to answer your questions and send you an application booklet. Apply online or download an application from the 'Application' link to the left and submit by mail or fax. Please be sure to keep copies of all documents in case items are lost in the mail, etc.

Cambridge has rolling admissions first come, first enrolled. The earlier you apply, the better chance of securing your desired program and course choices. The deadline to apply for NITE 2009 is June 1, 2009

No. Cambridge College welcomes adult learners based on motivation, prior life achievement, and commitment to realizing life goals, rather than on the results of standardized entrance exams. Applicants for math licensure programs for grades 5-8 or 8-12 take a math placement test. Doctoral applicants are selected through a rigorous application process which is based on your academic and professional accomplishments, rather than on standardized entrance exams.

Yes, Federal Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans are available to all students, and Plus Loans for graduate students. Undergraduate students may also apply for federal Pell Grants and SEOG Grants. As soon as you have applied for admission, please:

• Apply for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov
• Visit the Cambridge College financial aid website at www.cambridgecollege.edu/financialaid to begin your financial aid application and complete your FAFSA form online (deadline June 30).
• Contact the Financial Aid Office at the Cambridge home campus at 1-800-877-4723 ext. 1440 for more information and assistance.

BA: The bachelor's degree completion program requires 60 acceptable transfer credits in courses for which you have received a grade of "C" or better. Up to 90 credits may be accepted.
MED & CAGS: Up to 12 graduate credits may be accepted in transfer which you have received a grade of "B" or better (B- is not acceptable).
EDD: Up to 33 prior post-master's transfer credits may be accepted.

You may finish in 3 terms/one year.
MEd, CAGS: Our initial licensure programs take about 1.5 years (4-5 terms), depending on the program and the number of transfer credits accepted. You begin this summer, and finish in the following summer or fall.
Some of our MEd programs without licensure may be completed in just two terms if you have 12 transfer credits accepted.

EdD: 1-2 years, depending on the number of transfer credits accepted.

Students must get current information from their state credentialling agency before enrolling, comply with their requirements and follow their procedures.

• Enroll in and complete an approved Cambridge College licensure program.
• Pass applicable state teacher tests.
• complete a state program verification form with assistance from the Cambridge College Licensure Office. Submit form and official transcript to the state credentialling agency upon graduation.

Due to the diversity of states and their regulations that may change at any time, additional state requirements may apply.

The final project for your degree program, with good planning, can become a tool for you to use to take your career a big step upwards. You can investigate any topic of interest or solve a problem within your field of study. Ask your seminar leader/advisor and classmates for assistance.

MEd: You will create an independent learning or research project that is directly relevant to your classroom or school. Many students do a professional project like a teacher's manual or curriculum guide; others do a research-type project or creative project.

CAGS: You will create an action research project that makes a substantive impact at the classroom, school, or district level. Many students choose an issue of personal importance such as supporting at-risk youth or strengthening parental involvement. Ongoing school- and district-level initiatives may also be examined, such as teachers' professional development or the efficacy of a particular curricular idea.

EdD: You will write a doctoral dissertation and a white paper for educational reform. The dissertation is original research that contributes to the ongoing scholarly examination of critical issues in education. Then you will translate your research into practice through the white paper as a means to effect meaningful and sustained educational change.

Bring an inquiring, open mind. It is a good idea to also bring blank CDs, a cell phone, still or video camera, and blank notebooks. Don't forget to bring enough money for extra-curricular activities: trips, books for courses, recreation, snacks, memorabilia, etc.

Yes, you will need a laptop computer and software that meets the College's minimum requirements (see current NITE catalog). If you are eligible, financial aid may cover the cost.

Yes. Our information technology staff offer free training to NITE students in the summer. You can also contact the IT Help Desk for technical advice and information.