Frequently Asked Questions
 Is IDEAL right for me?
Is the IDEAL program accredited?
What do I need to get started?
When are IDEAL courses offered?
How can I receive a course catalog?
How do I register for a course?
What is the deadline for registration?
Will I receive a refund if I decide not to take a course?
How do I request a refund?
How should I pay if my company provides tuition reimbursement?
Will UB accept payment from my company for my tuition?
Is financial aid available for IDEAL students?
Where are the IDEAL offices?
What are your business hours?
Is credit for work and life experience available?
Who teaches the IDEAL courses?
Where can I purchase a book for my class?
How many classes do IDEAL students usually take during a semester?
How much time out-of-class will I have to prepare for?
How long will it take me to graduate?
Do you offer online courses?
I would like to teach a course for the IDEAL Program. Whom should I contact?
Is IDEAL right for me?
The decision to complete your degree is an exciting, yet challenging one. A bachelor's degree through IDEAL develops and fine-tunes your business, management and communication skills, enhancing your performance in your chosen career field. The IDEAL program is designed to provide you, the working adult, the opportunity to complete your bachelor's degree at an accelerated pace to meet your needs and lifestyle.
Is the IDEAL program accredited?
Yes, as part of the University of Bridgeport, the program is accredited by the New England Association for Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
What do I need to get started?
Please submit your official transcripts and an application form. IDEAL offers eight start terms per year, so you will be able to start when you are ready.
When are IDEAL courses offered?
Most courses are offered in five-week or eight-week terms. Terms begin eight times during the year. IDEAL and most professional development courses are offered year round.
How can I receive a course catalog?
You may request a course catalog online or call us at 203-576-4800. You may also request specific program brochures for professional development programs, Summer School, or the Center for Business Information Technology (CBIT).
How do I register for a course?
You can register for courses in person at the IDEAL offices; by telephone 203-576-4800; or by email. Please consult an academic advisor prior to your first course registration.
What is the deadline for registration?
We accept registrations up until the first class session, as long as there is space available in the class. We recommend that you register as early as possible, preferably one to two weeks before the class begins.
Will I receive a refund if I decide not to take a course?
Refund policies differ, depending on the date of dropping the course. If you drop a course prior to the first class session, you will be credited the tuition amount. You can drop a course by telephone to 203-576-4800.
How do I request a refund?
Refunds must be submitted in writing. You may submit a refund request by e-mail to idealinfo@bridgeport.edu. Or you may send a fax to 203-576-4973 or deliver it to our office.
How should I pay if my company provides tuition reimbursement?
Will UB accept payment from my company for my tuition?
Is financial aid available for IDEAL students?
Yes. To be eligible for financial aid you must be admitted to an IDEAL degree program and complete and send the APPLICATION for FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) to the Financial Aid Office. See Admissions & Advising for more information.
Where are the IDEAL offices?
We are located in the School of Continuing & Professional Studies, Room 138, University of Bridgeport campus, Linden Avenue entrance of the Wahlstrom Library, at Park Avenue and Linden Avenue.
What are your business hours?
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed on holidays.
Is credit for work and life experience available?
Experiential learning credit may be available for those students who have met the outcomes of a course through career and life experiences. Experiential learning is assessed through the development of a portfolio which is evaluated by UB faculty members. Please contact the IDEAL office for further information and application forms for this program.
Who teaches the IDEAL courses?
Working professionals, with a master's or doctoral degree, and full-time UB faculty facilitate the courses. Each instructor brings to the program practical, professional experience and up-to-date knowledge of today's organizations.
>Where can I purchase a book for my class?
Most required texts are available at MBS Direct Online Bookstore, at local retail bookstores, or at amazon.com.
How many classes do IDEAL students usually complete during a semester?
Because of the accelerated pace and course content, students generally take three courses in a semester; one 5-week or 8-week course at a time.
How much time out-of-class will I have to prepare for?
Most IDEAL students say they need to reserve 10-20 hours per week for class preparation; reading and completing assignments. The time varies depending on the course content and the student. Students access the course syllabus at least one-week prior to the course start and complete an assignment for that first class session.
How long will it take me to graduate?
The number of credits that transfer into your degree plan determines the length of time needed to complete your selected degree. After official evaluation of your transcripts, you will receive an IDEAL degree plan guiding you through your degree completion.
Do you offer online courses?
Yes. Consult the course schedule for IDEAL courses offered online. The Office of Distance Learning will conduct a new student orientation for those taking their first online course at UB.
I would like to teach a course in the IDEAL Program. Whom should I contact?
You may submit a course proposal by e-mail to idealinfo@bridgeport.edu. Please give specific topics relating to your course idea, as well as the specific audience you think would be likely to take the course. Indicate your teaching experience and credentials in the subject you would like to teach.
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