What are the admissions requirements for Advance?
- General minimum admission requirements:
- 21 years of age
- Three years full time work experience
- Completion of Composition I / COMPASS Writing test score (80 or above)
In accordance with the articulation agreement for Advance, students who have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from Kirkwood Community College are eligible for admission to Mount Mercy College. Applicants for the accelerated RN to BSN Nursing Program must have a valid RN license from the state of Iowa.
Can I meet with someone to learn more?
Yes, but the Advance staff encourages interested persons to first complete the application process. For individuals seeking more than general information, the best way for Advance staff to accurately evaluate your status is to have a complete application on file. The Registrar will review your transcripts and application materials, and an Advance staff member will schedule an advising meeting with you in order to provide you with an accurate assessment of your transfer credits, and help you determine the remaining requirements to complete your chosen program.
When can I start?
You may begin your program of study at the beginning of any block. To begin the process, please complete the free online application and have your official transcripts sent to Kirkwood Community College.
Federal regulations require that student files contain a certificate of the highest degree earned. A high school transcript is required for applicants who have not earned a post-secondary degree. If you have not earned an associate or higher degree, please submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate.
What is the add/drop policy for Advance classes?
To drop a course without incurring a charge, you must drop prior to the first day of the block. If the course is dropped on or after the block start date, but before the first night of class, you will receive a “W” on your transcript reflecting the withdrawal, but you will not be charged.
Please send an email to advance@kirkwood.edu to request any changes to your Advance schedule.
If I earn my degree through Advance, will my degree be from Kirkwood Community College and/or Mount Mercy College?
Yes, upon successful completion of your program of study, you will earn your degree and become an alumnus of Kirkwood Community College (associate’s degree) and/or Mount Mercy College (bachelor’s degree.) Advance at Kirkwood and Mount Mercy provide the opportunity to complete your associate’s degree from Kirkwood Community College and baccalaureate degree from Mount Mercy College, while maintaining the balance of your personal and professional life outside of the classroom. Though accelerated in delivery format, the course content and curriculum is equivalent to the College’s traditional semester length programs.
How many credits can I transfer?
If you are pursuing your associate’s degree via Advance at Kirkwood, you may transfer up to 59 credits. A minimum of 16 credits are required at Kirkwood.
If you are pursuing your bachelor’s degree via Advance at Mount Mercy, you may be eligible to benefit from the 75-hour transfer policy articulated with Kirkwood Community College. This articulation allows students who have earned an associate degree in an approved business major at Kirkwood to transfer up to an additional 12 hours over the 63 credit hour maximum allowed.
If you have an associate degree in any other major from Kirkwood, or an associate degree from a different institution, you may transfer up to 63 credit hours. If you have previous college coursework from a four-year institution, but have not yet earned your baccalaureate degree, you may transfer up to 90 credit hours.
Can I earn credit for my service in the military?
Yes, credit hours may be obtained for military service. Please identify your military service in your initial advising appointment. Military education is evaluated upon the receipt of an AARTS transcript, official transcript from Community College of the Air Force, or your discharge papers. Each branch has its own form of documentation -- contact your respective branch office to learn more about having your transcripts sent.
It is important to have your military transcripts reviewed by the Registrar during your initial review prior to admission. The number of hours that you are able to pursue through the articulated program of Advance with Kirkwood Community College may be affected by the number of hours transferring from your military education as they are evaluated as two-year hours.
