Please give me an overview of the program.

Pathways is an evening program for adults seeking a bachelor's degrees. Pathways recognizes the complex and demanding lives of adults and offers a supportive environment that helps students succeed.

Can you describe the average Pathways student?

Although students range from 24 to 65 years old, the average Pathways student is 39 years old. The average Pathways student works full-time and takes two classes (or 6 units) per semester. Pathways students reside in the Bay Area, including Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties.

Pathways student enroll in the program for a myriad of reasons but cited reasons generally fall into one of three categories:

1. The student has experienced success without a college degree but finds that changes in the economy or industry have made further success difficult without the completion of a degree.
2. The student has decided that the time is finally right to complete the life-long goal of degree completion.
3. The student is seeking personal enrichment and pursues a degree for the love of learning.

Typically, a Pathways student is motivated by a combination of the above factors.

Which academic majors are offered?

• Business Administration (Cohort classes begin in fall term though you may begin GE or elective courses in the spring.)
• Management
• Humanities and Cultural Studies
• Psychology
• English
• English with a Writing Emphasis

How many students are in the Pathways program?

Approximately 200.

Do I need previous college experience?

No. You may enter the program with no units or multiple units.  Each student is on an individualized educational path.

Can I get college credit for life experience?

Yes! Your academic advisor will work with you individually to discuss how your personal or professional experiences can be turned into college credit.  They will explain the various methods to you and help you figure out which one(s) best suit your situation. Credit obtained for prior life experience saves students thousands of dollars and greatly expedites the time to degree.

How do I apply?

Apply online and the application fee of $50 is waived.

What are the application requirements?

Dominican University of California Pathways application, $50 application fee (waived if you apply online), and official transcripts from each college or university where units have been earned (if you have earned fewer than 24 college-level units, also provide your official high school or GED transcript).

When should I apply?

Right away! We accept applications throughout the year but applying early is beneficial for financial aid and early registration.

What if I want to start the Fast Business Administration program, but it's spring semester?

Completing General Education or elective units in the spring is a great way to jump start your Fast program. Doing so often helps a student to accelerate their time at Dominican. It is also a great way for students who lack the required 50 units to prepare to start the Fast program.

Will you accept my credits from other schools?

We accept credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities. 
Before admission, a course-by-course evaluation of your prior coursework will be  completed. Your evaluation will tell you exactly how your credits will be applied to your degree at Dominican. Dominican has transfer articulation agreements with community colleges. 

I completed college coursework a long time ago. Will any of those credits still count?

Few courses have a "date of expiration" however certain majors may require that major coursework be completed within a given timeframe. The academic advisor will inform you if coursework is not transferable due to time restraints.

How long will it take me to get my bachelor's degree?

Time to completion will depend on the format you choose, the number of transferable units, the number of units completed each term, the number of terms completed (fall/spring/summer), and prior learning assessment credit eligibility.

I am just beginning my exploration into completing my degree and really don't know where to start.

The best way to begin you exploration is with a no-cost degree plan. A degree plan is created by an academic advisor after transcripts are received. Transcripts may be official or unofficial copies. The degree plan will give you an approximation of transferable credits and will allow you to see how many credits you would need to earn your degree from Dominican. Individuals interested in a no-cost degree plan should contact the Pathways admissions counselor to get started.

What does it cost to attend?

Tuition and fee amounts are updated annually.  Please visit the Financial Aid web page for tuition information.

How much financial support can I get?

Financial need is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Pathways students must also complete the Dominican Financial Aid Application.

Seventy-five percent of Pathways students receive some form of financial aid.

My school experience has not been positive in the past. How will my Dominican experience be different?

Pathways alumni report that their experience was unlike any prior college experience. Students are seen as individuals with strengths and weaknesses.  Adult education is all that we do in the Pathways Program, so we know how to support you academically and how to meet your specific needs.

Do I have to take math?

All Dominican students must meet the General Education (GE) math requirement. How you meet the requirement will depend on which major you choose and whether or not you are transferring in any math coursework.

How much time will I need to spend each week in class and on homework?

The Fast program meets one night a week for four hours with some supplemental online coursework. Each Flex class meets once a week for two hours.  For example: the Flex course Introduction to Psychology might meet Mondays from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.  Homework will vary from course to course but the guideline is three hours of work outside of the classroom for every one credit (unit) weekly.  Most Pathways courses are three units, using the guideline; you should plan to spend nine hours of homework each week for each course.

Do you have a computer I can use?

Yes, we have computers, scanners, and printers for student use in the library.

Questions about Dominican

Please give me an overview of the university.

Dominican is an independent, international, learner-centered university of Catholic heritage located in San Rafael, California. Read our Facts and Figures.

Where are you located?

Dominican is located 12 miles north of San Francisco and five minutes from Highway 101 in Marin County. Learn about the Bay Area.

Please describe the campus environment.

Dominican is situated on 80 acres of park-like grounds. The small-school atmosphere lends itself to an overall feeling of respect for the individual and a love of learning.

Do I have the same privileges and resources as other Dominican students?

Yes. You have access to all the same resources, including the library, Conlan Recreation Center (including the weight room and swimming pool), career services, advising, tutoring, and counseling services.

Tell me about Dominican's accreditation.

Dominican University of California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Ave, Suite100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001.