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University of Dubuque

Online and 2 campus locations around Iowa

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  • Overview
  • Accessibility
  • Demographics
  • Cost
  • Outcomes
  • Military
  • Benefits
  • Programs & Degrees

University of Dubuque is a private college in Dubuque, Iowa and has been named to the Abound: Finish College Best Colleges for Adults and Best Colleges for Military and Veterans award lists for 2024. The part-time student body is students, which represents 16% of total students. The on-campus average net price to attend is $22,879 and the per-credit hour charge for part-time students is $1,100. The school offers credit for life experiences, weekend/evening classes, on-campus day care, academic counseling services, career services, credit for military training, and more.

Overview

School Type

  • On Campus
  • Blended
  • Online
  • Private

Website: www.dbq.edu

Contact: University of Dubuque

Accessibility

  • Distance education:Yes
  • Career services:Yes
  • Weekend/Evening classes:Yes
  • Credit for life experiences:Yes
  • On-Campus day care:Yes

Demographics

Part-time students
237 undergrads
  • Full-time undergrad students:1,207
  • Undergrad students over 25 years old:284
  • Pell Grant students:676
  • Part-time students
    16%
  • Students over 25 years old
    18%

Cost

In-district per-credit-hour charge for part-time students
$1,100
Average net price for students awarded grant/aid
$22,879
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Outcomes

  • Retention rate for part-time students:50%

Military & Veteran

Number of undergraduate students receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits
55 students
  • Credit for military training:Yes
  • Dedicated staff member:Yes
  • Student veteran organization:Yes
  • Yellow Ribbon Program member:Yes
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Benefits

Student Experience

Student Experience

  • 48 hour professor reply time
  • On campus night classes
  • Accelerated classes
Affordability

Affordability

  • Transfer credits accepted
  • CLEP exam
  • DANTE exam
  • Prior learning credit
  • Military service credit
  • Portfolio submission
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Campus Resources

Campus Resources

  • Writing Center
  • Tutoring
  • Career Services
  • Financial Aid
  • Advisors
  • Library
  • Dining Services
  • Recreational Services
  • Childcare Services
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Featured Programs & Degrees

Business
Criminal Justice
Healthcare
Business
Select a degree option:
Overview
  • Overview
  • Accounting
  • Business
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing

Business Program Overview

The University of Dubuque’s LIFE Business Department mission is to offer educational opportunities that build practical, applied, and integrated learning experiences through the undergraduate programs in business and accounting. These programs offer foundation coursework in business and when integrated with the University’s Core Curriculum, it combines competencies in accounting, economics, management, marketing, and finance with applied skills such as team building, collaboration, and understanding appropriate behaviors that lead to future success.

“I have recommended the UD Life program to many of my friends, and will continue to do so after I graduate with my MBA. Not only is the knowledge I’ve gained invaluable, the connections and friendships with both instructors and fellow classmates will last long after I have completed my classes. The insights my fellow classmates share bring real life experience to the material we cover in class.” — Kathy Werner, Bachelor’s Degree, Business

Degree Options Include

Accounting
Business
Human Resource Management
Marketing

Classroom Type
On Campus
Accelerated?
Yes
Transfer Credits?
No

Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting

The Accounting major prepares students for careers in public and private accounting as well as government and nonprofit accounting with the potential of credentialing as a Certified Public Accountant and/or Certified Management Accountant.

Learn More

Get more information on the accounting concentration and career outlook here.

Classroom Type
On Campus
Accelerated?
Yes
Transfer Credits?
No

Bachelor of Business Administration – Business

The Business major prepares students to apply business theories and sound judgment in pursuing business goals, objectives and solutions to business problems. Students also have an opportunity to specialize within a specific area of business through elective courses.

Career Outlook

Students will develop marketable skills which will provide professional growth as well as contributing toward the enhancement of value for a business organization or entrepreneurial opportunities.

Learn More

Get more information on the business concentration and career outlook here.

Classroom Type
On Campus
Accelerated?
Yes
Transfer Credits?
No

Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management major provides 21st century skills, knowledge, and understanding of human resource and management functions that prepare students to work in business administration, human resources, and management in the for ‐ profit, nonprofit, or public sector.

“With over ten years of management experience I found myself stuck professionally and knew that a four year degree was essential for continued growth. When I stumbled across the University of Dubuque LIFE Program I still wasn’t sure if I was ready to tackle school, work, and the life of a single parent.  By the time I walked out of the University of Dubuque’s office I had confidence I could handle it all. The staff and instructors have exceeded their promises of providing me support in all aspects of my life. Not only am I about to graduate with honors, but through my schooling, I also realized that I have a higher passion for the Human Resources side of business versus the management side.  I can’t remember a time in my professional life that I’ve been more excited and felt this prepared to embark on this next chapter of my life.” — Matthew Weber, Bachelor’s Degree – Human Resources

Learn More

Get more information on the human resource management concentration and career outlook here.

Classroom Type
On Campus
Accelerated?
Yes
Transfer Credits?
No

Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing

The Marketing major prepares students to pursue career opportunities in advertising, product/brand management, consulting, marketing research, retailing, sales management, business‐to‐business marketing, and supply chain management. Marketing creates exchanges between organizations and customers. It includes planning, designing, pricing, promoting and distributing goods and services that satisfy organizational and customer needs.

Classroom Type

LIFE classes meet face-to-face, in the evening once per week for three hours over 5-weeks to accommodate the adult learner’s busy schedule. Part-time or full-time students will find the format meets their goals. There are nine 5-week sessions offered in one academic year resulting in a student earning 27 credits in one year. The 5-week course format and student-centered teaching by credentialed, working professionals provide a rich learning environment for the adult-learner.

Affordability & Admissions

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The University also participates with employer reimbursement programs, veterans education benefits, and other third party tuition assistance programs.

To be eligible to enroll in the LIFE Program’s accelerated adult bachelor’s degree you must be: 23 years of age with three or more years of full-time employment; a high school graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, or a GED Score of 50 or higher; or a transfer student with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher in all college course work.

Career Outlook

In both the high level economy of the United States and the global market place, marketing has become a critical and comprehensive business function. The concept of marketing is becoming increasingly broad and important.

Locations

The LIFE program offers this degree at its main campus in Dubuque, Iowa, at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, location, and at it’s newest site in Tempe, Arizona.

Learn More

Contact the LIFE Admission office nearest you on how to begin LIFE at UD! The Dubuque office may be reached by phone at 563-589-3939, the Cedar Rapids office may be reached at 319-449-3602, and Tempe AZ site at 480.845.0105. For more information visit www.dbq.edu/LIFE.

Criminal Justice
Classroom Type
On Campus
Accelerated?
Yes
Transfer Credits?
No

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Students gain an understanding of theories, principles, and practice in these disciplines with a focus on leadership, equity, and justice.

Objectives for the Criminal Justice major enable students to:

  • identify the various components of the criminal justice system inclusive of law enforcement, courts, and corrections;
  • demonstrate professional writing and oral communication skills;
  • apply analytical and critical thinking skills to the theoretical perspectives of sociology and/or criminal justice;
  • apply criminological and/or sociological theory to practical experience;
  • evaluate the society in which they will perform their duties and the societal issues that contribute to and influence the work they perform;
  • assess ethical implications of decision making relevant to their discipline as well as to the distribution of justice in society and;
  • model a professional code of conduct consistent with the standards of their discipline.
Affordability & Admissions

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The University also participates with employer reimbursement programs, veterans education benefits, and other third party tuition assistance programs.

To be eligible to enroll in the LIFE Program’s accelerated adult bachelor’s degree you must be: 23 years of age with three or more years of full-time employment; a high school graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, or a GED Score of 50 or higher; or a transfer student with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher in all college course work.

Classroom Type

LIFE classes meet face-to-face, in the evening once per week for three hours over 5-weeks to accommodate the adult learner’s busy schedule. Part-time or full-time students will find the format meets their goals. There are nine 5-week sessions offered in one academic year resulting in a student earning 27 credits in one year. The 5-week course format and student-centered teaching by credentialed, working professionals provide a rich learning environment for the adult-learner.

Career Outlook

The Sociology/Criminal Justice Department prepares students for careers in criminal justice, human services, law, and related fields.

Locations

The LIFE program offers this degree at its main campus in Dubuque, Iowa, at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, location, and at it’s newest site in Tempe, Arizona.

Learn More

Contact the LIFE Admission office nearest you on how to begin LIFE at UD! The Dubuque office may be reached by phone at 563-589-3939, the Cedar Rapids office may be reached at 319-449-3602, and Tempe AZ site at 480.845.0105. For more information visit www.dbq.edu/LIFE.

Healthcare
Classroom Type
On Campus
Accelerated?
Yes
Transfer Credits?
Yes

Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Administration is a degree completion program designed for healthcare professionals wanting to gain upward mobility, make a career change, maximize earning potential, and obtain personal fulfillment. The major is only available to students who have been admitted to the LIFE program. Eligible students must have graduated from an accredited certificate and/or associate’s degree program and possess current state or national licensure or registration in their profession. Upon completion of the Health Care Administration BS degree, students will be able to advance their careers by becoming hospital administrators.

Locations

The LIFE program offers this degree at its main campus in Dubuque, Iowa, at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa, location, and at it’s newest site in Tempe, Arizona.

Learn More

Contact the LIFE Admission office nearest you on how to begin LIFE at UD! The Dubuque office may be reached by phone at 563-589-3939, the Cedar Rapids office may be reached at 319-449-3602, and Tempe AZ site at 480.845.0105. For more information visit www.dbq.edu/LIFE.

Contact University of Dubuque

Contact Admissions

admssns@dbq.edu

(563) 589-3000

Dubuque Campus

2000 University Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52001

(563) 589-3000

Cedar Rapids Campus

296 Blairs Ferry Road NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 449-3602

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