The University of Hartford is one of the largest private colleges in Connecticut and has its main campus in West Hartford. Also known as UHart, it is the result of a joint effort between three campuses. Hartford Art opened in 1877 and spent decades training students in the fundamentals of art. Hillyer College opened two years later and offered early courses in automotive training. When those two campuses merged with the Hartt School in the 1950s, the result was the University of Hartford. This allowed all three campuses to use the same set of resources, which led to the total enrollment growing to more than 7,000 students.
UHart accepts around 41% of all applications every year, which makes it more selective than public colleges in the North East. Many of its students enroll in its College of Arts and Sciences. The university has a low class size and a low ratio of just 14 students for every one instructor. It now offers seven certificate and diploma programs, more than 80 undergrad programs, nearly 30 programs at the graduate level and 10 programs for those who want to earn an associate's degree. UHart also has six graduate programs open to online students.
University of Hartford Accreditation Details
As a college student looking at graduate schools, you need to ensure that the school you choose has regional accreditation. This will make it easier for you to get financial aid from the federal government and transfer credits between programs. The University of Hartford does have regional accreditation, which comes from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). NEASC accreditation only lasts for a period of 10 years, and the university must apply for a renewal before that date passes. Specialty accreditation, which covers from some of its degree programs, comes from groups that include:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology, Inc. (ABET)
- Joint Review Committee on Radiologic Technology
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- American Physical Therapy Association
University of Hartford Application Requirements
While the University of Hartford does offer a number of online graduate programs, it requires that all prospective students use the online application. You may want to attend one of the open house events that the university hosts every year to find out more about the program that interests you and admission requirements. You can also contact the admissions department for more information.
The UHart application requires a log in ID. You'll need to visit the website, click a link to create a new account and create a new ID, which serves as your user name. The site also asks that you create a code of six digits that you'll use with your ID to log into the site. You can then go back and start the application process. The university asks about the colleges that you previously attended, the classes that you have taken, when you finished your degree and if you have any professional experiences, including jobs in your field or college internships.
Once you finish the online application, you must also provide UHart with documents that prove you have your degree such as a transcript from your last college. This transcript should also include your grade point average and the name of the school. You may also need to submit scores from the GRE, GMAT or a similar test. Depending on the program you want to enroll in, the department may also ask for a short essay, a copy of your resume or several letters of recommendation.
Tuition and Financial Aid
In addition to a $50 application fee, you're also responsible for putting down a deposit to secure your spot in the new class. Many programs charge a tuition rate based on credit hours that can range from $535 to more than $900 per credit hour. Others charge a flat rate for the entire school year. Its MFA programs usually cost around $23,300 per year. You must also pay for your own books and supplies too.
As an online student, you cannot work on the UHart campus or apply for graduate assistant positions because you take classes from home. While that does limit your financial aid options, you can still apply for grants and loans. Fill out and file the FAFSA at the end of the winter or the beginning of spring before you start classes. Depending on your income or the income of your parents, you may qualify for a number of grants. The university also lets you use government loans, but you'll need to go through exit counseling before you graduate. If government loans do not cover all your costs, you can use private or alternative loans, though you may need a cosigner for those loans.
Online Degrees Available
One of the more popular graduate programs available online through UHart is its Master of Business Administration program. Online students can choose from seven concentrations, including finance, business analytics, management, marketing, international business, supply chain management or project management. The program consists of six general business courses like business environment, performance analysis, business law and society and leadership and management. Though you will also take four electives, you can use your concentration courses to fulfill those electives. UHart also asks all online MBA students to take a capstone course on strategic management.
Related Resource: Top 25 Most Affordable Top Ranked Schools for an Online Master's in Accounting Degree
If you want to work with students with special needs, you might like the Master of Education in Special Education program now available. Designed for those who already have an undergrad degree in teaching, it helps you fulfill the requirements for working as a special education teacher in your state. You must take a minimum of 30 credit hours of classes. The program includes 10 required courses, but the university lets you take additional courses based on your career goals. Those courses include classroom environment and management, the assessment process, technology for learning and current issues in special education. Students who have a degree in another subject will need to take a class on theoretical foundations of children and adults with special needs before beginning this program. The University of Hartford also offers online graduate degrees in Montessori education, accounting and taxation, general management and organizational psychology.