Frequently Asked Questions about P.A.C.E.

P.A.C.E. YESTERDAY & TODAY: P.A.C.E. began its first group (or cohort) in October 1991. Each year we begin seven cohorts of 15 to 20 students who move together through our 16-month program; four at our West Seneca campus, one in Olean, and one in Jamestown. The seventh annual group starts at any one of various locations in central and western New York (such as Arcade and Dansville). Nearly 800 students have finished their degrees through P.A.C.E., taking one course at a time and completing each course in five weeks.

WHAT DEGREE WILL I EARN? P.A.C.E. graduates earn Bachelor of Science degrees in Management. While benefiting from a practical curriculum that you will find immediately useful, you will also earn a degree that will likely increase your opportunities for career advancement.

WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO WITH MY DEGREE FROM P.A.C.E? One of the reasons we offer a degree in Management is that it has universal applications; to put it another way, where is there NOT management? No matter what your background, the things you learn can immediately be applied in the workplace. While this is happening, you will earn a Bachelor’s degree, which most likely will open additional career opportunities. Also, many of our graduates have gone on to graduate school, earning degrees in business, education, law, counseling, health care administration, and other fields.

WHO GIVES THE DEGREE? Your degree will be given by Houghton College. Houghton has existed since 1883, has a long history of academic excellence, and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? A student must have at least 64 transferable semester hours, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be at least 25 years of age. Students with credits of a technical or vocational nature (such as those earned through secretarial, auto mechanic, culinary, or construction curriculums, for example) should contact P.A.C.E. staff for a transcript review before proceeding through the application and financial aid processes, as there are likely to be courses ineligible for transfer to Houghton College based on their content.

WHEN DO I ATTEND CLASS? Classes meet from 6:00 until 10:00, one evening per week. The evening your cohort meets will depend on when and at what location you begin P.A.C.E., but that night will remain consistent throughout the program. Classes are held year-round, except for holiday breaks. P.A.C.E. does not require study groups.

HOW AM I GRADED? Your grades will be based on the quality of your weekly homework assignments and your participation while in class. Exams are not a part of the curriculum. Our students tell us that they spend an average of 12 to 15 hours per week on their assignments.

WHO ARE THE PROFESSORS? Most of your instructors will come from Houghton’s main campus. Adjunct professors from the business world are used on occasion.

CAN I EARN CREDIT FOR MY LIFE EXPERIENCES? Houghton can award up to 24 credits for experiential learning, depending on the background and qualifications of each student.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR BOOKS AND FEES? Class materials and fees are included in the tuition cost. Textbooks and other materials are circulated through our library, although some of the books will be yours to keep.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE? P.A.C.E. students are considered to be enrolled full time. Therefore, you will be eligible to apply for traditional aid programs (TAP [for New York residents], Pell Grants, and Stafford Loans), based on your financial situation. Occasionally, P.A.C.E. staff will learn of scholarship opportunities and pass along the appropriate information. Your employer may offer tuition benefits, as well.

WILL I NEED A COMPUTER? Yes, or at least access to one. For each course, some of your materials—the class syllabus, homework assignments, and other items—will be downloaded from our website, and other assignments will require use of the Internet. Please contact P.A.C.E. staff for more details.

NOTE: The information in this folder was accurate at the time of publication. It provides institutional policy and practice for P.A.C.E. students. As P.A.C.E. continues to develop, this information may be amended. Houghton College reserves the right to modify curriculum, admission requirements, tuition, and fees as necessary.