Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to starting my associate degree?
Submit your application to the admissions office. They will process it and send you a letter telling you to contact the Office of Learning Assistance.

At the Office of Learning Assistance, you will take a placement test. Everyone takes these tests. The results tell you and your adviser where you stand in math, English, and reading. Don’t be discouraged by possible low scores. Many students have to take several refresher classes. These classes do not apply toward your major.

After taking these tests, the Office of Learning Assistance will direct you to call the Department of Business Technology to set up an appointment with an adviser. When you meet with your adviser, you will be guided through the process of setting up a class schedule.

Your adviser will then use their computer to get you registered in your classes. You can change your classes right up until the first week of the semester. You should ALWAYS see your adviser before making any changes.

How long will obtaining my degree take me?
You can take as many or as few classes as suits you and your own personal schedule. Some students take one class others take four or five. Therefore, the length of time required to finish the degree depends on how many classes you take per semester. If you attend full-time (five classes) each semester and one class each summer, your degree will take you two years.

Do you have classes in the evening and/or Saturdays?
Based on the fact that you can take your associate degree classes at either Hamilton or Middletown campuses, you should be able to schedule all your classes in the evening. We also offer classes on Saturday mornings.

Can I take classes at both Hamilton and Middletown?
You can take your classes at either the Hamilton or Middletown Campus.

Can I register for classes in Hamilton and Middletown and vice versa?
You can register for, and attend, classes at either campus. There are no special steps required to do this.

Can I finish the Associate Degree and then pursue a Bachelor's Degree at Miami?
The associate degree requires 66 semester hours. Of that 66 semester hours only 12 BTE hours will be counted towards your bachelor’s degree. Other hours required in your associate degree (English, Communications, Miami Plan Courses) will count towards your bachelor's. This brings the total transferable hours to 20-25 hours.

The Department of Business Technology has agreements with other area colleges, whereby they will accept ALL of the associate degree hours towards a bachelor's degree. You should contact your BTE advisor to discuss the details of what degree you wish to pursue or refer to the articulation agreements on this site.

Can I take some of my Associate Degree classes at Oxford?
Most of the classes for the associate degree are not offered at Oxford. You will be able to get your English, Communications, and Miami Plan classes there.

Can I change my mind about what major I want?
Yes, you can change your major as many times as you wish. The first 40-45 hours are common to all the majors in Business Technology. After these hours, you should try and make a firm decision as the classes you need become more specific to the major.

Can I have more than one major?
Yes, you can but you need to keep in mind that pursuing more than one major will require you to take more than the 66 credit hours required for one major. This is something you should discuss with your adviser.

Who is my adviser?
When you call for an appointment, after you take the placement tests, you will be scheduled with an adviser. This appointment is made with one of our faculty members who is here on the days you are here. Our faculty members teach alternate days at both Hamilton & Middletown. Once you have set up your schedule and begin attending classes, you can remain with your original adviser or see another who may teach one of your classes. You are not assigned one particular adviser. That is your decision. But, be sure you check with an adviser regularly. The ideal is to see your adviser at least yearly.

How will I know what is expected of me once classes start?
The faculty member for each of your classes will give you a syllabus the first day of class. This describes the class and what you will cover during the semester. They will then go over what they expect from you during the semester. This will include absences, tardiness, make-up quizzes/test/exams, office hours, etc.

What if I get into a class and realize, for whatever reason, I cannot handle it?
Never, never, never, just stop attending. At the end of the semester, you will be assigned a grade of “F” and this grade could remain on your academic record forever. If you feel you need to drop the class discuss this with the faculty member and with your adviser. They will guide you through the correct way to drop a class.

The Department of Business Technology is here to help you do the best you can. If you have ANY questions or concerns, please stop by or call.