Frequently Asked Questions

William Paterson University offers a wide variety of fully-online bachelor's and master's programs designed to help you achieve your personal and career goals. Find the right online program for you. In addition to our online programs, William Paterson University offers a variety of educational pathways to meet the needs of the lifelong learner. View all our academic programs.

Applicants can check their application status by going to My Application Status.

Transfer credit is given for all earned credits except in such cases where the earned grade does not meet program requirements. There is no limit to the number of credits that may be transferred. However, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at WP as defined in the Undergraduate Degree Requirement Policy and must satisfy course and grade requirements established for their WP program of study. Read more about our Undergraduate Transfer Credit Process and Procedures here.

After you're admitted, the University will review your transcripts to determine course equivalencies — meaning which of your previous courses match our courses — based on the degree and major you chose on your application. Your degree evaluation contains a summary of credits applied towards your degree and remaining requirements necessary to complete your degree.

If you need to defer your acceptance/start date to a later term, complete the Application Move Request Form.

Applicants are provided their log-in credentials for WPConnect within their acceptance letter. It is recommended that you view this Tutorial Video on how to navigate WPConnect.

To help students start strong, WP Online does not allow late admissions or late course registration. Be sure to complete all steps by the posted deadlines to stay on track.

You can find details about billing, payments, financial aid, and student records on your WPConnect Portal. It’s a convenient one-stop shop for accessing a wide range of information and completing important processes.

To get started, contact your academic advisor (listed in your admissions acceptance letter) to schedule a virtual advising appointment. During this meeting, you'll review your degree evaluation and create an academic plan tailored to your goals. If you have any questions about advising or registration, you can always email the WP Online advising team at [email protected]  or visit our Meet Us page to connect.

To drop a course, please follow this tutorial: How to Drop or Withdraw from a Course. If unable to drop the course on WP Connect, send an email to [email protected] and copy your academic advisor. The system will not allow you to drop all your courses from a term. Speak to your advisor before withdrawing from all your courses in a term. Please review academic calendar for refund information listed on WP Online Calendar.

To learn how to register for a waitlisted course, please watch this short video.

To access course registration, you'll need to enter your alternate PIN. In most cases, this is your six-digit date of birth in the format MMDDYY.

Student Enrollment Services is available to help answer your questions. Here’s how to reach them:

• Phone: 973-720-3945
• Text: 973-358-8994
• Email: [email protected] - be sure to check your William Paterson email for replies.
• Virtual Appointments: Call or email to schedule a meeting using your WPUNJ email account.

The Student Enrollment Servies office is staffed Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with representatives available by phone until 6:00 p.m. Visit the Student Enrollment Services page to learn more.

Visit the WP Online Calendar page for important dates and deadlines.

You can view your unofficial transcript by accessing this link.

You can request an official transcript directly from the National Student Clearinghouse. For additional about this process, visit our Student Enrollment Services records page.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Make sure to add the William Paterson University school code: 002625. Monitor your student email for further instructions from the Financial Aid Office or view your Financial Aid Awards/Status on the WPConnect portal. Detailed instructions for applying for financial aid can be found here: How To Fill Out the FAFSA® Form

All University communications regarding your financial aid awards will be posted in the student portal, WPConnect, and sent to your university email account.

Check out this short tutorial: How to Accept Your Loans Note: Any grants you’re eligible for are automatically accepted on your behalf—no action needed for those.

Financial aid is available from the Federal Student Aid Office as well as New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) for eligible NJ residents. Please refer to the following pages for application deadlines:

• Federal Student Aid Deadlines
• NJ State Aid Deadlines

Undergraduate students taking 12 or more credits per semester (e.g., Fall Session 1 credits plus Fall Session 2 credits) are considered full-time for financial aid.

If your financial aid isn’t fully processed or requirements have not been met by the payment deadline, students must pay in full or they will be dropped from their courses. Make sure to check WPConnect and your student email regularly for updates and any actions you need to take!

Visit our Blackboard Support page and Blackboard FAQs for helpful tips on how to navigate through Blackboard. One-on-one Blackboard tutorials are also available. Contact your academic advisor or [email protected] to request your walkthrough.

You can buy your textbooks through the WPUNJ University Bookstore by selecting your term, course department, course code, and section number to see the required materials. Some courses are part of the Digital Resource Access Program, which gives you access to discounted digital textbooks automatically — no need to shop around. If your course is included, you’ll be notified on WPConnect and charged by the University. Materials will be ready on the first day of class, and you’ll have the option to opt out if you prefer.

Blackboard is WP Online’s learning platform where you’ll access your coursework, submit assignments, take exams, track progress, and communicate with instructors. You can log into Blackboard directly or through WPConnect. Most courses will open a few days before the session starts.

Transfer students who completed, or are in their final semester of completing, the requirements for an A.A., A.S. or A.F.A degree from an accredited college or university with a general education program similar to that specified in the NJ State transfer agreement will be considered to have completed all lower division university core curriculum requirements. These students will have junior status upon entering William Paterson University (with exception of courses that may be required for the major). A.A.S. degrees that include 30 credits or more of courses identified as general education will be treated the same as A.S. degrees. Note: For those students who enter without an earned Associate Degree are required to complete various University Core Curriculum (UCC/General Education) requirements. Read more about these general education requirements.

At William Paterson University, we know that learning does not just happen in a classroom. If you have gained knowledge through work, military service, certifications, or other real-world experiences, you may be able to turn that into college credit through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) — saving you time and money on your path to a degree. Our Degree Completion and Adult Learning team is here to support you every step of the way! Ways to Earn Credit for Prior Learning:

• Portfolio Assessment Demonstrate what you’ve learned through work or life experience by submitting a portfolio. If your knowledge aligns with the learning outcomes of a specific course, you may earn credit— even without formal classroom instruction. (Note: Professional work samples are required.)
• Credit by Exam Earn credit by passing standardized exams such as CLEP, AP, IB, TECEP, or departmental challenge exams. Transfer credits may also apply.
• Military Experience Receive credit for military training and service. Submit your official military transcripts (e.g., JST, CCAF) and a copy of your DD214 to the Registrar or the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs.
• Course Challenge Exams Some departments offer exams that allow you to “test out” of a course by demonstrating mastery of the material.
• Credit by Credential If you have completed professional training or earned certifications (like CompTIA, SHRM, PMP, CCMA, etc.), you may be eligible for credit. Just provide documentation of your training and learning outcomes of the course.
• Professional Experience Turn your real-world experience into college credit. Our CPL program values your professional achievements and helps accelerate your degree progress. Supporting documentation and work samples are required.

Check out already approved equivalencies in our Prior Learning and Experience Chart.

Course shells from the most recent session usually remain open for a short period after the new session begins, to support students who need to complete incomplete coursework. If you’ve hidden your courses or can’t find your previous ones, contact the instructor who taught the class and ask them to reactivate the course for you.

As a new student, you’ll be invited to attend a virtual orientation. This isn’t just another Zoom meeting—it’s your first step toward success! Orientation is a great opportunity to:

• Learn important details about your program and what to expect
• Meet the friendly staff who are here to support you every step of the way
• Connect with peers who are starting this journey alongside you
• Ask questions and get real-time answers

We strongly encourage you to attend. Whether you're returning to school after some time away or starting fresh, orientation will help you feel more confident and connected before classes begin. To support you throughout your academic experience, an Orientation Resource Webpage will also be available and accessible at any time during your undergraduate journey.

Explore the benefits of online learning at William Paterson University WPOnline Experience

As a WP Online undergraduate student, you’ll have a dedicated care team comprised of an academic advisor, financial aid specialist, and career counselor to support you throughout your time at the University. Meet your WP Online Student Support Team and Career Center Team.

The WP Online Student Support team is dedicated to helping adult learners thrive in online undergraduate programs. We offer personalized support in academic advising, financial aid, and academic success — all designed to help you stay on track and reach your degree goals. From the moment you're accepted, our academic advisors are with you every step of the way. We understand the unique challenges adult learners face — balancing work, family, and other commitments — and we tailor our services to fit your life. Our diverse and student-centered team works collaboratively to create a supportive, flexible learning environment that puts your success first. To learn more, visit the WPOSS website.

As a WP Online student, you have access to a full range of support services, including 24/7 online tutoring, tech support, library resources, wellness services, and much more — all tailored to help you succeed online. Explore them all on our WPOSS Resources page.

To apply for graduation, students must complete the UG Graduation Application. Students completing their degree during Summer, MUST apply for the Summer graduation period. Review additional graduation information and deadlines by visiting our Graduation page. Note: Students completing their degree requirement during the summer who wish to walk/participate in May Commencement Ceremony must apply for August graduation and submit a Request to Walk in May Commencement.

To graduate as an undergraduate student, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Earn at least 120 credits
• Complete major requirements (your chosen program of study)
• Fulfill the University Core Curriculum and World Language requirements (if they apply to you)
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in both your major and your overall cumulative GPA

If you have any questions about your progress, your academic advisor is a great resource!  

Undergraduate students must have a grade point average of 2.00 overall GPA, a major declared, and at least 90 credits earned or in progress (including transfer credit) to apply for graduation.

Yes, all William Paterson University students—main campus and online —are welcome to attend the University in-person commencement ceremony. Learn more about the commencement ceremony by visiting WPUNJ Commencement

Information Technology at William Paterson University strives to provide state-of-the-art technology solutions that meet the needs of our university community, and we are committed to providing the best user support possible. User Services consists of the Help Desk, Field Services, Enterprise Desktop Support, and Technology Consultants. In coordination, they triage technology-related requests, resolve technical problems, develop technology infrastructure, and more. If you encounter information technology or user services issues, our team can assist. Simply reach out to our IT Help Desk online or call 973-720-4357.

Yes. All official communications after acceptance will occur via your university email. This means communication with Advising, Financial Aid, and all other university support services. Please remember your login credentials. You may set up your William Paterson University Outlook email to forward messages to your personal account.

Technology plays an essential role in higher education, and William Paterson University is committed to making sure technology is a core part of your academic experience. To support this, it is recommend students have a laptop that meets minimum technical requirements to run university software. If you’re buying a new laptop, please follow the recommended specifications by visiting: Laptop Recommendations. All Blackboard questions and problems should be directed to the IT Help Desk. You should expect an answer within 24 hours, but most responses will come sooner. Please include as much detail as possible, such as the department and number of your course and the exact nature of your need. Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer are all certified by Blackboard for this version of Bb Learn, but experience has demonstrated Chrome creates the fewest problems for users. Mac users should avoid the Safari browser and use Chrome or Firefox instead. Blackboard Collaborate will only work with Google Chrome. Blackboard works best when users have installed the latest version of Java.

Visit wpunj.edu/365 utilizing the instructions provided in your acceptance letter.