GOALS Frequently Asked Questions

The GOAL Program is designed for students who do not meet CMU’s four-year acceptance index. The GOALS Program provides a supported path to a 4-year bachelor's degree for students who still need to meet the academic requirements for direct admission to CMU’s baccalaureate program.

In addition to regular access to individualized academic advising and in-depth guidance in exploring majors and career fields, the team of GOALS instructors and peers support you as you work toward transitioning into a bachelor's degree.

Successful students will complete 24 credits of 100-level or above courses with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or above and be college ready for both English and math. This is a requirement for entry in a four-year baccalaureate program. Students who do not meet these requirements may continue by earning a certificate, or two-year associate's degree.

GOALS students are like every other CMU student. GOALS students take classes on the CMU campus, are eligible for financial aid, live in the residence halls, can be involved in student life, along with the opportunity to participate in club and intramural sports, just to name a few! The only exception to GOALS is students are not eligible to participate in NCAA sports until they have transitioned into a baccalaureate program. You are a Maverick like any other student!

No, it should not take you any longer than any other student to finish your degree. As a GOALS student you will learn college success strategies and skills that are designed to help decrease your risk of failing classes.

An important part of the GOALS program is meeting with an academic advisor on a regular basis. Your advisor will guide you through your options regarding classes, degree and certificate programs, and career possibilities.

Absolutely. Other than the required UNIV 100 course, GOALS students’ schedules are similar to other CMU student schedules. Academic readiness shapes which math and English classes you register for, and students frequently begin by taking a variety of Essential Learning (general education) courses in their first semester, often adding courses in their selected major during the second semester.

Based on your high school GPA, ACT or SAT scores, you will be placed into the appropriate math and English classes. Some students may need to take the ALEKS math placement test, which will help your GOALS advisor place you in the most appropriate math course. You can also check your My Tasks in MAVzone to determine any testing requirements.

When a student successfully completes the GOALS program, they are automatically transferred into the four-year CMU baccalaureate degree of their choice and assigned a faculty advisor that works directly with students within that major.

Once you meet the expectations and requirements of the GOALS program, you will be internally transferred into your desired bachelor's degree program. All GOALS students must meet the internal transfer requirements to transfer into a four-year degree outlined by the CMU Registrar’s Office.