FAQs

Questions

1. How does online and distance education work?
2. What graduate degree programs do you offer?
3. Will I be expected to come to campus? What are the on-campus requirements?
4. Do I have to go to campus to take my exams?
5. I am an adult student returning to school. What can I expect?
6. Are your programs and courses accredited?
7. Will UNL distance education courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
8. How do I get started?
9. I have questions about what courses I should take. Do you have an academic adviser?
10. How much do your courses cost?
11. Is financial aid available?
12. Where do I find out what courses are available?
13. Where do I get the required textbooks and materials for my course?
14. Will my computer be able to handle online courses?
15. Is there technical help available?
16. Do I have access to library services?
17. Do I need a student identification card?
18. Are students with disabilities able to take distance education courses?
19. Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Answers  

1. How does online and distance education work?
   
   Distance education classes are delivered using a variety of resources such as: Internet, e-mail, videoconferencing, CD-ROM and Blackboard, an online learning management system. Each UNL course may be delivered using one of these resources or a combination of resources. Most online and distance courses follow the regular university semester calendar. Some graduate courses are taught in a self-paced, independent study format, called Open Enrollment courses.
   
   Most distance courses do not have a regular meeting time. These courses are called asynchronous and primarily use the Internet, e-mail and Blackboard. Even though these courses do not have regularly scheduled meetings, students are still required to meet assignment and exam deadlines as outlined by the instructor.
   
   Some distance classes meet at scheduled times, including those that are delivered via site based or desktop videoconferencing. These courses, called synchronous, may require students to meet at least once a week.
   
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2. What degree programs do you offer?
   
   The University of Nebraska–Lincoln currently offers more than 40 graduate programs via distance education including doctoral, master's and bachelor degrees, graduate and undergraduate certificates, and educational endorsements. Please click here to learn more about our online programs.
   
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3. Will I be expected to come to campus? What are the on-campus requirements?
   
   While we hope you will take the time to visit our campus and visit with our faculty face to face, we understand this may be difficult. In most cases, graduate programs can be completed entirely at a distance. However, there are exceptions where you may be required to come to campus for a course, an orientation or to defend your dissertation.
   
   For example, the master's degree program in Textile History and Quilt Studies one semester to be completed on campus. Students in the doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Higher Education are required to participate in one or more on-campus summer sessions. The master's degree program in Human and Family Services Administration requires an on-campus orientation. Requirements are set by the academic departments (or by your supervisory committee if you are a doctoral student) and can vary, so please contact your departmental advisor for specific information.
   
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4. Do I have to go to campus to take my exams?
   
   Undergraduate X courses often require that exams be taken on-campus. Open-enrollment courses often require proctored exams. For more information regarding how to obtain an approved proctor and for testing center information, please refer to the courses tab on the College Independent Study page. Most graduate courses administer exams online. It is a good idea to take your exams during hours when the Information Services Computer Help Center is staffed in case you encounter any technical issues.
   
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5. I am an adult student returning to school. What can I expect?
   
   You can expect a high quality educational experience that will challenge you to set high goals and will support you along the way. Exploring higher education program options can be a daunting task, especially if you are concerned that you've been away from higher education too long. The staff at the Office of Online & Distance Education is here to help you navigate your return to school and will be your gateway to accessing UNL services and programs. We realize that with a job and/or family commitments, traveling to campus to earn your degree isn't always possible. Whether for professional or personal enrichment, to work on your degree, or just to earn a few credits, we are here to help you.
   
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6. Are your programs and courses accredited?
   
   The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since the association first started accrediting colleges and universities in 1913. In addition, various colleges, schools, departments, and programs within the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are accredited by their respective professional accrediting agencies (for example: architecture, business, education, engineering, journalism, nursing and psychology).
   
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7. Will UNL distance education courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
   
   UNL distance education courses have the same learning objectives and outcomes as their on-campus counterparts. Therefore, if another university accepts a UNL course, they will accept it regardless if it is taught on-campus or online. If you are considering transferring credits earned through UNL to another institution, you should always secure approval from the receiving institution to make sure the credits will be accepted before you register for any of our distance education courses.
   
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8. How do I get started?
   
   The first step in applying for a degree program or enrolling in a semester-based course is to be admitted to the University. Graduate students apply through Graduate Studies. Students can begin College Independent Study (open enrollment) courses at any time; finish many in as fast as five weeks or take up to six months to complete. Admission to the University is required to enroll in graduate-level College Independent Study courses but not for the undergraduate courses.
   
   Many distance students start out by applying as a "Non-Degree Seeking" student. This allows them to register for courses while they are completing the admission process to their specific program. Students that apply as a "Non-Degree Seeking" student and then later apply to a degree program may be assessed an additional application fee. However, academic colleges are not required to accept credits taken before acceptance into the degree program. Before you enroll in classes, please contact an adviser in the college to which you seek admission.
   
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9. I have questions about what courses I should take. Do you have an academic adviser?
   
   Once you are admitted to a degree program, you will be assigned a faculty adviser within your department. Doctoral students should consult with their faculty adviser to create a supervisory committee and a Program of Study. Undergraduate students who have questions regarding which online courses to take can contact the Office of Online & Distance Education's Academic Adviser, Dr. Bob Mathiasen. Students who are admitted to UNL in a degree program, should consult an adviser at their respective UNL college. Visiting students from other institutions should get course approval prior to enrolling in any courses.
   
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10. How much do your courses cost?
    
    Tuition and fee rates vary from program to program and can be found on each of the individual program pages and on the Costs page.
    
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11. Is financial aid available?
    
    For information about financial aid, contact:
    
    Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
    16 Canfield Administration Building
    P.O. Box 880411
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0411
    Phone: (402) 472-2030 or (800) 742-8800, ext. 2030
    Fax: (402) 472-9826.
    
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12. Where do I find out what courses are available?
    
    If you wish to enroll in a semester-based online course, you can view a list of available courses. If you want to view online courses, click on "Additional Search Criteria" and select "Distance Delivery" from the Location field. A list of available Open Enrollment courses can be viewed on the College Independent Study page. A list of Summer Reading Courses can be found here.
    
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13. Where do I get the required textbooks and materials for my course? 
    
    The Office of Online & Distance Education carries all the required and optional textbooks and materials for Open Enrollment courses. These can be purchased alongside the courses in the Webstore. See the How to Enroll tab on the College Independent Study page.
    
    The University of Nebraska–Lincoln also has a University Bookstore where texts for some semester-based courses and Summer Reading Courses can be purchased.
    
    Contact them by phone: (402) 472-7300 or (800) 735-6835; e-mail: nutext@unl.edu; or fax: (402) 472-7970. You are not obligated to purchase your books from this vendor.
    
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14. Will my computer be able to handle online courses?
    
    Online courses require frequent access to a computer, high speed Internet and various computer applications.
    
    It is important that you are familiar with the technical requirements of your program and test your equipment ahead of time. To determine if your browser and computer settings are compatible with Blackboard, please click here. Software and technology assistance is also available through the Information Services Computer Help Center.
    
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15. Is there technical help available?
    
    Information Services provides a variety of services and support to the University community. These services include help with telephone, campus network and Internet services, online course registration, online degree audits, e-mail accounts, computer sales and service, and instructional technology support for students.
    
    For technical assistance, contact the Information Services Computer Help Center, toll-free (866) 472-3970 or local (402) 472-3970; email: helpdesk@unl.edu.
    
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16. Do I have access to library services?
    
    Through the University Libraries, distance students have full remote access to electronic and print resources, liaison librarian instruction, reference assistance and delivery of materials to their home or desktop. Upon registration in a UNL distance course, each student is issued a library user number. Services are extended each semester for continuing distance students. Students also have remote access to electronic reserves, electronic journals and circulation renewal. Note: Students who are only enrolled in an Open Enrollment course and are not also enrolled in a semester-based course are not charged the $3.00/credit hour library fee and thus, do not have access to UNL library services.
    
    For library assistance, contact Professor Kate Adams, Distance Education Coordinator, phone (402) 472-2560.
    
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17. Do I need a student identification card?
    
    All admitted University of Nebraska–Lincoln students are assigned an NU ID# which is used for library services.
    
    If you need a student ID card, and if you are a distance education student living/working in Lincoln, please go to the NCard office in the lower level of the Nebraska Union on the UNL campus. You may schedule an appointment after regular hours with the NCard office by calling (402) 472-7331.
    
    If you are not a Lincoln area distance student, please contact the Office of Online & Distance Education at (402) 472-5515 for your NU ID number and the distance student NCard application.
    
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18. Are students with disabilities able to take distance education courses?
    
    The Services for Students with Disabilities Office works with students to provide reasonable accommodations for those who have documented disabilities.
    
    All accommodations are authorized on an individual basis and must be approved through the Services for Students with Disabilities Office. To request accommodations as a distance student, contact:
    
    Services for Students with Disabilities
    132 Canfield Administration Building
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0401
    Phone: (402) 472-3787, TDD (402) 472-0053.
    
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19. Who do I contact if I have more questions?
    
    Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Online & Distance Education if you have further questions or concerns.
    
    We can be reached at 1-866-700-4747 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) or (402) 472-2175, e-mail: unlextended@unl.edu.
    
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