| For specific
questions related to the overall Masters for Public and Nonprofit
Administration (MPNA) Program, without regard to whether the program
is delivered in the classroom or online, please go to:
http://www.metrostate.edu/com/dept/mpna/faq.html
1. What is an online course like?
2. Do online courses cost more than regular
classroom courses?
3. How is an online course different than
an independent study?
4. Can I switch to a classroom-based program
or combination of online and classroom courses if I decide
that this is my preference after starting the MPNA/Online
Program?
5. What hardware and software will I need?
6. How does the rigor of an online course
differ from a classroom course?
7. Is online learning easier than classroom
learning?
8. Will I have an opportunity to meet the
faculty and other students face-to-face while in the MPNA/Online
Program?
9. Is online learning for me?
10. I’d like to know more. Can you
send me some information?
11. What is asynchronous learning?
| 1. |
What is an online course like?
|
| A typical online course involves students in a variety of
activities while learning course content. By using Web teaching
tools, students meet course requirements by participating in
a variety of activities, including reading assignments, conducting
online research, taking tests, participating in class discussions
with other students, preparing papers and other course assignments,
all while working online. Online courses run from the first
week of the regular semester through the last, usually a total
of 16 weeks. Unlike independent study courses, online courses
maintain a week-to-week schedule; in other words, they are not
self-paced. However, they do provide great flexibility in how
students use their time each week, and in not requiring travel
to classes, other than on the information highway from home,
office, coffee shop, or wherever you choose!
|
| 2. |
Do online courses cost more than regular classroom
courses? |
| Effective Fall semester 2004, the per credit cost
for graduate online courses is $284.39, verses $217.39
for a classroom credit. A four credit graduate online
course will cost $1137.56. This rate applies to Minnesota
residents and nonresidents alike.
The online tuition rates reflect the relatively higher cost
of faculty to teach online and develop online course sites.
Increased tuition revenue from the online courses will directly
support development and maintenance of the MPNA online program
at Metropolitan State.
|
| 3. |
How is an online course different than an
independent study? |
MPNA/Online courses start on the first day and end
on the last day of the semester. In between, you will
have regularly scheduled activities, assignments, and
exams. In an MPNA/Online course, you can expect lots
of interaction with your instructor and other students
as you engage with the course content.
An independent study, by contrast, may or may not have fixed
start and end dates. You will probably set your own deadlines
within a broad time frame for getting your work done. While
you can expect to interact with your instructor as you learn
your course content, you can expect little or no interaction
with other students in the independent study. |
| 4. |
Can I switch to a classroom-based program
or combination of online and classroom courses if I
decide that this is my preference after starting the
MPNA/Online Program? |
| Yes, you can without credit penalty. But you will lose your
reserved space in online courses if you decide that a regular
classroom experience or a combination of regular classroom and
online courses is preferred. |
| 5. |
What hardware and software will I need? |
The following is an overview of minimum hardware
and software requirements:
- IBM compatible computers should have a 486 or
higher processor, running on Windows 95, 98 or NT;
Macintosh computers should have 68040 or faster
processor, running Macintosh OS 7.1 or higher.
- Your computer should be capable of displaying
at least 256 colors.
- To install and run your browser, you should have
20MB of hard disk space, and at least 16 MB of free
RAM.
- Modem should be 28.8 or faster (56 K, DSL, and
Cable works best).
For a complete list of technology requirements for distance
education on the Internet visit Technology
Support pages. |
| 6. |
How does the rigor of an online course differ
from a classroom course? |
| Online courses have the same rigor, content, and
outcomes as the classroom courses, but are designed
with the distance learner in mind. The faculty members
who teach the online courses are the same instructors
teaching in the classrooms. Training provides the necessary
online course skills and ensures that instructors know
how online learning compares to classroom learning. |
| 7. |
Is online learning easier than classroom learning? |
No, in fact, some students find that online learning is more difficult due to a greater need for independent learning. Students who have trouble managing their time effectively may have a hard time succeeding in online courses. Click here to link to advice and self-assessment for online learner readiness.
|
| 8. |
Will I have an opportunity to meet the faculty
and other students face-to-face while in the MPNA/Online
Program? |
| Yes. For those within
driving distance of Metropolitan State, attendance will
be encouraged; for others it will be strictly optional.
The residencies will involve no additional costs except
travel and lodging, and will be designed to best serve
student needs and to provide opportunities for student/student
and student/faculty interaction. |
| 9. |
Is online learning for me? |
| Online learning will work well for you if it matches your
skills and learning. To check your readiness for online learning,
take an Online
Learning Assessment. You can get more information on this
subject at MnOnline. |
| 10. |
I’d like to know more. Can you send
me some information? |
| As a completely online program, MPNA/Online maintains all
of its information online as well. Besides being faster to update,
Web pages cost a lot less than glossy brochures and other print
materials. Within the MPNA/Online Web site, we provide information
about almost anything you would want to know. If you are having
trouble finding the information you want, we even provide a
convenient online approach to asking questions. Complete the
Inquiry form, pose your question, and an MPNA Online staff will
respond to your questions, generally within two business days.
You can also contact us at
COM.GraduatePrograms@metrostate.edu or at our toll-free number 1-888-225-3770. |
| 11. |
What is asynchronous learning? |
| Asynchronous in the online course means "different times,
different places." Entering your course Web site at your
convenience and from your location, you access course content
and participate in discussions that reinforce your mastery of
course concepts. This is perfect for individuals with very busy
work and personal lives. |
|
