Graduate Distance Education | Frequently Asked Questions
- How does your program work?
- What degree programs do you offer?
- Will I be expected to come to campus? What are the on-campus requirements?
- I am an adult student returning to school. What can I expect?
- Are your programs and courses accredited?
- How do I get started?
- I have questions about what courses I should take.
Do you have an academic adviser?
- How much do your courses cost?
- Is financial aid available?
- Where do I find out what courses are available?
- Where do I get the materials for my course?
- How are distance courses delivered?
What kind of computer/online capabilities will I need?
- Is there technical help available?
- Do I have access to library services?
- Do I need a student identification card?
- Will UNL distance education courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
- Are students with disabilities able to take distance education courses?
- Whom do I contact if I have more questions?
QUESTION: How does your program work?
Answer: Distance education classes are delivered in a variety of formats: Internet, e-mail, videotape, Lotus Notes, Blackboard, interactive TV, videoconferencing, CD-ROM, workshops, and independent study. Each UNL course may be delivered using one of these formats, such as the Internet, or may use a combination of formats, such as the Internet, Lotus Notes and e-mail.
Some distance classes meet at regular times, including those that are delivered via interactive TV or through desktop videoconferencing. These courses, called synchronous, require that students are able to meet at least once a week.
Other distances classes do not have a regular meeting time. These courses are called asynchronous and include such formats as online, e-mail, Blackboard and Lotus Notes. Even though these courses do not have regular meeting schedules, students are still required to meet deadlines as outlined by the instructor.
Students register through the university's Office of Registration and the courses follow the regular university semester/session calendar.
QUESTION: What degree programs do you offer?
Answer: The university offers masters, doctoral, certificate and endorsement programs in a variety of areas. Click here for a complete list by topic. Click here for a complete list by degree.
Will I be expected to come to campus? What are the on-campus requirements?
Answer: 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 there are general requirements for taking courses on campus or spending time in your department on campus.
The MS in textiles, clothing and design requires one semester on campus. The deaf education and severe disabilities endorsement/M.Ed. programs involve periodic visits on-campus each semester. The masters degrees in Teaching Learning and Teacher Education my require some on-campus attendance. Students in the Ph.D./Ed.D. program in Educational Studies with a specialization in educational leadership and higher education are required to participate in one or more on-campus summer sessions. Graduate requirements are set at the departmental level (or by your supervisory committee if you are a doctoral student) and can vary, so please contact your departmental advisor for specific information.
QUESTION: I am an adult student returning to school. What can I expect?
Answer: You can expect a high quality educational experience that will challenge you to set high goals and will support you along the way. Exploring graduate 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 Extended Education & Outreach is here to help you navigate your return to school and will be your gateway to accessing UNL services and programs. We realize that as a working adult or adult with family, traveling to campus to earn your degree isn't always possible. Whether for professional or personal enrichment, to work on your masters or doctoral, or just to earn a few graduate credits, EE&O is here to help you advance.
QUESTION: Are your programs and courses accredited?
Answer: 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. The university has been a member of the Association of American Universities since 1909.
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, psychology).
QUESTION: How do I get started?
Answer: Because the first step in applying for a program or registering for a graduate course is admission to Graduate Studies, you may also want to view their Web site for general admission procedures and an online application.
Many distance students apply to their degree program as a "Non-Degree Graduate Student." This allows them to register for graduate courses while they are completing the admission process to their specific program (this requires a $45 graduate application fee). Students that apply as a "Non-Degree Graduate Student" and then later apply to a degree program may be assessed an additional $45 application fee. However, academic colleges are not required to accept credits taken before acceptance into the degree program. Please contact an advisor in the college you seek admission to, before you register for classes.
QUESTION: I have questions about what courses I should take. Do you have an academic adviser?
Answer: 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.
QUESTION: How much do your courses cost?
Answer: Tuition and fee rates can be found online here.
QUESTION: Is financial aid available?
Answer: To be eligible for fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and loans a student must be admitted to a department or area with a specific graduate degree objective and must be enrolled in academic course work. A student holding a fellowship or assistantship must be a full-time, on-campus student during the period of appointment. Loans and need-based aid is available to distance students.
For information about financial aid, contact the 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.
QUESTION: Where do I find out what courses are available?
Answer: You can view a list of available courses by visiting here.
QUESTION: Where do I get the materials for my course?
Answer: Information about required textbooks for university courses can be obtained from the University Bookstore. Contact them by phone: (402) 472-7300 or (800) 735-6835; e-mail: nutext@unl.edu; fax: (402) 472-7970. You are not obligated to purchase your books from this vendor.
QUESTION: How are distance courses delivered? What kind of computer/online capabilities will I need?
Answer: The delivery mode for the class will dictate the kind of technological equipment students will need. Find out more about distance education delivery modes.
QUESTION: Is there technical help available?
Answer: 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 Desk, toll-free (866) 472-3970 or local (402) 472-3970; email: helpdesk@unl.edu. The Help Desk hours are 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. (Central Time), seven days a week.
QUESTION: Do I have access to library services?
Answer: 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. Distance students have access to the university libraries' Innovative Research Information System (IRIS). Students also have remote access to electronic reserves, electronic journals and circulation renewal.
For library assistance, contact Professor Kate Adams, Distance Education Coordinator, phone (402) 472-2560; email: kadams1@unl.edu.
QUESTION: Do I need a student identification card?
Answer: All University of Nebraska-Lincoln students are assigned an NU ID# which is used for library services. This number will eventually replace your social security number for registration. 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 Extended Education & Outreach at (402) 472-5515 for your NU ID number and an application for an NCard.
QUESTION: Will UNL distance education courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
Answer: Generally speaking, our course credits will transfer to most other colleges and universities. If you are considering transferring credits earned through our program 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 courses.
QUESTION: Are students with disabilities able to take distance education courses?
Answer: The Services for Students with Disabilities office works with students to provide reasonable accommodations for students who have documented disabilities and who are admitted, degree-seeking students.
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.
QUESTION: Whom do I contact if I have more questions?
Answer: Please do not hesitate to contact Extended Education & Outreach 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.
