What is the Difference Between Earning an Online Degree and a Campus-Based Degree? Other than location, there is no difference between earning an online or campus-based degree. Online courses are similar to face-to-face courses in quality, objectives, credits and learning outcomes. Just as with any other class, you’ll be assigned reading tasks, homework, and other work to complete. You will have weekly discussion assignments just like what happens in a traditional classroom lecture with your instructor and your classmates. An online degree carries exactly the same weight as a traditional on-campus degree.
What Kind of Computer/Internet Access Do I Need? View the basic technical requirements. You should also review any additional requirements that your program area may have.
What Does the Online Classroom Look Like? All online classes are held in a state-of-the-art learning management system (LMS). Within the LMS, you can take quizzes, tests, and surveys, download course related materials, submit assignments electronically, view your grades, participate in weekly class discussions, and communicate with both your instructor and classmates.
How Do I Interact with My Classmates and Instructor? Students interact with their instructor on a regular basis using email and weekly discussions. Students post comments on questions in response to their instructor or to their peers. Students can read and post comments any time during the day the discussion boards are open.
Can I Log Into Class Anytime of Day? Online courses are designed with your busy schedule in mind, providing the flexibility you need to study at the times most convenient to you. You can participate in course discussions at any time, day or night, wherever you have an Internet connection. Most people enter the online classroom multiple times each week to participate in discussions. All of your course activities, assignments, and exams, however, must be completed by their respective due dates.
What is the Time Commitment? Time varies depending on what the assignment is each week. The total time to complete an online course is usually equivalent to that of an on-campus course. You have the extra flexibility to ‘attend class’ whenever you want during the week. More time is likely to be spent when you have papers, projects, or exams. Since the online program is not bound by specific class times, students are responsible for budgeting their time. Online courses follow the same credit hour timeframe as on-campus courses. Each online course lasts 7.5 weeks.
How Do I Submit Course Work and Take Exams? Your assignments are submitted electronically through your online classroom environment — just as you would turn them in to your instructor on campus.
What Are The Attendance Requirements for Taking Online Courses? You are required to log in to your online course to complete at least one academically related activity (ARA) each week. ARA is counted when a student participates in an online course discussion, weekly reflections assignments or quizzes and tests. ARA is a federally mandated policy to track each student’s participation in online classes. Watch this video to learn more about the Bryant & Stratton College Online Attendance Policy.
Will I Still Need to Buy a Textbook? Each course has its own course requirements which may include textbooks. Your admissions representative will help walk you through this process for your first semester.
How Will I Be Graded? Each course will have a syllabus which outlines the assignments, requirements and the grading criteria for the class. Grading takes place in a similar manner to traditional, classroom-based education. The only difference is that most assessment activities are web-based. You often complete assignments and take exams online.
Who is Teaching? Our courses are taught by faculty with a graduate degree or higher and distinctions for their research and expertise in the subjects they teach. They follow the same curricula, standards and accreditation as our courses on campus. Our faculty strive to create an academic environment that helps you build connections between everything you learn in class and what you will actually be doing and experiencing on the job. It’s as close to real-world simulation as you can get. You’ll also be challenged to think in new, creative ways and to reflect upon your performance and articulate your progress – deepening your understanding.
How Many People Are in a Class? This varies depending on the course but on average 15 -25 students which is usually not much different from what you would expect from most traditional classroom settings.
Do Classes Have Specific Start and End Dates? Yes, most online courses operate on a term and semester calendar. To learn more, please see the academic calendar.
How Do I Access The Library? Students are provided access to the same resources as traditional on-campus students. This includes full access to Bryant & Stratton College’s library.
Is Financial Aid Available? Students who are admitted into degree programs may be eligible for financial aid. Please visit Financial Aid for more information.
What Student Services are Available? Through Bryant & Stratton College Online, you have access to all the services a student on-campus receives and expects from an academic institution. Please visit the online experience page for services available.
How Do I Get Help? You’re not alone! We’re in this together. As a new student to the college, you will be introduced to our Academic Success Coaching Center. There are many elements, people and activities here to assist you in being academically and professionally successful. You will notice that we frequently use the word “success” in the Coaching Center, as your success is our success. For your first semester you will be assigned an Academic Coach, who will work closely with you from the time of acceptance into the college through your first semester. In your second semester you will be introduced to your Academic Advisor, who will be with you until you graduate. View the help options below:Blackboard Learn Technical Problems – Help DeskSmarThinking – Located inside your course.
How Long Will It Take Me to Finish My Program? This can vary for each student. There are many factors (transfer credits, course load per semester) that influence how long it will take. Depending on the program, some students are able to complete an associate degree program in 20 months or less, and bachelor programs in 40 months or less. Each term is 7.5 weeks, with two terms in each semester. To find out more, see the academic calendar.
What Happens When It Is Time for Graduation? When you earn a degree online, you earn a Bryant & Stratton College degree, and you are invited to attend the same commencement ceremony as those on campus. The official online graduation ceremony is held in Buffalo, NY. But students are able to attend another ceremony that our campuses put on in your area. Students will receive their diplomas in the mail after commencement.
How Can I Stay Connected After I Graduate? Once you’ve become a Bryant & Stratton College graduate, you become part of a worldwide network of alumni. As a graduate, you will always have access to professional development with our Career Services department. No matter how long it’s been since you graduated, our doors are always open to help with resume preparation, interview questions, and job searches. If you have not yet found an answer to your question here, contact our admissions office.
