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Distance Learning Program

The University of Bridgeport's distance learning programs are committed to the larger social mission of providing education throughout the world. Learning is a lifelong process involving the development of a range of skills for a diversity of learners, which the University provides through advancements in technology. The distance learning program was initiated in 1997 with eight courses offered as part of the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program. The scope and number of programs has increased significantly since then.

The online program offers a learning environment that is both convenient and instructive. With a computer, modem, and access to the Internet, a student communicates with instructors and classmates from the convenience of the home or office. The student has access to an array of online tools for use in the program, such as e-mail, newsgroups, class conferences, informal chat rooms, textbooks, and specially produced software.

The faculty-student ratio in distance education is 1:20. All instructors hold doctoral or terminal degrees in their field.

Programs of Study
The distance education program provides students with technical and professional training in the health sciences, beginning with the Master of Science in human nutrition. The goal of the human nutrition program is to provide a biochemical and physiological understanding of human nutrition and its role in health and disease. The curriculum, highly relevant to health care, is designed to provide up-to-date graduate-level information, which enables students to acquire an understanding of nutritional issues as applied to their areas of specialization.

University of Bridgeport online courses and programs are fully equivalent to on-campus programs. They follow the same curriculum, have the same entrance and graduation requirements, and charge the same tuition and fees. All students receive a University login name and password, allowing access to library services, extensive databases, registration, and academic advising.

Student Services Distance learning students have access to the student resources of a traditional campus, the library, counselors, registration, and financial aid, through the University of Bridgeport's Virtual Campus. Library resources, including books, journals, and other publications within the University library system, are accessible to the students. The University's full-time reference librarians assist students in using resources such as Internet searchable databases and services, including special nutrition and medical databases (such as PubMed, alt-HealthWatch, and MANTIS). The reference librarians, academic advisers, and career placement counselors are available to the student through e-mail, fax, or telephone. The library also provides a free interlibrary loan service for all students and faculty members.

Students can transfer undergraduate credits earned at other postsecondary institutions to the University of Bridgeport and can receive undergraduate credit by taking the College-Level Examination Program or other standardized tests. A maximum of 90 credits may be transferred toward a bachelor's degree, and a maximum of 6 semester hours may be transferred into any of the graduate degree programs.

Applying for Distance Education
Admission to the graduate programs requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Distance education students may obtain an application form and other program descriptions from the Office of Distance Education. Applicants must submit a completed application for admission, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts of all previous college work.

Costs
There are 31 credit hours in the complete program. General expenses include registration fees and required textbooks, and some courses require specific software packages.

Financial Aid

Students accepted for enrollment may be eligible for Federal Stafford Student Loans. For further information, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid (telephone: 203-576-4568).

For Additional Information Contact

Office of Distance Education
University of Bridgeport
303 University Avenue
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06601
Telephone: 203-576-4851
800-470-7307 (toll-free)
Fax: 203-576-4852.

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