Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Distance Learning Program
With more than twenty-five years of experience, NAU's distance learning program offers a growing number of online degree and certificate programs. The degree students earn online is the same accredited degree awarded to a campus-based student. Although every degree cannot be offered via distance technology, NAU works to meet the needs of its Web-based learners.
NAU offers distance classes via Web-based and Web-streamed classes. In conjunction with the DISH network, students can participate in satellite broadcast classes. All delivery methods allow the instructors and students to interact via e-mail or online chat rooms. Textbooks and materials are available through the NAU bookstore.
All distance learning instructors are faculty members, 80 percent of whom hold a doctorate or other terminal degree in their field. All faculty members have continued involvement within their fields of expertise.
A member of the Arizona Regents University, NAU works in conjunction with Arizona State University and the University of Arizona to offer students access to courses and degrees not offered by NAU. Students select a home campus by which all services, including registration, are provided for the student. Students may earn credit from all three institutions, which transfer to degree programs at any one of the three universities.
Western Governors University (WGU) is an online university offering Web-based classes from a variety of educational institutions in sixteen states, Guam, and Canada. NAU is a provider of classes for WGU. Students enrolled in these classes are considered nondegree seeking for NAU purposes, though they may be earning a degree from WGU. Students pay 11&Mac218;2 times in-state tuition.
NAU distance students are provided electronic access to academic records, enrollment, online research through Cline Library, and other online student services. Academic advising is available to distance students either online or through NAU's toll-free number. Students who do not have a computer and live in Arizona can complete their classes at one of the twenty-five NAU statewide computer labs.
Programs of Study
Dedicated to providing all NAU students with a high-quality education, a degree received via distance technology is the same accredited degree awarded on the NAU campus, holding students and faculty members to the same standards of excellence. Through distance learning technology, NAU currently offers programs leading to the following: the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (B.A.I.L.S.) degree, with emphases in arts and letters, enterprise in society, parks and recreation management, and public agency service; the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree in computer technology, early childhood, health promotion, and public agency service; the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in health promotion, hotel and restaurant management, and parks and recreation management; the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.) degree-completion program; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree, an RN to B.S.N. program; the Master of Administration (M.Admin.) degree; the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in applied communication; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in mathematics; the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in career and technical education, educational technology, and elementary education; the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree; endorsements in English as a second language, middle school, and reading; and certificates in educational technology, international tourism management, parks and recreation management, professional writing, public management, and restaurant management. Each of these programs of study was developed based on the needs of distance students.
Applying for Distance Education
Undergraduate applicants must provide transcripts from high school and all higher education institutions attended. Graduate applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and provide transcripts of college course work. Students should refer to the NAU catalog for specific program requirements.
NAU has a rolling admissions policy. There is a $45 graduate application fee and a $50 nonresident undergraduate application fee.
To be eligible for financial aid, students must be admitted to a degree or certification program. Classes may be taken for audit or professional development credit; however, space may be limited due to for-credit student demand. Most classes are evaluated with a letter grade, but some classes are offered on a pass-fail only basis. These classes are outlined in the current NAU undergraduate and graduate catalogs.
Costs
Nonresident students taking only Web or satellite courses are eligible for a special reduced tuition rate of 11&Mac218;2 times in-state tuition. Some classes may have additional fees attached (students should see the online course catalog for those fees).
Financial Aid
NAU maintains an extensive financial assistance program. The amount of financial aid awarded to students is based upon their need as computed from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence as well as need. In the 2003-04 academic year, more than $70 million was available for financial aid programs. About 60 percent of NAU students receive some form of aid. Students requiring financial aid or other benefits must comply with deadlines.
For Additional Information
Distance Learning
Northern Arizona University
P.O. Box 4117
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001-4117
800-426-8315
Fax: 928-523-1169
E-mail: distance.program@nau.edu