University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
Distance Learning Program
The University's UD Online/Distance Learning system supports more than 3,700 registrations a year in a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses involving twenty-eight academic departments and six degree programs. UD Online offers a way for busy professionals to continue their education on a schedule tailored to their needs.
More than 140 University of Delaware courses are available in videotape, CD-ROM, or Internet formats. Student-faculty interaction is maintained through e-mail, telephone office hours, and chat rooms.
Of the 998 full-time University faculty members, 87 percent hold the doctoral or terminal professional degree in their field. Approximately 10 percent of the faculty members participate in distance learning instruction.
Programs of Study
Students can use distance learning to pursue the following degree programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Baccalaureate for the Registered Nurse major (BRN): Nine of twelve required nursing courses are offered in distance learning format. Students are required to enroll in two 1-credit weekend courses held on the Newark, Delaware, campus. The BRN major requires 120 credits for program completion.
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) with a concentration in health services administration or Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in health services administration: Delivered entirely on the Internet except for a one-day seminar that takes place on the Newark, Delaware, campus. For students at a great distance, special accommodations may be made.
Master of Science in Nursing for the Registered Nurse (RN to M.S.N.) has been developed to build on basic nursing knowledge, enhancing nursing practice in an increasingly complex society. Recognizing the challenges of combining advanced education with professional and personal responsibilities, this program is structured to permit part-time study utilizing fall and spring semesters plus winter and summer sessions. The RN to M.S.N. program requires a total of 134 credits.
Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management (HRIM): The specialized HRIM core courses, as well as most of the required liberal arts and business courses, are available in distance-learning format, except for a required one-week management institute held on the Newark, Delaware, campus.
Master of Engineering, Mechanical (M.E.M.): A 30-credit, nonthesis program made up of five required courses and 15 credits of graduate electives. Popular concentration, available in distance format, is in composite materials.
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E.): A nonthesis master's program requiring 30 credits of graduate courses, including 6 credits (2 "foundation" courses) chosen from signal processing, devices and materials, or optics and electromagnetics (other options to be added); 24 credits in advanced technical courses with a maximum of 6 credits outside of the department.
To pursue a graduate degree, engineering professionals may enroll in courses for professional development or may combine distance learning courses with campus courses. A graduate certificate program in composite materials is designed for engineering and science professionals who already possess a bachelor's degree. In addition, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) review course, providing intensive review of the FE exam topics, as well as a review course for the Professional Engineer (PE) licensing exam in environmental engineering, are available via videotape. The environmental PE review is also available on CD-ROM.
The University's dietetic internship is delivered entirely online with the exception of a one-week professional orientation that takes place on the Newark, Delaware, campus. Students complete internship rotations in their local areas. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education of the American Dietetic Association.
Applying for Distance Education
An admissions committee considers all academic credentials, including high school and any previous college work. Students transferring from other schools are normally required to have at least a 2.5 grade point average to be considered for admission.
A completed application consists of the Distance Learning Application for Admission, application fee, and official college and high school transcripts. Due dates for applications are no later than August 1 for fall admission and no later than December 1 for spring admission. BRN and RN to M.S.N. applicants need to provide a copy of their current nursing license.
In order to be eligible for a University of Delaware degree, students must complete either the first 90 or the last 30 credits of the degree program with the University of Delaware. A credit-by-examination option allows students to demonstrate competence obtained through professional experience. Exam requirements are determined by each University academic department.
Costs
Students registering as official UD Online/Distance Learning site participants pay $324 per credit hour (undergraduate) or $829 per credit hour (graduate). Students may also register as individual/nonsite participants and pay resident (undergraduate, $246 per credit hour; graduate, $327 per credit hour) or nonresident (undergraduate, $643 per credit hour; graduate, $857 per credit hour) tuition plus a handling fee of $90 per videotaped course. Tuition and fees are subject to change. For current information on fees and tuition, students should visit the Web site listed below.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office administers grants and scholarships, which do not have to be repaid; low-interest loans; and student employment. A need-based financial aid package may include one or more of the following: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, and a Federal Direct Loan. The Federal Direct Parents Loan Program is also available. Delaware residents may also be eligible for need-based funding through General Fund Scholarships and Delaware Right to Education Scholarships. Students must be matriculated and carry at least 6 credit hours per semester.
For Additional Information
Director of Academic and Professional Programs
University of Delawar
UD Online/Distance Learning
214 John M. Clayton Hall
Newark, Delaware 19716
800-597-1444
E-mail: ud-online@udel.edu