General FAQ
Can I take classes completely online?
What is meant by “blended” courses?
What does it mean to take a course online?
How do I access my online course?
How often will I need to come to campus?
How much time will I spend each week on a course?
Do I need an extensive technology background?
Will I have access to an instructor?
Can I do online work when I want to, or do I have to “meet” online at certain times?
What happens if I can’t attend one of the classroom sessions?
How big are the classes?
Do I have to take a course every term or can I skip terms when I need to?
Bachelor’s FAQ
How long will it take me to complete my bachelor’s degree?
How many credits can I transfer into the bachelor’s degree program?
When can I begin my coursework?
Master’s FAQ
When can I begin the master’s program?
How long will it take me to complete my master’s degree?
Do I need to take GMATs or any other standardized tests?
I already started a master’s program some years ago. Can I transfer any credits?
Is there a thesis requirement?
General FAQ
Can I take classes completely online?
Yes, you can take courses completely online or you can combine online and “blended” courses.
What is meant by “blended” courses?
Quinnipiac instructors use a hybrid method to design lecture or lab content into case studies, tutorials, self-testing simulations and group collaboration. Blended courses combine online learning with classroom interaction. A significant portion of the student’s learning activities are completed online, and active independent learning is facilitated. Instructors also provide personalized attention within classroom sessions.
What does it mean to take a course online?
Online courses are delivered via Blackboard, the University’s Web-based course management system. Students submit course work and participate in discussions with faculty and other students via the Internet. Many online courses contain media-rich presentations that reinforce important concepts, and all courses require student participation in a discussion area. Students in these courses communicate with faculty and fellow students using e-mail and submit assignments to faculty through the Web. Participation in discussions are asynchronous, allowing students to participate at a time that is convenient for them.
How do I access my online course?
All you need is access to a computer and any Internet browser. Go to http://blackboard.quinnipiac.edu (a user name and password will be required).
How often will I need to come to campus?
Students who select online courses are not required to come to campus. Those who select “blended” courses are expected to come to campus three times during each seven-week term. Classes are scheduled for Saturday mornings and afternoons and meet for three hours. Lab electives run for one or one-and-a-half hours.
How much time will I spend each week on a course?
On average, students spend a total of 15 hours per week on each 3-credit graduate course and 10 hours per week on each 3-credit undergraduate course. This includes class meetings, readings, computer activities and online work. Weeks run from Sunday through Saturday.
Do I need an extensive technology background?
No. It is not difficult to navigate within the learning environment for an online course. If you are comfortable using Internet resources and e-mail, you will be able to learn in a Web-based environment. An orientation session provides all the training needed. You must have a DSL or cable modem to access the online courses.
Will I have access to an instructor?
Yes. The instructor moderating the course will keep in touch with students via e-mail or through Blackboard, the University’s Web-based course management system. The discussions and chat sessions create a virtual classroom where a class community is developed. Students taking blended courses have in-person contact with their instructor and peers during the on-campus sessions.
Can I do online work when I want to, or do I have to “meet” online at certain times?
In general, you can do the online work whenever it is most convenient during the week, although faculty may occasionally require that an assignment be submitted midweek to allow feedback or class interaction.
What happens if I can’t attend one of the classroom sessions?
Missed classes are generally discussed between the student and the instructor. In most cases, the instructor can make accommodations if you miss a single session. However you should skip the term if you expect to miss more than one of the on-site sessions.
How big are the classes?
Class sections generally run between 15 and 20 students, with a cap at 25. Electives tend to be smaller.
Do I have to take a course every term or can I skip terms when I need to?
You can skip a term at any time and start taking classes again when you are ready. Doing so, however, may have consequences if you are receiving student loans. Be sure to ask a CPS adviser if you have questions.
Bachelor’s FAQ
How long will it take me to complete my bachelor’s degree?
The length of time you’ll need to complete the degree varies with the number of transfer credits you bring to the degree. If you only need to complete the 30 credits in leadership courses and you do not take a break in your studies, you can complete the degree in 18 months.
How many credits can I transfer into the bachelor’s degree program?
We accept a maximum of 90 credits into the degree from an accredited institution. Credits will be transferred if they carry a grade of C or better.
When can I begin my coursework?
You can begin your coursework at the beginning of any of our six terms. However, if you want to begin with the introductory course with your classmates, you can start in September, January or April.
Master’s FAQ
When can I begin the master’s program?
Classes begin in September, January and March of every year. New students should submit their applications by early August or early December to register.
How long will it take me to complete my master’s degree?
You can complete the MS program in as little as 18 to 22 months if you have already completed the two prerequisites (accounting and marketing) prior to beginning the program.
Do I need to take GMATs or any other standardized tests?
No standardized tests are required for admission into the master’s program.
I already started a master’s program some years ago. Can I transfer any credits?
You may be able to transfer as many as nine credits into the program, depending upon the appropriateness of the courses and grades achieved.
Is there a thesis requirement?
No. Since this is an applied degree, the capstone experience is an actual consulting project instead of pure research. In the two-term, six-credit capstone, students apply everything they have learned in the program. A faculty-led team of students researches and visits the client organization, explores various strategies for dealing with the project and presents its proposals and deliverables to representatives of the organization.