What does it mean to take a course online?
What is an online course like?
Do I need extensive technology training or a technology background?
What technology equipment do I need?
What courses and programs does Quinnipiac University Online offer?
Is Quinnipiac University Online accredited?
What do students who have taken online courses say about the quality of education?
How do I contact Quinnipiac University Online admissions?
Can I take classes completely online?
How do I access my online course?
What is meant by “blended” courses?
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?
Do I have to take a course every term or can I skip terms when I need to?

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.

What is an online course like?
As in traditional classroom courses, textbooks are the primary reading source for online courses. You can purchase textbooks at the Quinnipiac Bookstore in the student center or order them online. Blackboard, a Web-based learning system, is your gateway to online learning. Your professor will give you assignments and tell you when they are due by posting this information on Blackboard. You will access Blackboard through Quinnipiac's Web site by entering a username and password.

Blackboard is easy to use and allows you to do so much:

• Download reading materials, project assignments and the course syllabus
• Download and view PowerPoint presentations and videos created by your professor
• Submit assignments
• Read and share comments in a discussion forum with your classmates and professor
• Take quizzes and exams
• Send (and receive) e-mail to your classmates and professor

Do I need extensive technology training or a technology background?
Basic computer skills are all you need for our courses. You need to know how to use the Internet, e-mail and Microsoft Office programs, primarily Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 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.

What technology equipment do I need?

• A computer
• An Internet connection (high-speed access recommended, such as cable or DSL)
• Latest version of Internet Explorer Web browser (We recommend using Internet Explorer and/or Firefox)
• An e-mail account provided by the University
• Word, Excel and PowerPoint (available for downloading from Quinnipiac's Web site or you can purchase a CD of all three programs for $12 on campus)

We recommend these two programs to protect your computer, but they are not required:

• Virus protection software such as McAfee VirusScan or Norton AntiVirus (available for free download by students from Quinnipiac's Web site)
• Microsoft Windows Defender for spyware protection (free download from Microsoft)

What courses and programs does Quinnipiac University Online offer?
We offer undergraduate and graduate courses, master's degree programs in organizational leadership, occupational therapy, interactive communications, business administration, a forensic program for health care professionals and a certificate program in health care compliance.

Is Quinnipiac University Online accredited?
Yes. Quinnipiac University Online falls under Quinnipiac's accreditation for traditional courses.

What do students who have taken online courses say about the quality of education?
Lots of good things. Read what they say.

How do I contact Quinnipiac University Online admissions?
Write to quonlineadmissions@quinnipiac.edu or call 877-403-4277.

Can I take classes completely online?
Some programs are completely online while others are offered in a "blended" format.

How do I access my online course?
All you need is access to a computer and an Internet browser. We recommend using Internet Explorer, as it is the only browser supported by the University's Help Desk. However, students may use any browser. Go to http://blackboard.quinnipiac.edu (a user name and password will be required).

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.

How often will I need to come to campus?
Some programs have a residency requirement. Please see specific program information for details.

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 12 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. Time spent in each course varies by program; above is an example of a seven-week course.

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 mid-week 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.

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 Quinnipiac University Online adviser if you have questions.