Is online learning right for me?

Students often have more time to compose responses, allowing deeper, more satisfying discussions than in a traditional classroom. Therefore, online courses are highly interactive. Class sessions often center around discussions, and each student is expected to participate, thus insuring a diversity of ideas and opinions. Asynchronous learning can bring students from all parts of the world together for an interesting mix of cultural perspectives. Additionally, students who tend to be more reserved in traditional classrooms feel "anonymous" and express themselves more freely in the online environment. 

Missouri State Online courses and programs may fit your needs if:

• you cannot attend classes on campus or prefer not to
• higher education opportunities near you are limited or do not offer the degree programs you are interested in
• you have an AA degree or higher and meet University and program admission requirements
• your job, family, or other obligations make it impossible for you to follow a rigid class schedule on campus
• you want the same valued degrees earned by students who attend on-campus programs

Consider the benefits of Missouri State Online distance learning: 

• Many distance students find it easier and faster to get help in their online courses than in their face-to-face courses.
• Course websites offer many easy-to-use communication tools.
• Access to your instructor, mentor, and other students is never limited by time and distance.
• Communication tools permit you to post a question at any time, day or night.
• As a student, you are the focus of the Missouri State Online distance-learning model.

Will an online education provide me the value of a traditional classroom education?

There is absolutely no distinction between degrees earned on-campus or through distance learning programs. For example, a person who earns a master’s degree in Computer Sciences will show only “Master’s in Computer Sciences” on their transcript, just as the person enrolled in the same program entirely on-campus.

All degree programs offered via online learning are regionally accredited and many have national status. Accreditation is important to employers and the vast majority of Colleges and Universities across the nation.

How do I attend an class online?

By taking courses through Missouri State Online via the Internet you can:

• Attend classes and complete your work without leaving your own community or coming to our campuses in Springfield, Mountain Grove, West Plains, or even in China. However, some courses may require proctored exams at our Instructional Technology Center or at a site near you.
• Access your classes from anyplace that has an Internet connection and a computer with a web browser.
• Work on your program utilizing the Blackboard Course Management System. Blackboard is designed to provide easy access to course information, course materials, and communications with faculty and other students within the course.

Is there guidance and support during an online class?

You receive all the guidance and support needed to take full advantage of your electronic classroom and campus. In addition to the Academic Advisement Center, there are other easily accessible resources:

Get academic advising for your online program.

Once you are accepted and enrolled in a program, a graduate academic advisor or an undergraduate academic advisor from your department will help you plan your program. Your  advisor will ensure that you register for prerequisite courses when they are available so you can progress efficiently towards earning a degree.

Adult/Commuter Services

Adult/Commuter Student Services assists nontraditional students who balance family, work and school responsibilities. Support services include advisement, placement testing, registration, scholarship and financial aid opportunities, adult student orientation, and evening and weekend office hours. Many students considering taking an online course, do so because of its' convenience in balancing family, work and seeking educational opportunities. Adult/Commuter Services is ready to assist with services and questions you may have.

Transfer Student Orientation

This resource will help you to better understand specific issues related to transfer students regarding advisement, registration for classes, and other issues.  Please read the information below to prepare for the orientation.  You will see a "begin transfer student orientation" link at the bottom of this page. 

Complete the required online orientation for distance learning students ONLY and become familiar with University procedures and resources.

Support staff for students learning at a distance

Help is available from staff dedicated solely to helping online students with technical issues at msonlinehd@missouristate.edu.

How many hours a week will I need to devote to an online course?

It's hard to determine exactly how many hours you'll need to schedule as an online student. It varies from course to course and depends upon the level of difficulty. But remember that online courses are just as demanding as traditional courses, so set aside at least 10 hours per week per course (this includes preparation time).

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