Mar 28, 2024  
2021-22 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-22 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

University College


Rick Sluder, Dean
John Burchfield, Associate Dean
Peggy Carpenter, Assistant Dean

University College exists for the purpose of helping make student success possible for the traditional and nontraditional students it serves. The staff is organized within seven unique units to meet the specific needs of the community.

MTSU Online and Distance Education manages all distance courses and programs including MTSU online, hybrid, and synchronous online. Through its Faculty Services Office, MTSU Online assists faculty in the development and redesign of online courses/programs. The Student Services unit provides resources and advising for all students majoring in degrees awarded by University College.

Credit Area and Programs

MTSU Online and Distance Education

Distance Education Courses

Distance education courses, coordinated through the University College, include online, hybrid, and synchronous online.

MTSU Online Courses

All instruction takes place through MTSU’s learning management system. Students are expected to have access to a computer and the Internet for completion of course requirements. Professors may offer optional meetings but students cannot be penalized for non-attendance. Proctored exams may also be offered, and students who cannot attend the scheduled dates/times have the option of taking the exam at an approved off-campus site. Students who are most successful in online courses have excellent time management skills.

MTSU Hybrid Courses

A significant portion of instruction and activities in a hybrid class takes place in an online environment. Professors may require up to 15  hours of mandatory campus meetings (for an orientation, exams, presentations) per semester for hybrid courses. Students can be penalized for non-attendance at these scheduled events.

Additional information can be found on the Course Comparison Chart located on the University College Student Services website.

NOTE: MTSU online and hybrid courses may be used to satisfy some requirements for any degree offered at MTSU. Some degrees can be earned completely online

MTSU Online and Hybrid Graduate Degree Programs

For the most current information on online graduate programs, see MTSU Online. For information on graduate hybrid programs, see Hybrid Programs.

Synchronous Online Courses

Synchronous online courses are accessed over the Internet typically through MTSU’s course management system. Synchronous online classes meet online at the time/days of the week specified in PipelineMT. A reliable computer with at minimum a DSL Internet (broadband) connection is needed to successfully access synchronous online course sessions. Hardware requirements include headphones, earbuds, speakers, and may include a microphone and/or web cam. During the class, students can hear and/or see the professor, and communication with the professor may take place through a microphone or text chat window. Only students with strong experience on the Internet should register for a synchronous online course. Courses may require proctored exams. Additional information may be obtained at Distance Course Definitions.

Accelerated Online Courses

Accelerated Online Courses are offered in two eight-week blocks each Fall and Spring semester. Students may take only up to 9 hours in each block (parts of term A1 and A2). Students may mix accelerated courses with full-term courses (not to exceed 18 hours total) and must register for A2 courses during regular registration. Special permission is required to add A2 part-of-term courses after late registration ends. Accelerated Online Courses may include optional orientations and proctored exams.

Academic Outreach/Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP)

Summer Sessions

Accelerated Online Courses are offered in two eight-week blocks each Fall and Spring semester. Students may take only up to 9 hours in each block (parts of term A1 and A2). Students may mix accelerated courses with full-term courses (not to exceed 18 hours total) and must register for A2 courses during regular registration. Special permission is required to add A2 part-of-term courses after late registration ends. Accelerated Online Courses may include optional orientations and proctored exams. www.mtsu.edu/summer.

University Studies Department

The University Studies Department of the University College is committed to providing a firm foundation on which the students it serves can build a clear pathway leading to success within the university structure. Dedicated faculty and staff provide targeted instruction, support, and direction to entering students and those pursuing a Bachelor of Science or a Master’s degree. More information is available by visiting www.mtsu.edu/university-college/university-studies/ or visiting University Studies. Students may also contact the University Studies Department at (615) 898-2568.

Experiential Learning Scholars Program (EXL)

The Experiential Learning Scholars Program formalizes and organizes several existing experiential learning activities such as study abroad and cooperative education and new experiential opportunities into a comprehensive program of study for students. Students formally admitted to the EXL Scholars Program must complete several activities: EXL coursework, an external service component, an MTSU internal service component, and assessment activities (including development of an e-portfolio). After their completion of EXL program requirements, students will receive an EXL Scholar designation on their transcripts and will wear special cords at commencement to signify their achievement. Some students may elect to take EXL courses, but may not complete all the requirements for the EXL Scholars Program transcript designation. More information can be found at www.mtsu.edu/exl/.

More Information

More information can be obtained by contacting the University College, (615) 494-7714. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.mtsu.edu/university-college/.