Frequently Asked Questions
Is TWU Distance Education right for me?
I have many outside responsibilities. How will I be able to complete the coursework?
I want to go back to school, but it has been so long. What skills should I brush up on?
How do these classes work?
Do distance learners get a Pioneer Card (Student ID Card)?
What are "blended" courses?
Will I be required to attend class on-campus?
For online classes, what computer hardware and software are recommended?
Is TWU accredited?
OK, so what are the cost?
That sounds great! How do I apply?
Is TWU Distance Education right for me?
We hope so! If you are self-motivated and able to work independently, you are a good candidate for e-Learning. You'll also need to have experience surfing the Internet and sending e-mail.
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I have many outside responsibilities. How will I be able to complete the coursework?
At TWU, you'll be studying with nontraditional students in a supportive environment. In fact, the average student's age is 31, and many students have full-time jobs. If you can manage your time well and pace yourself effectively, you will succeed in e-Learning.
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I want to go back to school, but it has been so long. What skills should I brush up on?
If it has been awhile since you've been a student, you may have forgotten what it's like to study, and you may not be familiar with some common computer applications. Don't let this stop you! The Office of Lifelong Learning offers non-credit, online refresher courses that will help reorient you to student life. There are courses about study skills, a refresher for grammar, as well as courses in some of the most-used Microsoft software. For more information about these refresher courses, please visit http://www.twu.edu/o-ll/refresher_courses.htm.
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How do these classes work?
Both online and televideo classes are extremely interactive. Classes offered online take place within Blackboard, our primary software program for online courses. Instructors use a course website for posting syllabi, lectures, and assignments. Students participate in the class via discussion boards, chat rooms, and e-mail.
Televideo classes take place at specified off-campus locations, usually on a weekly basis. Instructors and students communicate through a two-way video system, allowing them to participate in live class discussions.
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Do distance learners get a Pioneer Card (Student ID Card)?
Yes! Every student at TWU gets a Pioneer Card. For distance learners, the cards are issued after the 12th day of class (census day) and mailed to you. They do not have your photo on them, but they do identify you as a distance learner at TWU. You can use your ID at businesses that give student discounts. You also must present your student ID if you come on campus to use the Library or participate in the TexShare program through the Library.
If you do not receive a Pioneer Card, please contact ID Card Services at (940) 898-3565.
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What are "blended" courses?
Blended courses are courses that are a part of Distance Education (50 percent or more of the course is taught online) but they have mandatory, face-to-face meetings.
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Will I be required to attend class on-campus?
Some courses may require limited face-to-face meetings or orientations. Any face-to-face meetings should be listed in the schedule of classes, so check that carefully. If you are not sure or want to confirm what the schedule says, you'll want to check with the academic department. The Online Schedule of Classes is updated regularly.
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For online classes, what computer hardware and software are recommended?
A list of recommended system requirements is available at http://www.twu.edu/dl/Prospective_Students/computer_reqs.htm. No special software is necessary; all you need is a computer with Internet access.
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Is TWU accredited?
Yes! TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, 404-679-4501) to offer Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees.
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OK, so what are the costs?
The overall costs of distance learning courses are similar to costs incurred in traditional courses. The tuition and fee rates are the same. However, two additional fees are assessed for courses taught online or via televideo. The first is a standard fee of $15 per credit hour ($12 beginning fall 2008) that is charged to all distance learners. The second is a distance learning fee that is determined and charged by the academic department.
- For those students who are enrolled in only distance learning courses, the Student Union and Medical Services fees are waived. Those students are not eligible for these services.
- To be eligible for Medical Services, students must enroll in a minimum of a one hour face-to-face class.
- To be eligible for the Student Insurance, undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of six hours, three of which must be face-to-face. Graduate students must enroll in at least three credit hours which must be face-to-face.
- Even if the course has a limited number of face-to-face meetings, if the majority of the coursework is online, it will be listed as an Internet or televideo class. Pay close attention to how the class is described in the schedule.
Distance Learning Tuition and Fee Estimates
(Per 3-hour class)
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In-State |
Out-of-State |
Undergraduate |
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Graduate |
$1,025 |
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Remember, these are estimates only; current tuition and fee information can be found at the Bursar's Office website: http://www.twu.edu/o-controller/.
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This sounds great! How do I apply?
All new students seeking admission to TWU must submit a completed application, application fee, official transcripts, and test scores. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at 1-866-809-6130 or 940-898-3188, or visit http://www.twu.edu/admissions.
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