Saint Joseph College Connecticut
       

Frequently Asked Questions

This Frequently Asked Questions page answers questions about only online programs and courses offered at Saint Joseph College. There is a Frequently Asked Questions page that addresses general questions on the Graduate Admissions webpage.

Online Programs

Q: How long has online learning been used at Saint Joseph College?

A: Saint Joseph College began delivering online courses for graduate students in 1999. Saint Joseph College is a current member of the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC); which was founded in 1996 when 30 Connecticut colleges and universities agreed to work together to develop distance learning.

Q: What online programs does Saint Joseph College offer?

A: Saint Joseph College offers an online Master degree program in Biochemistry, Biology, and Nutrition. Saint Joseph College also offers an Emerging Diseases graduate certificate program that can be completed entirely online.

Q: Are the online programs at Saint Joseph College accredited?

A: All of the graduate programs at Saint Joseph College are accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and The Board of Higher Education for the State of Connecticut.

Accreditation allows participation in federal and state financial aid programs, is required for acceptance and transfer of college credit, and is preferred by employers in the workplace.

Q: How much do online credits cost?

A:Tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year is $665.00 per credit hour. This amount includes the comprehensive fee that allows online students access to the network center, library, and other resources.

Q: How many online classes can be taken each semester?

A: Full-time status is considered two classes per semester while part-time status is considered one class per semester. It is recommended that students take one class during their first semester at Saint Joseph College so they can familiarize themselves with the online learning environment. Students who wish to take more than two classes in a given semester must be granted approval from the Program Director of their respective program.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online program?

A: A general timeline for completing of a 30-credit online program is two to three years. Length of the program directly relates to the program requirements, how many classes are taken each semester, and whether transfer credits were used.

Q: Will the diploma indicate that the course format was online?

A: There is no distinction made between degrees earned online or on campus on transcripts or diplomas offered by Saint Joseph College.

Q: Can online students still participate at Commencement?

A: All graduates are invited to attend ceremonies held during May. Information about Commencement will be made available to all graduate students.

Online Courses

Q: How are online courses delivered at Saint Joseph College?

A: Saint Joseph College subscribes to an online platform for course delivery called Blackboard. There will then be a menu that offers a variety of folders, one being course information that will give the course syllabus within Blackboard. From this menu, students can access class lectures or notes, discussions, assignments.

Before a student takes their first online course, it is recommended to view the sample course put out by the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium. Once the screen appears, type "student" as the Username and Password to observe an online course environment typical to online classes at Saint Joseph College.

Q: How do I interact with my instructor and peers?

A: A great strength of the Saint Joseph College online learning environment is the opportunity to discuss issues and gain ideas from both the instructor and peers. All courses have a threaded discussion board forum component, a digital drop box for submission of student assignments, an online grade book, and document sharing technologies. In addition, all instructors use email for communication.

In certain courses, the instructor may schedule time that they are available for extra help online in a feature Blackboard calls the “virtual classroom.” The instructors will usually offer several times a week when they are available during the work period to offer help.

Q: What are the computer requirements for the Blackboard classroom?

A: Most current systems are compatible with the Blackboard format. Specific computer requirements are listed in the Online Student Services page.

Q: How do I receive and hand in assignments?

A: All assignments are available through Blackboard. Each unit’s work is clearly organized in the syllabus all assignments, due dates, and grading criteria should be available to help you plan. You can view and print assignments, discuss them with your colleagues, and ask for feedback from your instructor. The instructor may ask you to submit your assignments through a drop-box within Blackboard, through email, or through an online document integrity system called Turnitin.com. 

Q: How much time should I reserve each week per course?  

A: Typically, students spend an average of 12 hours a week working in each course. Times may vary from five to 20 hours depending on such factors as the number of course credits, pace of reading and typing, and familiarity with the subject.

Q: When do I need to be available for class?

A: Since most of the classes consist of posted lectures/class notes and book work, this can be reviewed at a time that you choose and worked on off-line.

There will be discussions that require participation in weekly or bi-weekly. The discussion board feature allows much interaction, both formally and informally. Most people enter the online classroom several times to week because there may be requirements about responding to other students’ posts; however, you can complete these posts at any time before they are due.

Q: Do classes have a specific start and end date?

A: Each Saint Joseph College course has a designated start and end date as online courses follow the same academic calendar as the courses offered on-campus. There is a fall and spring semester along with a summer session.

Q: Will I be missing the give and take of a conventional classroom setting?

A: An online course offers many advantages to the traditional classroom setting; however, it does not always substitute for the face-to-face classroom experience. Online courses are an alternative delivery system that allows you to expand your opportunities in an efficient and convenient manner. Some advantages students mention about the online classroom are:

  • Highly personal and interactive learning experience
  • There are no lectures with no “back row”, everyone participates
  • Enables you to continue your studies while maintaining your professional and family responsibilities
  • Eliminates commuting time and hassles
  • Flexible study and participation time that works around your schedule 

Q: How do I contact my instructor and receive feedback?

A: The Saint Joseph College faculty is available by email and phone. Most instructors at Saint Joseph College have previously taught in traditional-style classroom transitioning to the online format.

December 9, 2011