Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start?
Most students start by enrolling in classes while they are in the process of applying for acceptance into a degree program. This allows you to get started on the degree requirements and also gives an opportunity to experience online learning. Most students appreciate the flexible hours and freedom from commuting that online courses provide.
Note: Enrolling in a course does not confer acceptance into the degree program. For information regarding acceptance into the degree program, please see the program description for the particular degree program you are interested in.
Can I transfer courses into a degree program?
MU's Graduate School allows you to transfer up to six hours of graduate credit from an outside institution into an MU degree program upon approval of your adviser. Once students are accepted into the degree program, they are assigned an adviser. You may contact the adviser listed for the degree program for specific questions related to transfer of credit.
Can I just take a course without being accepted into a degree program?
Yes. Students may take any of the online courses without intending to pursue a degree at MU. If, however, you do decide to pursue a master's degree, you must be accepted into the degree program by the time you have accumulated nine hours of course work in order to have these courses apply towards your degree.
How do I enroll in a course?
You can enroll in a course by visiting our Course Catalog. Click on the semester in which you wish to enroll. Then scroll down through the courses until you locate the course you want to take. Click on that course and you will be taken to the course page, where you can follow the directions for enrollment.
How will I know I'm enrolled?
Submitting an online form does not guarantee enrollment. Once we receive your form, our registration office will begin processing and enroll you in the classes you have selected. A letter and class schedule will be mailed to you after you have been enrolled. Additionally, our technical support specialist will e-mail you a trial-run course, designed to familiarize you with the online environment.
What if a course is full or closed?
If you have submitted a form and the course is full or otherwise closed, you will be notified via e-mail. At that time, you may choose to enroll in a different course, or you can delay your enrollment until the next semester. The online course-enrollment form has a space for students to appeal the decision to be admitted to a course after the course has been designated as full or closed. Such appeals are considered and sometimes granted.
How many courses should I enroll in each semester?
This varies by student and should be determined according to your individual time commitments (teaching, family etc.).
It generally takes six semesters to finish a 33-hour program when enrolling in six hours each semester. (See example below.)
Semester 1 = 6 hours (2 courses)
Semester 2 = 6 hours (2 courses)
Semester 3 = 6 hours (2 courses)
Semester 4 = 6 hours (2 courses)
Semester 5 = 6 hours (2 courses)
Semester 6 = 3 hours (1 course)
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Total = 33 hours
Your academic adviser can assist you with determining the sequence of your courses.
Do I have to take courses every semester?
Most students enroll in six hours every semester until they finish their degree, but some students find that other responsibilities may necessitate dropping to three hours, or even taking a semester or two off. The only requirement is that you complete the degree within eight years of official admission into the graduate academic program. Any course work used for your program of study would be included in the eight-year limit.
When do the courses start?
How long do I have to complete a course?
Courses follow the MU calendar, starting and ending at the same time each semester as typical on-campus offerings. For current semester information go to the
Dates and Deadlines page on the University Registrar's web site. All course work needs to be completed at the end of the semester in which you have enrolled. Grades of "Incomplete" are permitted in consultation with the professor only under extenuating circumstances. Students who find that they cannot keep up with MU Direct online courses need to withdraw according to the time specified in the current schedule of semester dates.
How does an online course work?
All online courses require interaction with other students and faculty. Students are expected to have daily access to Internet and e-mail. The online courses are structured so that they look like a web site with a row of buttons down the side. They are accessible from a computer with an Internet connection, as long as you have your password and user ID, which is given to you before the course starts.
To get to different parts of your course, you click on one of the buttons on the side. The buttons take you to the place where your syllabus is, to your assignments, supplementary materials (like what you would have for lectures in a face-to-face classroom), and to the communications portion, where you can e-mail other students and your instructor and also participate in the threaded discussion board.
The courses run during the regular semester, and are organized on a weekly basis, meaning you usually have a week to complete readings in your textbook or from outside sources, complete and send (by e-mail) any assignments that are due that week, and participate in the discussion board (also called "forum").
A threaded discussion takes the place of what occurs in a classroom, where instructors ask questions or want students to comment on information they are reading or learning about. This is the place where student-to-student and student-teacher interaction takes place. Students read the question and then respond by e-mail. When you submit your response, it is "posted," meaning it is put on the site with your name, along with the time and date you submitted it. Another student can come to the course site many hours or days later and read what you have said. He or she then can respond to your statement or choose to start a new "thread." As you can see, it really helps if you plan to "get into the class" periodically throughout the week so you can keep up with where the discussion is going!
Can I try an online course before I enroll?
We have developed a trial-run course that is sent to all students when they enroll in online courses. To access the trial run, go to http://courses.missouri.edu and click on "Blackboard." You can login to the trial-run course with the user ID "MUDirect" and the password "TrialRun."
Is help available if I have trouble with an online course?
UNIVERSITY CREDIT STUDENTS: The University of Missouri provides full-time support specialists to assist students who are having technical problems with their online or web-assisted courses. You can e-mail the IAT Services help desk (helpdesk@missouri.edu) or call toll-free 1-866-241-5619 for assistance with your course.
For help desk hours of availability and other useful information, go to http://iatservices.missouri.edu/helpdesk/.
NONCREDIT/CEU STUDENTS: MU Direct provides technical support during the same hours of IAT Services availability to assist noncredit students who are having technical problems with their online or web-assisted courses. You can e-mail MU Direct (MUdirectHelp@missouri.edu) or call toll-free 1-800-545-2604 for assistance with your course.
We strongly urge all students to go through the trial-run course that is sent via e-mail approximately six-to-eight weeks prior to the course begin date. This course was designed to help you be successful in an online format. Students who go through the trial run course seem to experience less difficulty when the actual course begins.
What are the computer requirements for taking online courses?
For information about computer requirements, please see: http://MUdirect.missouri.edu/tools/requirements.htm
Note: Students are expected to have daily access to the Internet and e-mail for all online courses.
What is the cost?
Fees for online courses are charged at the in-state graduate rate. For current course fees, please see:
http://MUdirect.missouri.edu/apply/financial.htm.
How does billing work, and are payment plans available?
The Cashiers Office web site (http://web.missouri.edu/~forcash/) has information on billing and payment plans. All students must pay the minimum monthly balances indicated on their billing statements, or they will be dropped from classes for non-payment. Please refer to the above web site for more information.
Is financial aid available?
Student loans are available for graduate students, if a student is enrolled in at least six hours during the fall or winter semesters and three hours in the summer semester.
The FAFSA form, available from any university financial aid office or through any high school guidance counselor, should be filled out and submitted at least eight weeks prior to the semester in which you plan to use your financial aid. Designate University of Missouri-Columbia as the primary institution. Visit the MU Financial Aid web site for additional information and to locate an electronic version of the FAFSA form.
In addition, in order to qualify for financial aid, a graduate student MUST be fully accepted into the degree program.
Whom do I contact for more information?
Enrollment information or problems:
Feedback from our students about online learning:
"This being the fourth online course I have taken, I feel at ease with this delivery method. It allows me to work at it when normally you couldn't. It can be fit into my work schedule, and it allows for flexibility. Time can be spent working rather than driving."
"This course was better than I expected. The class interaction during discussion was excellent."
"I have taken other online courses and have enjoyed them all. Once again, the course not only met my expectations but also exceeded them. Great course!"
"This was my first online course, and I have been pleased as punch with the whole thing. The workload is challenging, but manageable, and the content has been very useful to me. I am eager to sign up for the next semester."
"My only challenge was due to procrastination! I'll budget my time better next semester."
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