FAQs
General Questions
- How does the online program work?
- When you enroll in an online program with Pitt Online, you are choosing to take all required courses and electives in an online format. You’ll progress through your course work just like you would in a traditional classroom with assignments, assessments and participation requirements. You’ll interact with your instructor and fellow students via online discussions and submit your assignments online. If at any time you feel that online learning is not the best fit for you, you are welcome to transfer into an on-campus program, if one is available. In certain cases, the program may only be offered in an online format. Check the specific program information for more details.
- Is the entire program offered online?
- The majority of your online courses will be offered completely online, meaning you never need to come to the University of Pittsburgh campus. Depending on the program, there may be components that require participation at a specific time or proctoring of exams or assignments. Each program is slightly different so check program information for specific details.
- How are online courses different from traditional (face-to-face) courses?
- Online courses are different from on-campus courses in that all course material is available via the Internet. Students can access the courses from their home or office and in most cases there are no specific time requirements, meaning you can access your course from anywhere, at any time.
- Is the online program as rigorous as the face-to-face version?
- Online courses at Pitt Online are just as rigorous as on-campus courses and in some cases may be more challenging. Online students need to be organized, technically savvy, self-disciplined and prepared to complete course work without direct supervision. To see if online learning is right for you, take our self assessment.
- How long does it take to complete a course?
- Currently our online programs follow the same schedule as our traditional on-campus programs. Each term is 15 weeks in length with courses being offered in the summer, fall, and spring. Check our academic calendar for specific term details. The fall 2009 term starts on August 31 so there is still plenty of time to register. Make sure to apply early by clicking the “Apply Now” link and selecting the appropriate school.
- Will I have an instructor?
- You will have an instructor for each course. The same faculty who teach our on-campus students will be leading our online programs. You’ll have access to the same community of faculty as your on-campus counterparts.
- Will I interact with other students?
- Interaction with other students is part of what makes an educational experience complete. Online you’ll have access to interact with other students in asynchronous discussion or on your own through e-mail, phone or chat. Instructors will lead online discussions that allow students to benefit from the expertise of their peers and also capitalize on classroom networking opportunities.
- Do I need to be an expert with technology?
- While you needn’t be a technology expert to take an online class, you should have some proficiency with a computer, e-mail, saving and writing electronic documents and navigating the Internet. Additionally, your computer will need to meet our minimum technology standards in order to access online course content. Make sure to check our technology requirements.
- Are the courses 100 percent online?
- Online programs at the University of Pittsburgh were developed to be offered 100 percent online. In some cases, depending on the subject matter, a program may have a course or courses that require proctoring or other synchronous elements. Check the specific program information for additional details.
- Do I have to be online at specific times?
- Online programs at the University of Pittsburgh were designed to be completely asynchronous. What that means is that, in general, there are no specific times that students are required to be online. Course materials and assignments can be completed anytime, anywhere as long as assignment due dates are met. In some cases your instructor may offer supporting resources which are available at a specific time, such as office hours. Additionally a few courses may include exams, which will require proctoring and may be available only during a certain window of time. The intent is to create a flexible and accessible learning environment for students.
- Am I required to come to campus at any point in my studies?
- Each program is slightly different based on the content and delivery method selected by the school. In most cases you’ll be able to complete your degree completely at a distance. Check your specific program of interest for any details about on-campus requirements.
- Do I need to login every day?
- There is no daily login requirement to participate in an online program. You should, however, as an online student log in frequently to access course content and interact with other students. Additionally, specific assignments will have deadlines, just like in the on-campus environment, so you’ll need to check the specific course deadlines to make sure your assignments are completed on time.
- How do I purchase books and materials?
- Textbook information is available at http://www.pitt.edu/~bookctr/. To order books online students should call the textbook department (412-648-1450) to place their orders. Textbooks will then be shipped via UPS.
- Will I receive any training in how to take online courses?
- As an online student you will have access to our online student orientation course, tutorials and the student handbook. Additionally you’ll have access to our 24/7 technical resources to support any questions about the online course system and materials.
- Will my degree be considered an “online” degree?
- As a student of the University of Pittsburgh, your degree will be awarded from University. It will not be classified as an online degree.
- What kind of computer equipment do I need?
- Our technical requirements are listed on our Support page.
Admission and Enrollment:
- What are the admission requirements?
- The admission requirements for the online program are the same as for our on-campus students. Check the program section for specific requirements for each program.
- Can I transfer credits from another institution?
- Courses can be transferred into the online program providing they meet the requirements set up by each school. Check the programs page for more information or check in with a student advisor to see if your credits are eligible for transfer.
- How can I apply?
- You can apply online by clicking “Apply Now” in the right hand corner of the page.
- What is the tuition?
- Tuition rates are the same as for on-campus students. To view current tuition rates for the University of Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh campus, visit our registrar’s page.
- Is financial aid available?
- Financial aid is available for online programs. Visit the programs information for specific information on available financial support.
Student Services:
- Will I have an advisor?
- All University of Pittsburgh students including online students are assigned a student advisor. Upon acceptance into the University and to Pitt Online you will be assigned an advisor from your school.
- What school resources are available to me as an online student?
- As a Pitt Online student, you will have access to all of the same resources as our on-campus students. View our resources page for access to specific information about support services.
- Is there technical support available?
- As an online student you’ll have access to your course anytime, anywhere. 24/7 technical support is available to support you whenever you are online. Visit our support page for information or to submit a ticket to our help desk team.
- Is there library support available?
- Pitt's University Library System is the 26th-largest academic research library in all of North America and the 16th-largest among the prestigious public libraries of the Association of American Universities. It provides a large array of innovative, world-class services, all of which are available to Pitt Online students. View our resources at http://www.library.pitt.edu/
