PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a question or scroll down the list:
- What degre can I receive from the TCMasters program?
- What is a course taken through interactive telecommunications like?
- Is it possible to finish a masters entirely through interactive telecommunications?
- Do I need to choose a department when I begin my program?
- I want to take a couple of courses for re-certification?
- How long does it take to get a masters through the TCMasters program?
- Is it possible to start a program at anytime?
- Are there special services for distance learners?
- Will I be able to transfer graduate hours from another university?
- How do I pay for distance courses and what are the costs associated them?
- If I live out of state or overseas will I have to pay "out of state" tuition?
More questions, go to: More Information
What degree can I receive from the TCMasters program?
Courses taken through the TCMasters program can be applied towards a Master of Education with emphasis in either Curriculum & Instruction or P-12 Educational Administration.
What is a course taken through interactive telecommunications like?
The courses offered through the TCMasters come in a variety of means. Some are web based, meaning there is a web sight which you log on using a standard internet browser. Assignments are posted and maybe completed on the site. Other courses are offered using e-mail. Students receive course readings and activities using their e-mail accounts and then share their assignments with the instructor and other members of the class. There are also courses offered via satellite in the state of Nebraska that may be applied to a degree through the TCMasters. Currently Lotus Notes is used in the majority of courses offered through the TCMasters. Lotus Notes is a computer groupware program offered to students free of charge who are enrolled in distance classes. Lotus Notes provides students with an opportunity to interact with other members of the class and the instructor. TCMasters courses are not offered via correspondence, the courses are on-line classrooms where students are in constant asynchronous interaction with class members and faculty. Because Lotus Notes is sent to you by normal post, it is important to enroll early so that all materials arrive on time and are properly loaded on your computer. The University provides free technology support for its distance learners. Click on distance/distributed education to learn more.
Is it possible to finish a masters entirely through interactive telecommunications?
No, at this time it's possible to complete 24 hours of graduate credit through interactive telecommunications and apply this towards a Masters of Education with emphasis in Educational Administration or Curriculum and Instruction. At this time some campus courses are required for those seeking administrative certification from the State of Nebraska. If you have more questions about a particular program, e-mail us or go to the web pages of Curriculum & Instruction or Educational Administration.
Do I need to chose a department or program when I begin my studies?
No, there is a core list of courses that will fit into the programs of either department. Students who are unsure of which route they would like to follow are encouraged to start with these courses. Students who already know which program they want to enter may also take core courses. If you start taking core courses you are not obligated to complete the entire core before entering a program, although some courses found in the core are part of department program requirements. For more information contact contact us by E-mail or by phone.
I want to take a couple of course for my certification, do I need to be enrolled in Graduate Studies to take courses through the TCMasters?
Yes, enrolling in a course requires admission to Graduate Studies which takes only a few minutes and can be done on-line at: Graduate Studies
How long does it take to get a masters through the TCMasters program?
Students may take courses that fit into their individual programs as they are available. A student's program, developed with help from your department advisor, is mixed with on-campus courses required by the individual departments and other requirements such as a major research project culminating in a formal report or thesis. Therefore some students may finish the program in as little as two years; others may decide to take longer. The program has been developed with convenience in mind, including the ability to chose those classes offered when the time is right for you.
Is it possible to start a program at anytime?
The courses offered through the TCMasters follow the University of Nebraska-Lincoln academic calender. The University operates on a semester system with a Fall and Spring semester and summer sessions. Once students have been admitted to Graduate Studies they may enroll for courses at their leisure, there is not a set plan of courses or a cohort system. Once a student enters a department they are assigned an advisor who will be able to help them develop an on-line program.
Are there special services for distance students?
Distance students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have many special services provided for them. These include special on-line library privileges, distant registration by phone, mail, or the web, and a university E-mail account. Students also have technical support and the comfort of knowing that they are studying with faculty that have experience in working with students at a distance.
Will I be able to transfer graduate hours from another university?
Graduate Studies allows students to transfer up to 18 hours towards a masters degree. The conditions of the transfer are up to the individual department and depend on a number of factors. For more information you will need to contact us by E-mail or by phone.
How do I pay for courses and what are the costs associated with distance/distributed education?
Academic Telecommunications allows students to pay by phone, mail, or on the web. Courses taken through distance education are priced by credit hour and are the same as on-campus UNL courses. Payment is due by semester and is based on the current UNL academic calender. For more information go to costs.
If I live out of state or overseas will I have to pay "out of state" tuition?
No, distance courses offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have one set price whether you live in state or out of state. There is however an additional fee for out of state students to cover delivery costs. Contact Academic Telecommunications for more information on registration or click on costs.
