FAQs
What are the benefits of the online program?
- Convenience - you study at your own time and pace
- Excellent student support services - 24/7 help desk, financial aid, virtual library and online registration
- Ability to complete a master's degree program in two years
- Ability to grow and develop in writing, in-depth exploration of human resource and workforce development theoretical frameworks, and practical application
- Courses taught online by full-time, nationally-recognized faculty members with practitioner experience
- Tradition of a long-term, accredited university
How long does it take to complete the online master's degree program?
It usually takes two years to complete the degree. Master's degree programs must be completed within seven years of admission. For students in full-time residence, it is possible to complete master's degree requirements in one academic year, plus one or two summers. Part-time students are likely to require from three to five years to complete degree requirements, depending on whether or not they attend summer sessions.
Is the application process the same for the online program as is it with the other focus areas?
The application processes are the same with one exception: applicants for the online program must fill out an additional questionnaire. It is important that applicants to the program fill out this simple questionnaire so that we can identify them as an online student.
I see that there are a number of focus areas in Adult and Continuing Education. Can I choose any focus for the online program?
The focus of the online master's degree program is Human Resources and Workforce Development. All of the courses for this focus area are taught online. The program of study for other focus areas includes courses that are only taught in the face-to-face format.
What is the tuition rate for the online master's program?
The tuition rate for three-credit, online courses designated as part of the online program will be set up as a "Special Course Fee," which is equivalent to the off-campus, resident, graduate student tuition rate for three-credit courses. This Special Course Fee will be the only charge assessed for the course. The Special Course Fee will apply to all students (including out-of-state and international students) enrolled in that course, and will be in addition to tuition and/or fees for any other classes in which the student is enrolled.
As an example, the off-campus, resident, graduate student tuition rate for a three-credit course in the 2010-11 academic year is $1793.43. Therefore, the Special Course Fee for three-credit, online courses designated as part of the online program is also $1793.43 for the 2010-11 academic year. However, tuition rates vary from semester to semester, so for the current costs, please visit http://www.bfs.uwm.edu/fees.
The fee schedule posted by the University shows that the cost per credit hour changes to a lower rate after the student is enrolled in a certain number of credit hours. This number of credit hours is referred to as the "plateau." The plateau level for Summer is four to seven off-campus credit hours, while it is 8 or more off-campus credit hours in the Fall or Spring. Please note that the tuition rate for courses with the Special Course Fee (three-credit, online courses designated as part of the online program) are not discounted through this tuition rate plateau.
You can pay tuition and fees on PAWS with a credit card or personal check through any computer that has access to the Internet.
How is online learning comparable to classroom learning? Is a student with the online degree at a deficit compared to a student with the live/classroom degree?
There is a large research base that indicates the outcomes for learning in online and distance programs are comparable to face-to-face programs. In our online program, a student will have contact with all our graduate faculty, receive the same degree, take the same courses, and have to meet the same expectations as face-to-face students. The degree is also from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is the same degree that face-to-face students receive, so there is no disadvantage.
