Frequently Asked Questions

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Online learning offers flexibility, convenience and accessibility that traditional programs often can’t match. Students can set their own schedules and balance education with work, family and other commitments without the need to relocate or commute, making higher education more feasible for adult learners and working professionals.

Online programs also allow learners to study from anywhere with internet access, pursue education at their own pace and often complete degrees more quickly. This flexibility also lets students gain real-world experience while enrolled, further enhancing their career readiness. Online degrees from reputable institutions like Boise State carry academic credibility and career value, with quality instruction designed by expert faculty and support systems that mirror on-campus offerings.

Many programs hold accreditation or additional endorsements, helping ensure that the education received meets industry and professional standards. Students can also benefit from customizable programs, diverse peer interaction, collaborative tools and cost savings — including reduced expenses related to housing, transportation and campus fees — making online learning both a practical and impactful path to earning a degree.

The pros and cons of online learning: exploring the good, the bad and the WiFi drops

Yes, Boise State offers nearly 100 online programs and more than 800 unique online courses that help make earning your degree 100% online attainable by providing flexibility, supportive advising and options for full-time or part-time study. Undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates are available in business, technology, healthcare and more, and are identical to those earned on campus.

The format of online classes at Boise State is very similar to traditional classes with regard to schedule and workload. Instead of physically going to a classroom each week, you’ll access course content online through Boise State’s secure learning management system. Courses are structured into weekly modules, and each week you’ll access a new module of learning content. Within a weekly module, you’ll find a variety of learning activities including readings, instructor videos, and discussions. Typically, within a week, you will also have assignments to complete with set deadlines and due dates.

The difference between a synchronous and an asynchronous class

Online classes are more flexible but require the same time commitment as an in-person class. You choose the time each day that works best for your schedule to complete learning activities, and you are still required to meet deadlines and class expectations each week. Online classes have regular due dates for you to follow, just like any in-person classes. For more tips, keep reading this FAQ for additional information on how to plan your study time effectively.

Our student success team partners with you to determine how your existing credits will transfer to Boise State and to identify the remaining requirements for completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree. If you’ve previously taken courses at an accredited college or university, you may be able to finish your degree much faster than starting from scratch. And if you’re beginning your studies for the first time, we offer flexible options to help you accelerate your path to graduation.

Still have questions? Check out this blog for tips on simplifying the transfer process.

A computer and reliable internet access are most important to your success as an online student!

Computer System Requirements
Your computer should have sufficient RAM memory, storage space and processing power for running the latest operating systems and software releases. Most newer computers will meet these hardware requirements. If you have an older computer, you may try it, but you may experience difficulty using some of the tools available in your online classroom.

Internet Connection
At a minimum, a standard level high-speed internet connection is recommended. A wireless internet connection may not be stable enough for activities such as taking tests and submitting assignments. Cable modems are the preferred internet connection followed by DSL. A satellite connection (such as HughesNet) will work, however you may experience performance delays.

Email and Other Requirements
Boise State uses Google Apps for Education and all students are given a free student email account with access to Google Apps. You must also be comfortable using a browser to navigate the Web; open, close and save files and attachments. You must also be comfortable using a word processor to create, and save files. Other software may be required by your program.

Online classes at Boise State follow set weekly schedules. While there is some flexibility each week as far as when you can access your courses, it is your responsibility to ensure you are meeting deadlines and completing work on time. Since we know that returning to school can be challenging, we have developed our programs specifically to help you succeed.

Time management is so important to online students and we strive to establish clear time expectations for courses and assignments.

Most online programs offer both part- and full-time degree paths so you can choose the schedule that works best for you.

Faculty, advisors and support staff are available to answer questions and help keep you on track to graduate.

You will interact with online instructors and classmates in a variety of ways. From online discussions where you will dive deeper into the course content to group projects and assignments, there are several opportunities for you to interact with your online instructors and classmates. Several tools will help keep you connected and communicating including emails, announcements, discussion boards, even video chat.

The more involved you are, the better your online classroom experience will be.

The only way your instructor can “see” you are present in your online course and understanding the materials is through regular communication. If you have questions or are struggling, it is up to you to communicate with the instructor in a timely manner. Stay involved by regularly participating in classroom activities and discussions.

There are several strategies you can use to plan your time effectively.

• Review Your Schedule: This will help you better understand how you currently spend your time. Make note of which scheduled commitments are essential and which ones could be put on hold while in school.
• Create a Calendar: Having all your important school, work and personal due dates and deadlines in one calendar will help you quickly see what your day, week or month will look like.
• Outline a Study Plan: This will help keep you on track and ensure you are spending enough time each week to be successful without dedicating too little or too much time to one course.
• Use To-Do Lists: Like a calendar and study plan, to-do lists are another strategy you can use to quickly see your daily or weekly tasks all in one place and prioritize what needs to be completed first.

Exams and assignments in your online class are not that different from an in-person classroom.

• Assignments: You will complete reading and writing assignments and upload documents to your course site for your faculty to review and provide feedback.
• Research Projects: Research projects help you apply the concepts from the classroom. If working in a group, a variety of technology tools allow you to collaborate together online to complete your projects.
• Quizzes and Exams: Online quizzes and exams are provided within the online course site and may be proctored or unproctored (monitored). If a proctor is required, we will help you locate one near you.

An alternative fee program is a program that charges a set per-credit rate instead of standard tuition and fees. Many of our online programs follow an alternative fee model and are designed to give you the lowest per-credit prices possible without additional fees. Alternative fee programs do not include access to all campus-based services and can impact eligibility for some scholarships, employee tuition waivers and other benefits.

Learn more about how alternative fee programs work.

Boise State’s online programs are funded a little differently than their on-campus counterparts so that we can give you the lowest per-credit prices possible without additional fees. Because of this, there may be restrictions on the types of services you can access.

Explore the list of services and possible restrictions for students enrolled in online programs

A variety of technical assistance is available to support you throughout your online program.

Technology Help Desk
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) Help Desk is your one-stop-shop for a wide range of technical issues. The Help Desk is available to help you troubleshoot your technology needs and they are available by email, phone, chat and even remote connection.

Program Support Staff and Faculty
If you have a question and aren’t sure where to start, your online program has support staff and faculty that are also available to help you with any technical troubles. Dedicated program resource sites also put a variety of support resources at your fingertips.

In addition to fully online programs, Boise State also offers a variety of fully online courses.

Fully Online Programs: If you are looking to complete your degree, all of our online programs offer flexible part-time schedules so you can better balance your work, school and family priorities. View available fully online programs.

Fully Online Courses: If you aren’t looking to complete a full degree program online, but are interested in taking one or more classes, we have options for you. View our list of individual online classes.

While perspectives may vary by employer or field, employers are less likely to view a traditional (on-campus) degree differently than an online degree, largely due to most accredited colleges and universities now offering online programs. Employers generally prioritize a candidate’s skills, knowledge and relevant practical experience over how the degree was earned. That said, Boise State diplomas do not include whether the degree was earned online or on campus.

Boise State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

• You can trust your degree is part of a quality program undergoing continuous improvement
• Institutions must be accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency to qualify for participation in federal financial aid programs
• Often employers require accreditation for company-sponsored tuition reimbursement
• Accredited institutions typically accept credits from other accredited institutions
• Licensing boards in many fields require degrees from accredited programs to sit for licensing exams

Boise State University has also taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance and currently participates in a voluntary State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

In addition, many academic programs have special accreditation or endorsement. For more information see University Accreditation.

More information about State Authorization can be found on the eCampus website.

Complaint Process – Boise State is committed to supporting students in Idaho and beyond, and to resolving student complaints in a fair and timely manner.

Boise State University is a public, state-supported, accredited university overseen by the Idaho State Board of Education.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) requires institutions to disclose certain information to students. See Student Consumer Information to learn more.