What are the technology requirements to take an online course?
Can I preview what an online course looks like?
How much work can I expect from an online course?
How can I find out more about a course?
If I’m not a University of Minnesota student, can I still take online courses?
Are there professional development or personal enrichment courses available in my field?
Can I take online courses before I am admitted to a degree program?
Will online courses count toward my major or general education requirements?
How can I find out which courses are offered by my campus?
Can I take online courses from a University of Minnesota campus other than my own?
Can all lower division courses be completed online?
How much do online courses cost?
When is the registration period for online courses?
What is the completion date for an online course?

What are the technology requirements to take an online course?

You will need a computer, a high-speed internet connection, a newer version of a web browser, and access to common tools and software like word processors, email, etc. Some courses may have other software or technology requirements as well. Before class begins, you can visit the course site and the system will help you set up your browser for the software the instructor is using.

Can I preview what an online course looks like?

Yes. You can view a mock-up of an online course at www.moodle.umn.edu. If you have an Internet ID, you can view the “Cooking with Chocolate” sample course (in the left-hand navigation list) to see some of the software features such as discussions, wikis, and assignments.

How much work can I expect from an online course?

The amount of work expected for an online course is comparable for a classroom-based course, but is more self-paced. Generally, one credit is one hour of “class” time and one hour of homework a week. This varies by individual and does not include study time.

How can I find out more about a course?

Contact the instructor directly via email or phone.

Do I need to be admitted to a degree program in order to take online courses?

No. Anyone can take online courses. If you are using online courses towards major or general education requirements, we recommend you meet with an advisor to determine a best match between your needs and available online courses.

If I’m not a student at the University of Minnesota, can I still take online courses?

Yes. The University of Minnesota offers online courses from four campuses: Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and the Twin Cities. See the Online Courses page for more information.

In order to register for online courses as a non-university student, follow the instructions listed on the appropriate page:
• For Twin Cities courses: www.onestop.umn.edu
• For Crookston courses: www.umcrookston.edu/admissions
• For Duluth courses: www.d.umn.edu/ce
• For Morris courses: www.genedweb.morris.umn.edu

Are there professional development or personal enrichment courses available in my field?

Check on the Digital Campus website: www.digitalcampus.umn.edu. There are specific sections for both professional development and personal enrichment. Contact the unit offering the programs you’re interested in directly for more information.

Can I take online courses before I am admitted to a degree program?

Yes.  Please check with an adviser in the program in which you are interested before registering to determine a best match between your needs and available online courses.

Will online courses count toward my major or general education requirements?

Online courses are fully equivalent to on-campus courses. You need to speak to your adviser to ensure the courses you plan to take will meet the requirements of your major and general education requirements.  Check with your adviser before registering and paying for any course, online or on campus.

How can I find out which courses are offered by my campus?

Search the class schedule by campus at http://onestop.umn.edu.  Be sure to talk to your adviser before registering for any courses.

Can I take online courses from a University of Minnesota campus other than my own?

It is possible to take a course from another U of M campus. However, the credits may not count if you are near graduation, have already transferred many other credits from a different institution, or the course may not apply to your major. You should speak to your adviser before registering for any course.

To take an online course offered by another U of M campus, you will need to fill out a multi-institutional form and have it processed by your home U of M campus in order to enroll.

Please note that a separate form must be completed for every semester you choose to take a course from another campus. If you choose to take online courses from more than one U of M campus outside your home campus, you must fill out a form for each campus from which you are taking courses, even if those courses are taken in the same semester.

Can all lower division courses be completed online?

Possibly. Foundational courses differ by major, as do general education requirements. Check with your major program to see if your foundational courses are offered online.

How much do online courses cost?

The cost of an online course depends on the institution offering the course. Generally, the cost of taking an online course is tuition plus college and online fees.

To calculate your fees, contact One Stop for the campus offering the degree program:
• Twin Cities: www.onestop.umn.edu
• Crookston: www.onestop.umcrookston.edu
• Duluth: www.duluth.umn.edu/prospective
• Morris: www.morris.umn.edu/onestop

When is the registration period for online courses?

For enrolled students, it is the same registration period as classroom-based courses. For non-degree seeking students, the first day you can register varies by campus. Generally, you can enroll as a non-degree seeking student up until the first day of class, pending course availability.
• Twin Cities: www.onestop.umn.edu
• Crookston: www.onestop.umcrookston.edu
• Duluth: www.duluth.umn.edu/register
• Morris: www.morris.umn.edu/services/registrar

What is the completion date for an online course?

In general, it is the same date as a classroom-based offering (end of term) for that U of M campus. Some courses, however, are not tied to a specific term: these may be five-week, eight-week, or nine month sessions. Review the Class Schedule carefully to determine the dates of the courses you are interested. You can also contact the instructor directly via email or phone if the Class Schedule is not clear.