What is the Digital Campus?
Can I get a degree online?
Can I use financial aid toward an online course or online degree?
How much do online courses cost?
Is an online degree the same as a degree earned in the classroom?
How much work can I expect from an online course?
How is an online degree noted on my diploma and transcript?
What are the technology requirements to take an online course?
Can I preview what an online course looks like?
Are there professional development or personal enrichment courses available in my field?
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What is the Digital Campus?

The University of Minnesota Digital Campus is the gateway to all the University's digital and distributed educational offerings, from online credit courses to personal and professional development opportunities, available any time, anywhere. These offerings include online credit and non-credit courses as well as community-based face-to-face learning opportunities throughout the State of Minnesota.

The Digital Campus encompasses offerings system-wide, from all University of Minnesota campuses, continuing education, and statewide Extension programs. The Digital Campus leverages the technology of the myU Learning Platform to deliver online courses, library resources, and information personalized to students.

Can I get a degree online?

Yes. The University of Minnesota offers bachelors, masters, doctoral and specialty degrees online. See the online degrees section on the Digital Campus website: www.digitalcampus.umn.edu.

Can I use financial aid toward an online course or online degree?

Financial aid does not have restrictions about online courses, however, there are restrictions for extended term courses (nine-months long, usually offered through the College of Continuing Education). Some online courses are also extended term. Before registering for an online course, contact One Stop to see how your financial aid package may be affected by the courses you are planning on taking.

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

Is an online degree the same as a degree earned in the classroom?

Yes. The University of Minnesota provides equal quality education both in classroom-based and in online courses. The online programs are equivalent to the on-campus degree programs, generally with the same instructors, program requirements, and curriculum. Online degrees require the same amount of work and dedication as a classroom-based course, but are often more self-paced. All degrees are conferred by the Regents of the University of Minnesota, whether the courses were taken online or in-person. The online degree programs offered by the University of Minnesota Digital Campus are accredited.

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.

Will an online degree from the University of Minnesota indicate that it is an online degree on my diploma and transcript?

No. Your transcripts and diploma will reflect your University of Minnesota degree and will not indicate that the degree was obtained online. The diploma is signed by the chancellor of the campus your degree is awarded from.

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.

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.