Northern Arizona University: Distance Learning Programs In-Depth

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NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

Distance Learning
Flagstaff, Arizona


Distance Learning Program

With more than twenty-five years of experience, NAU offers a growing number of programs in a range of venues, including Web-based learning opportunities. Convenient and comprehensive, this format provides students greater flexibility and options for earning a degree from an accredited university.

Delivery Media

NAU offers a variety of formats for distance learning students that includes the latest technological advances. Through NAU, video-conferencing connects rural and urban areas alike. DISH network, satellite broadcasting, and high-speed Internet access allow NAU to deploy the latest technology to deliver higher-education opportunities across traditional social and geographic boundaries. All delivery methods allow the instructors and students to interact via e-mail or online chat rooms. Textbooks and materials are available through the NAU bookstore.

Programs of Study

Dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education, NAU offers the same accredited degree via distance learning technology as the degree awarded on the NAU campus, holding all students and faculty members to the same standards of excellence. NAU currently offers the following programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (B.A.I.L.S.) degree, with emphases in arts and letters, enterprise in society, parks and recreation management, and public agency service; the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree in computer technology, early childhood education, health promotion, and public agency service; the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in health promotion, hotel and restaurant management, and parks and recreation management; the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree in career and technical education; the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.) degree-completion program; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree, an RN to B.S.N. program; the Master of Administration (M.Admin.) degree; the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in applied communication; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in mathematics; the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in career and technical education, educational technology, and elementary education; the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree; endorsements in English as a second language, middle school, and reading; and certificates in educational technology, international tourism management, parks and recreation management, professional writing, public management, and restaurant management. Each of these programs of study was developed based on student needs.

Special Programs

A member of the Arizona Regents University, NAU works in conjunction with Arizona State University and the University of Arizona to offer students access to courses and degrees not offered by NAU. Students select a home campus through which they receive all services, including registration. Students may earn credit from all three institutions, which transfers to degree programs at any one of the three universities.

Western Governors University (WGU) is an online university offering Web-based classes from a variety of educational institutions in sixteen states, Guam, and Canada. NAU is a provider of classes for WGU. Students enrolled in these classes are considered non-degree-seeking for NAU purposes, though they may be earning a degree from WGU. Students pay 1½ times in-state tuition.

Established in 1899, Northern Arizona University (NAU) has maintained a tradition of excellence over the past century, through its commitment to providing quality academic programs, a wide range of majors, personalized services, and close faculty-student interaction. With thirty campus locations throughout Arizona and a growing number of online programs, NAU serves approximately 19,000 students from all fifty states and sixty-three countries. An integral part of NAU's mission, distance learning is recognized nationally and internationally for its outstanding programs in education, the health professions, the hospitality professions, forestry management, and more. Long-standing community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff members, continued new-program development to meet market demand, powerful technology, and a philosophy of "expand on demand" create a unique, progressive learning environment.

Student Services

NAU distance learning students are provided electronic access to academic records, enrollment, online research through Cline Library, and other online student services. Academic advising is available to distance students either online or through NAU's toll-free number. Students who do not have a computer and live in Arizona can complete their classes at one of the twenty-five NAU statewide computer labs.

Credit Options

To be eligible for financial aid, students must be admitted to a degree or certification program. Classes may be taken for audit or professional development credit; however, space may be limited due to for-credit student demand. Most classes are evaluated with a letter grade, but some classes are offered on a pass-fail basis. These classes are outlined in the current NAU undergraduate and graduate catalogs.

Faculty

All distance learning instructors are faculty members, 80 percent of whom hold a doctorate or other terminal degree in their field. All faculty members have continued involvement within their fields of expertise.

Admission

NAU has a rolling admissions policy.

Tuition and Fees

Nonresident students taking only Web or satellite courses are eligible for a special reduced tuition rate of 1½ times in-state tuition. The graduate degree- or certificate-seeking applicants pay a $50 admission fee. The non-degree-seeking or readmitting applicants pay a $25 admission fee. The undergraduate application fee is $25 for U.S. citizens and legal residents and $50 for international students. Some classes may have additional fees attached (students should see the online course catalog for those fees).

Financial Aid

NAU maintains an extensive financial assistance program. The amount of financial aid awarded to students is based upon their need as computed from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students requiring financial aid or other benefits must comply with policies and deadlines.

CONTACT

Distance Learning
Northern Arizona University
P.O. Box 4117
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001-4117
Phone: 800-426-8315 (toll-free)
Fax: 928-523-1169
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.distance.nau.edu

Applying

Undergraduate applicants must provide transcripts from high school and all higher education institutions attended. Graduate applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and provide transcripts of college course work. Students should refer to the NAU catalog for specific program requirements.

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