Strayer University: Distance Learning Programs In-Depth

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STRAYER UNIVERSITY

Strayer University Online
Newington, Virginia


Distance Learning Program

Strayer University Online offers both real-time (synchronous) and time-independent (asynchronous) online courses.

Synchronous, or real-time, courses meet on the same day and time each week. Students and their professor are all online at the same time, engaging in a lively and interactive classroom environment. Students can access these courses from wherever they have access to the Internet but must attend the regularly scheduled class meetings.

Asynchronous courses are not held in real-time. Instead, students and faculty members log in throughout the week, downloading new course materials and uploading assignments and responses while maintaining a high level of interaction with classmates and the professor.

Delivery Media

The following is a list of the minimal hardware and software recommended for participation in Strayer University Online classes: a 300-MHz processor (Pentium II equivalent or higher) with Windows '98, Microsoft Office '97 Professional Edition (or more recent version), a 128-KB L2 Cache (laptop) or 512-KB L2 Cache (desktop), 64 MB of memory, a 4-GB hard drive, a 12.1-inch SVGA TFT display (laptop) or larger (desktop), a 1.44-MB floppy drive, 2 MB of video memory, a 24X (laptop) or 40X (desktop) CD-ROM drive, a 56-K PCMCIA modem with fax capability, a 10/100 Ethernet network card (laptop only), and an integrated microphone and speakers.

Programs of Study

Degree programs available online include the 54-credit Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Health Services Administration (M.H.S.A.), Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in communications technology, information systems, management information systems, and professional accounting. Executive graduate certificate programs are offered in business administration, computer information systems, and professional accounting. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs (180 credits) in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, computer networking, database technology, economics, international business, and internetworking technology and Associate in Arts (A.A.) programs (90 credits) in accounting, acquisition and contract management, business administration, computer information systems, computer networking, database technology, economics, general studies, internetworking technology, and marketing are available.

There are also diploma programs in accounting, acquisition and contract management, computer information systems, internetworking technology, network security, and Web development. Undergraduate certificate programs are offered in accounting, business administration, and computer information systems.

Courses are taught on the quarter system, and each course provides 4.5 credit hours. Associate in Arts degree programs require twenty courses, or 90 hours, to complete. B.S. degrees require forty courses, or 180 hours. M.S. degrees require twelve courses, or 54 hours, to complete.

Each degree program has a business component and a major component. The undergraduate programs also have liberal arts/general studies and an elective component.

Student Services

Applications for federal financial aid, the Strayer Education Loan (a low-interest loan program), and scholarships are available online. Students may register for classes through the Web site or by telephone. In addition, library resources, other learning resources, and career-development services are available online.

Strayer University, founded in 1892, has more than 110 years of experience educating working adults. Currently, more than 23,000 students, most of whom work full-time, are enrolled at Strayer University. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in technology and business-oriented programs. Strayer University has thirty-four campuses located in the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Strayer University is a subsidiary of Strayer Education, Inc., a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on the NASDAQ market (STRA). Each year since 1998, Strayer Education has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the "200 Best Small Companies in America."

Credit Options

Students who have attended other educational institutions may receive transfer credit or advanced standing in Strayer's degree and diploma programs. College credit may be awarded for CLEP and DANTES tests, certain training received in the military, or prior work/life learning demonstrated through portfolio preparation. The required number of credits taken in residence, online or on campus, is 36 for a master's degree, 54 for a bachelor's degree, 27 for an associate degree, and 31.5 for a diploma.

Faculty

Strayer University has more than 130 full-time and more than 720 part-time faculty members. Of these, more than 290 teach for Strayer University Online.

Admission

Students who apply to undergraduate degree programs must provide certification of high school graduation or the equivalent. For admission to graduate degree programs, students must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2005 academic year, tuition for graduate courses is $342 per credit hour. Full-time undergraduate students (13.5 credits or more) pay $256 per credit hour, and part-time undergraduate students pay $270 per credit hour.

Financial Aid

Students may apply online for financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be accessed on the Web at http://www.strayer.edu. Students may apply for the following grants, loans, and scholarships: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Direct Loan Programs, Federal Work-Study Program, Strayer University Education Loan Program, and Strayer University Scholarships.

CONTACT

Strayer University Online
P.O. Box 487
Newington, Virginia 22122
Phone: 866-344-3286 (toll-free)
Fax: 703-339-1852
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://petersons.strayer.edu

Applying

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and can be accessed online at http://www.strayer.edu. There is a $70 application fee.

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