Gonzaga Online Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I complete my online master's degree through internet courses?
• How many students are typically in an online course?
• Who will be teaching my classes?
• What type of support services will I receive?
• How long does it take to complete a program?
• Is there a residency requirement with the Gonzaga online programs?
• Is the tuition for online courses the same as for campus courses?
• The online courses are eight weeks in length, while the campus courses are 14 weeks. Are they the same courses in terms of content?
• How do I purchase my textbooks and other course materials if I am an online student?
• I want to enroll in courses; what's my next step?
• HELP! What if I experience problems accessing Blackboard, or while I'm in the online Blackboard environment?

 

Can I complete my online master's degree through internet courses?

Courses leading to the completion of our master's programs will be available online. Online courses are offered on a unique eight-week class schedule, as opposed to the campus 15-week class schedule.

Back to FAQs

 

How many students are typically in an online course?

Typically 20 students are in a course and the class is split into two discussion groups of 10 each. We keep our classes small to allow more one-on-one time with individual students.

Back to FAQs

 

Who will be teaching my classes?

Every online class is designed by Gonzaga faculty and instructors with doctoral degrees. Each class is taught by faculty who have either a Ph.D. or a Master's degree and years of work experience in their profession.

Back to FAQs

 

What type of support services will I receive?

We offer layers of support to our students. Earning your degree online can seem daunting. That is why we have set-up different layers of support to help you every step of the way.

We’re here to help you succeed. Our student’s support system:

• 24/7 Tech Support
• Academic Support from Faculty
• Student Services Support
• Program Manager

Back to FAQs

 

How long does it take to complete a program?

Typically a graduate student, taking 6 credits per semester (two courses) could complete a program within 24 months. If you are able to add additional credits in any given period, you could graduate within 18 months.

If you have taken graduate level course previously, but have not yet completed a graduate degree, you may be able to transfer those credits into the program. Below please find the Gonzaga University 2008-2009 Graduate Catalogue stipulations for transferring in graduate credit.

Graduate students may transfer credits into their program with the approval of their Program Director, the Dean of the students program, and the Registrar’s Office. A maximum of 1/5 of program credits (usually 6 semester credits for graduates, 12 credits for doctoral) may be transferred.

Course work must be distinctively graduate level by the transfer institution and must have been taken within the last five years. A minimum grade of a B (P grades must be defined as B or better) must be earned. Courses previously applied to a degree are not transferable to the student current program. It is important to note that all credits are converted to semester credits and are awarded after signatures have been obtained.

Back to FAQs

 

Is the tuition for online courses the same as for campus courses?

Yes. Courses leading to a degree of online Master's are the same in content regardless of the medium used to deliver them; the same faculty; and, access to the Foley Center Library is equivalent both for those who live in Spokane and those who live outside our geographic area.

Back to FAQs

 

Is there a residency requirement with the Gonzaga online programs?

For both the Master of Arts in Organizaitonal Leadership and Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership, you are required to come to campus for one three-day weekend as part of one of your course requirements. The Master of Science in Nursing program has a residency requirement, but it varies depending on the concentration you choose. Call (866) 295-3105 to discuss the details of the residency requirement for your program of choice with an Admissions Advisor today.

Back to FAQs

 

The online courses are eight weeks in length, while the campus courses are 15 weeks. Are they the same courses in terms of content?

The online delivery of each course is offered over an eight-week schedule, with each course divided into four two-week-long learning modules.

Each learning module is developed around content competencies, and organizes the students’ work around readings, teacher presentations, films, mentor statements, and an on-going discussion among the students and the teacher. After doing the work outlined for each two-week module, students show evidence of mastery of the competencies through some means determined by the teacher (e.g., a paper).

Students who complete the work for an eight-week course in the online environment are required to accomplish the same type and amount of work that they would have been required to do for a more traditional fifteen-week course: both the eight-week online version and the fifteen-week face-to-face version are worth three graduate semester credits.

Back to FAQs

 

How do I purchase my textbooks and other course materials if I am an online student?

You may choose to buy new or used books from the Gonzaga University bookstore, from Amazon.com, from Textbooks.com, Barnes and Noble.com, or from your preferred bookstore. The Gonzaga University Bookstore's website (http://www.bookstore.gonzaga.edu) allows you to see what materials are required for each course you are taking, and to order used or new books online, which are then directly shipped to you.

Some of the textbooks and/or other course materials you used for a course will only be used for that course; other materials may be useful beyond one course.

Back to FAQs

 

I want to enroll in courses; what's my next step?

Step One: In order to apply to become a graduate student with Gonzaga University Online, please complete the online application or call (866) 295-3105 to call with an Admissions Advisor.

Step Two: After submitting your application and the required application fee, you'll need to send the following materials:

1. Official transcripts of all college work
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Official Test Scores, (GRE, GMAT, MAT or LSAT)
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Resume

Step Three: After being accepted into the program as a graduate student, you will be issued the following:

1. A Gonzaga e-mail address.
2. Blackboard access username and password (the same as your e-mail username and password); and
3. Zagweb access username and password.

Eventually, you will use the Zagweb username and password to register for your courses online. If you are a "brand-new" student, however, we can help you get registered for your first set of courses.

Step Four: Once you are registered for your courses, you need to make arrangements to pay tuition. We will help put you in touch with the Student Accounts and Financial Aid offices when you reach this point of the application process.

Step Five: Enjoy being a graduate student at Gonzaga University. Go Zags!

Back to FAQs

 

HELP! What if I experience problems accessing Blackboard, or while I’m in the online Blackboard environment?

Not to worry! If you find that you have a problem accessing Blackboard online or, once in Blackboard, have a problem accessing documents or the "virtual classroom," simply call us for help. Any time you need technical assistance while a Gonzaga Online student, call the 24/7 help desk at (866) 748-1155.

Back to FAQs