Online Degree Program
FAQs
Program Information
- Is the SAA Online Program accredited?
- Do the classes "meet" at a certain time during the week?
- How many classes will I need to take?
- Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
- How long does it take to complete the SAA program?
- Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
- What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
- Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
- Do I ever need to come on campus?
- Are there any travel requirements?
- Do I ever get credit for work experience?
- How does the online program differ from the on-campus program?
- What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
- What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
- What is your job placement rate?
- I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Admission/Enrollment
- What are your admission requirements?
- What do I need to do to apply to the program?
- When is the application deadline?
- Will you only admit students once per year?
- Do I have to take the GRE?
- Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs?
- Is there an enrollment limit?
- I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Financial
- How much does the program cost?
- Who is eligible for financial aid?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- Can I get a Graduate Assistantship as an online student?
- I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Technology
- I have never taken an Internet class. How do I know I can do this?
- Is it all really online?
- How do we take tests?
- Are the Internet classes self-paced?
- What technology do I use?
- What do I do if I have trouble with my computer?
Program Information
Is the SAA Online Program accredited?
Yes! The SAA On-Campus program meets North Central Association (NCA) accreditation standards and the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) requirements. We received final approval for our Online program from UW-System in April, 2007,and have now been granted accreditation approval from the Higher Learning Commission as well (as of October 23, 2007).
Do the classes "meet" at a certain time during
the week?
No, the classes are taught asynchronously (ie… where the teacher and learner
are not physically at the same place at the same time). Students work with
materials either on their own or in discussion groups. They interact
directly with each other and with their faculty typically through email,
threaded discussions and discussion boards. All readings, work sessions,
assignments and other tasks are pre-set and monitored on a continuous basis.
Written and discussion assignments have deadlines and are submitted online. Exams and quizzes are taken online as well.
Instructors provide feedback and grading information online in addition to being available via email or by a phone call.
How many classes will I need to take?
The SAA Onlinge program will consist of 12 courses at 3 credits each. Students must complete a 3-credit internship experience (210 hours) although this can be waived if the student has student affairs-related professional work experience. Thus, you will earn 39 credits for graduation (or 36 credits if the internship is waived). Note: new students start their classes in mid-May, not in the fall.
Am I required to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
No. However, you will be required to complete an “Applied Project (AP)” during your final two semesters. It is expected that the AP will have a practical application to your current work setting. You will be enrolled in an "Applied Research" and "AP" course to guide you through this process. Your advisor will also play a consultant role in the development and implementation of your AP.
How long does it take to complete the SAA program?
You can graduate in two years by participating in an intense program that includes two courses in every semester (including summers) all the way through the program. The first class starts in May and two-year students will graduate in May two years later. In your first year, each course lasts seven weeks and there are two courses offered per semester. Your second year is focused on the AP process. In the fall of your second year, you will be enrolled in the APand Applied Research course together for the full 14 weeks. Similarly, that final spring semester involves enrollment in the APand Capstone courses which span the full 14 weeks as well. The Capstone course includes attending a national conference with your classmates!
Students who need more flexibility or a slightly less intense pace can opt for a three-year plan. In the three-year plan, students take the first course of each semester their first year and then the second course of the semester in their second year. The third year involves the AP process as described above.
Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
You have seven years from the start of your first course to complete your degree, however, we would encourage you to stay within the 2 or 3-year plan.
What happens if I drop out for a semester or two?
If you drop out for a semester, you must notify the Program Director and will need to apply to the Graduate School for re-entry.
Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
Yes, you will be required to attend a national conference with your classmates as part of your Capstone course in your final semester. For example, the online class of 2009 is already looking forward to attending NASPA in Seattle in March of 2009!
Do I ever need to come on campus?
No, however we would enjoy seeing you at the commencement ceremony!
Are there any travel requirements?
Yes, the Capstone course will require travel to a national conference. This will occur in your final semester and will include spending time with your classmates to share your Applied Projects.
Do I ever get credit for work experience?
Yes, there is a 3-credit internship requirement that can be waived if the student has one year of student affairs-related work experience or equivalent. Waiver applications can be obtained from the Program Director and will require faculty approval.
How does the online program differ from the on-campus program?
The Online program will have a different curriculum because it is geared towards individuals currently working in a higher education setting.The Online program will involve an Applied Project rather than a thesis or comprehensive exam. In addition, the Online program involves a different course sequence and format.
What resources does UWL provide to help me as I go through the program?
You will have access to all the resources that our on-campus students have including library services, advising, job search, etc. Tech support is provided by UWL's Instructional Technology (IT) staff and by Learning Innovations from UW-System. Students will receive more information about the resources available once they have been admitted to the program.
What types of jobs are available for graduates of the program?
Students in our program have found jobs in all aspects of student affairs in higher education. This includes positions in Admissions, Advising, Residence Life, Career Services, Multicultural Services, Student Centers and Student Unions, Financial Aid, Registrars Offices, Dean of Students Offices, Internatinal Education and more.
What is your job placement rate?
Our graduating class of 15 students from the spring of 2006 had a 100 percent job placement in student affairs positions in higher education settings. The graduating class of 2007 has had similar success with their job searches.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.
Admission/Enrollment
What are your admission requirements?
We hope to attract individuals already working in student affairs positions in university or technical colleges for our Online program. The requirements are as follows:
- Complete a Graduate School application
- Complete the SAA Online Program Application
- Submit a writing sample
- Submit a resume
- Submit 2 letters of recommendation and the names and contact numbers of 2 additional references
- Submit a personal data form, interviews may be conducted as needed.
- You must have a 2.85 minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to the Graduate School.
Note: taking the GRE is not a requirement for admission to our program. Also, you do not need a specific undergraduate degree to be admitted to our program.
What do I need to do to apply to the program?
Please visit the How to Apply page.
When is the application deadline?
February 15th. We start accepting applications on January 1st.
Will you only admit students once per year?
Yes, although that may change in the future depending upon student interest and faculty workload. Students who meed the February 15th deadline and are admitted to the program will start classes in May. If you have missed the deadline but would be interested in taking a course as a "special student," please contact the Program Director for more information. You can take up to 9 graduate credits as a "special student" although this does not guarantee admission to the program.
Do I have to take the GRE?
No, it is not required for admission to our program.
Do you accept any graduate credits from other programs?
Depending on the coursework, you may be able to transfer nine credits from other graduate programs. All transfer credits must be approved by the SAA faculty. For a course to be considered for transfer credits, the course must relate to a course in the SAA curriculum.
Is there an enrollment limit?
Each cohort group will include 15-20 students. We plan to start a new cohort group once per year in May. Please note that our Online cohort groups start in May rather than the "traditional" start-up in the fall of the academic year.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.
Financial
How much does the program cost?
For the 2007-08 academic year, tuition is $475 per credit plus a $75 per credit technology fee for a total of $550 per credit. Therefore, a 3-credit course costs a total of $1650 and 2 courses cost $3300. The cost is the same for everyone regardless of where you live. We are hopeful that this cost will remain the same for the following year as well although the UW System budget situation could result in a slight increase in cost.
Who is eligible for financial aid?
You must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits) to be eligible for financial aid. Thus, Online students who choose the three-year option will not be eligiblefor financial aid for the first two years because they take 3 credits per semester.
How do I apply for financial aid?
You will need to complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor listed on the FAFSA or complete FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov . For specific information, please refer to our Financial Info page.
Can I get a Graduate Assistantship as an Online student?
No, graduate assistantships are only available for students in the on-campus program.
I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Please contact us if you still have questions. Contact us.
Technology
I have never taken an Internet class. How do I know I can do this?
Participating in an online program requires great organizational skills and the willingness to participate in a "new" world of learning. If you have the skills to be looking at this website, you'll have the basic technology skills needed to be in our online classes and probably learn a few more. A system check is provided to help you determine if your equipment is adequate for successful navigation through an Internet class. Click here for the system check.
Is it all really online?
Yes, it is.
How do we take tests?
All exams are taken online with a designated time frame for completion.
Are the Internet classes self-paced?
This is not an independent program and each class works together through the courses. You will need to keep pace with the class as facilitated by the instructor. For example, you will have deadlines for participating in discussions and submitting assignments. Missing deadlines for participating in discussions would be similar to missing class in a traditional on-campus program. The flexibility is found in your ability to access the class weekly and complete the coursework at any time of the day or night.
What technology do I use?
Please refer to the Technology page for specific information about technology requirements.
What do I do if I have trouble with my computer?
We offer 24 hour technical support. Call 1-877-724-7883 toll free or email the technical support personnel at techsupport@learn.uwsa.edu . Technical support staff is available daily with the exception of 1-6 am CST. If you are experiencing difficulties during that time after trying automated assistance, kindly leave an email message and a technical support staff member will contact you soon after 6 am.