ETSU Online offers 16 online or mostly online bachelor’s degree programs. Ranging from Social Work to Surveying and Mapping to Management, most students can find their path through ETSU Online.
ETSU’s Online Specialists serve as a connector between prospective students and ETSU academic advisors, professors, and program coordinators. One of their primary roles is to help students with introductory and general information about programs and outline the necessary steps to enrollment. When students are searching for the school and program that fits them best, being able to find the needed information can help reduce confusion throughout the process. Check out the info below, provided by Lindsey Campbell, ETSU Online Specialist.
How is the online learning experience structured?
At ETSU Online, we try to offer a general expectation of what online learning looks like. Though exact experience will vary by program, the general expectation is that students will not have to come to campus to complete their degree. This is done primarily through online coursework, which may be asynchronous or synchronous, with a few programs requiring field work experiences. See below for more information about each type of course!
Asynchronous Courses
These online classes don’t meet at scheduled times. Nearly all work is completed independently through ETSU’s learning system, Desire2Learn (D2L) platform. This is the most common format, and students can expect the majority of all coursework to be asynchronous. In many programs, coursework is exclusively asynchronous!
Synchronous Courses
These online classes require students to log in at designated times from a computer. Sessions may be held live through tools like Zoom or Panopto. Using a webcam and microphone allow for full interaction with instructors and classmates. Recordings are typically available for review afterward. Students are encouraged to check the course details and contact the department or instructor with any questions about meeting expectations.
Field Work, Internships, and Practicums
Some programs include required fieldwork or other in-person components. You’ll find details about these requirements in the FAQs on each online program’s webpage. If the information isn’t listed, we can connect you with an academic advisor who can explain what is required. For programs that include fieldwork or in-person experiences, students typically complete their coursework online and then fulfill the field work requirements at a location close to where they live, so students do not have to come to campus or even Johnson City to complete what is needed.
Are online students assigned academic advisors?
Yes! Online students have access to the same resources and guidance as their on-campus classmates. A good place to start is by submitting an inquiry form to request more information. That form comes to me and Sam Counts, the online specialists. An advisor also gets a notification. Then, we do our best to answer any comments that were submitted with the form. If we can’t answer your question, we will connect you with an advisor who will be able to provide program-specific information in detail.
When you decide to apply, you will be assigned an advisor based on the major you choose! From there, you can continue to reach out to your advisor as needed. You will meet with them either before, during, or after orientation to register for classes. Don’t worry! There is an online orientation available for online students.
Each semester, your advisor will be available to discuss your academic progress, course schedule, and any other pertinent information. Advisors are an awesome resource! Make sure to take advantage of their services and guidance to keep you on the right track toward completing your degree.
What is the process for enrolling, registering for classes, and getting technical support before my program begins?
As an online student, you are in good company. Many ETSU students enroll in at least one online course each semester! You can join the community of ETSU learners by following the steps below.
- Submit an inquiry form.
- Get connected with a program advisor if you have program-specific questions (not transcript reviews).
- Apply through ETSU Undergraduate Admissions. An admissions counselor will be available to help you along the way. (This is also the step in which your transcripts will be reviewed.)
- Apply for financial aid. (Check out this Financial Aid Treasure Map for a step-by-step guide to the financial aid process!)
- Complete orientation.
- Meet with an advisor to select and register for classes.
- Enroll in payment plan or pay in full.
- Order textbooks and materials.
- Start classes. Do awesome. Repeat!
- Graduate!
