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UCM Online Education - Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about UCM Online. Check out these frequently asked questions.

 

Prospective Students  

Am I ready for an online degree?

Check out our link to see if you're ready for online courses here.  

 

Which degrees are offered online at the University of Central Missouri

I started my degree years ago. Can I complete it online?

Possibly. This depends on how many credits you have earned and if your degree program is offered online.  Please click here to see.

I have questions about a certain online program, who do I contact?

You may contact Online and Learning Engagement at ucmole@ucmo.edu, 660-543-4984. If you have more specific questions regarding a program, we recommend that you contact the program coordinator.

How do I apply for an online degree? For which term can I be admitted?

If you are interested in one of our undergraduate programs, you will apply with Undergraduate Admissions. If you are interested in one of our graduate and post-graduate programs, you will apply with the Graduate School. There is a $30 non-refundable fee associated with the application and you will be asked to send in all official transcripts from previous institutions from which you have received credit. You will indicate on the application which semester and year you would like to begin taking classes.

I want to complete DESE certification, what do I do?

To obtain DESE certification, first you must obtain the list of approved courses provided by DESE for your certification plan. If you need help getting this list, you may contact the Certification Office at 660-543-8441. Once you know the classes needed for your certification plan, contact our office at 660-543-4984.

I'm transferring from another institution, can I transfer my previous credits toward an online degree?

Possibly. UCM offers a course equivalency chart to see what courses will satisfy UCM's requirements. If you are transferring graduate-level credits, the Graduate School will accept nine or less credit hours.

 

Is an online degree the same as a degree earned in the classroom?

Yes, online programs are equivalent to on-campus degree programs, generally with the same instructors, program requirements, and curriculum. Online courses require the same amount of work and dedication as classroom-based courses, but are often more self-paced.

How much do online courses cost? What if I'm not a Missouri resident?

Please visit UCM's Online Cost page.  Whether you're in-state or out-of-state, online students pay the same online tution rate.

Can I use financial aid toward an online course or an online degree?

Yes, the online classes you take to meet the academic requirements of your UCM degree program qualify you for financial assistance.

How can I get financial aid for my online degree program?

Detailed information on applying for and receiving financial aid at UCM may be found here.

 

Will I ever have to come to campus?

Possibly. Courses that are designated as hybrid will require face-to-face meetings or require you to take a test on campus. That information can be found in the course description for the course when you enroll. Also for undergraduate online students, not all of our general education courses are offered online.

 Current Students

What is my UCM Student ID Number (700 number)

Your UCM Student ID number is the number we identify you with here at UCM. It is very important that you learn this number, as you will use it to access your MyCentral account. You'll hear several offices around campus refer to this as your "700 number." Once you've been fully admitted to UCM, you will receive an email from our Technology Support Center giving you this number.  You can also retrieve your student ID number here. 

What is MyCentral?

MyCentral is a very important student account. It allows you to add/drop courses, purchase textbooks, pay your bill, and request transcripts. Once you've been admitted to UCM, you will receive an email from our Technology Support Center giving you access to MyCentral. If you have questions for navigating MyCentral, contact Online and Learning Engagement at 660-543-4984 or extstudies@ucmo.edu. If you're experiencing problems logging on, contact the Technology Support Center at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is the learning management system UCM uses to deliver online courses.  If you have questions for navigating MyCentral, contact Online and Learning Engagement at 660-543-4984 or extstudies@ucmo.edu. If you're experiencing problems logging on, contact the Technology Support Center at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu.

How do I pay for my online course?

You will need to log on to your MyCentral account, click "Student" on the left-hand navigation, and then click "Student Financial Services." You have the option of paying with a debit card, credit card, or an electronic check. You can find more information about payments here.  

Where do I find the textbooks I need for class?

You will need to log on to your MyCentral account, click the "Student" on the left-hand navigation, and then click "Records and Registration."  Scroll down to find a box labeled "Registration" and click "Order Textbooks" then click "Select Term" this will lead you to your UCM Bookstore account and will list all course materials that will be needed for your courses.    

How can I access Blackboard and my student email?

If you are a newly admitted student, you will not gain access to the Google/Network accounts until you have enrolled in a course. Once that occurs, you will receive an email from the Technology Support Center providing you with all the necessary information. If you are not newly admitted, please contact the TSC Office at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu.  You can also log in to each account through Campus Links (top right of any UCM website page).

Will online courses count toward my major or general education requirements?

Online courses are fully equivalent to on-campus courses. You need to speak to your advisor to ensure the courses you plan to take will meet the requirements of your major and general education requirements. Always check with your advisor before registering and paying for any course, online, or on campus.

Can all general education courses be completed online?

UCM does not offer all general education courses online, but for each section of the general education requirements, there are usually several online course options.

How many courses can I take per semester?

Undergraduate students may take a maximum of 18 hours during the fall and spring semester. To be considered full time, a student must have 12 or more hours. Graduate students may take a maximum of 16 hours during the fall and spring semester, and a maximum of 12 hours during the entire summer semester. Full-time graduate students take nine or more credit hours.

Can I access the UCM Library without coming to campus?

Yes. You can access the library resources here.

 

Taking a Class Online

How can I find out which courses are offered online?

You can access the list of courses offered each semester through your MyCentral. Make sure to look for a schedule type and campus type as online or ONL. You can also view the public schedule here.  

 

How can I find out more about a course?

If you’re looking for a course description, please refer to either the undergraduate or graduate catalog here. If you’re looking for a syllabus, please contact the instructor of the course directly.

 

When is the registration period for online courses?

Registration for an online course depends on the semester.  Please click here to see the Registrar's enrollment schedule.

Are online courses self-paced?

Online courses follow the same 8- or 16- week schedule as on-campus courses, but you can complete your course without having daily face-to-face meeting times. Coursework, deadlines, tests, and research papers all apply to online classes. The difference is when. You decide when it is convenient for you to log in to class, if you are sitting at your computer at 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., the choice is yours.

How Do I enroll in a course?

Log in to your MyCentral account, click "Student" on the left-hand navigation, and then choose "Records and Registration." From there, you should see your student profile. Underneath the student picture, click on "Registration and Planning" From there, click "Register for Classes." Please remember to speak to your advisor to ensure the courses you plan to take will meet the requirements of your major and general education requirements.

What do I do if I have forgotten my UCM ID number and/or password?

If you are a newly admitted student, you will receive an email from the Technology Support Center letting you know what your ID number and password are. If you are not a newly admitted student, we recommend that you please contact the TSC Office at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu.

How can I access my student email?

If you are a newly admitted student, you will not gain access to the Google/Network accounts until you have enrolled in a course. Once this occurs, you will receive an email from the Technology Support Center providing you with all the necessary information. If you are not newly admitted, we recommend that you please contact the TSC Office at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu.

What If I don't see my course on Blackboard?

Most courses are not made available until 24 hours before the start date. If you're having this issue, contact us and we will notify your instructor at 660-543-4984 or extstudies@ucmo.edu.

I've dropped a class and still see it on Blackboard; did I drop the class properly?

More than likely, yes.  If you drop a course after the semester starts, it will still remain on your Blackboard account. If you would like to verify that you withdrew from a course, you may contact us at 660-543-4984 or extstudies@ucmo.edu.

How much work can I expect from an online course?

Online courses require the same amount of work and dedication as classroom-based courses, but are often more self-paced.

What do I do if I am having technical problems?

Contact the Technology Support Center at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu.

Do I have to use a computer on campus to access my online course?

No, you may access your online courses from any computer with a high-speed Internet connection anywhere in the world.

How do I know if my computer will work with the Learning Management System?

Blackboard is not always compatible with all Internet browsers. If you are having trouble, click here for a browser check.

 

What happens if my computer crashes or I close the browser while using Blackboard?

If your computer crashes or you close out of the browser, try signing in again to continue. If you still have trouble contact the Technology Support Center at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu. If you were taking a test or quiz, also, email your instructor and let them know.

What should I do if the system is taking a long time to load?

First, be patient. Some computers and connections are faster than others depending on a computer's specific capabilities and connection speeds. Try closing the browser and signing in again. If problems persist, contact the Technology Support Center at 660-543-4357 or tsc@ucmo.edu.

 General Questions

What is Online and Learning Engagement?

Online and Learning Engagement is the gateway to all of the university's digital and educational offerings, from online credit courses to personal and professional development opportunities, available anytime, anywhere.  For more information, click here.

Who can I contact?

For general questions about online courses/programs or how to access your student accounts, contact Online and Learning Engagement at extstudies@ucmo.edu, 660-543-4984.

Which degree programs are offered online at UCM?

Please visit UCM Online’s Program page.

Are there professional development or personal enrichment courses available in my field?

Yes, please visit the Professional Education page.

Is an online degree the same as a degree earned in the classroom?

Yes, online programs are equivalent to on-campus degree programs, generally with the same instructors, program requirements, and curriculum.

How much work can I expect from an online course?

Online courses require the same amount of work and dedication as classroom-based courses, but are often more self-paced.

 

Will my diploma and transcript reflect that I received an online degree from the University of Central Missouri?

 No, your transcripts and diploma will only reflect your UCM degree.  It will not indicate that the degree was obtained online.

How much do online courses cost?

Please visit UCM Online’s Cost page.  Whether you're in-state or out-of-state, online students pay the same only tuition rate.

Can I use financial aid toward an online course or online degree?

 Yes, the online classes you take to meet the academic requirements of your UCM degree program qualify you for financial assistance. Detailed information about applying for and receiving financial aid at UCM may be found here.

What are the technology requirements to take an online course?

 You will need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, an updated version of a web browser, and access to common tools and software such as a word processors, email, etc. Some courses may have other software or technology requirements, as well.

What computer skills do I need to take an online course?

 You should be familiar with email and how to open and attach documents. You should also know how to use word processing to create, edit, save and retrieve documents. Please see our Online Compatibility Assessment to assess your technology skills.

I have questions about a certain online program, who do I contact?

You may contact Online and Learning Engagement at extstudies@ucmo.edu, 660-543-4984.  If you have more specific questions regarding a program, we recommend that you contact the program coordinator.

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