Distance Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Dakota State College of Science accredited?

Yes, NDSCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Where is North Dakota State College of Science located?

Our main campus is located in Southeastern North Dakota, 45 miles south of Fargo. We do have outreach sites in Fargo and provide satellite programming to other communities in the region.

How much does it cost to take an online course?

Tuition and Fees - Online tuition and fees are $176 per credit for the 2008-09 college year, excluding books, supplies, software, course and program fees, as applicable.

Students in some programs are charged additional program fees for each credit taken while in that program. This information is listed at the NDSCS Online "Financial Info" Web site.

Do I have to live in North Dakota?

No. You can live anywhere and take online courses through NDSCS as long as you have Internet access and required software.

Can non-US citizens take courses?

Anyone 16 or older can take courses through NDSCS, regardless of citizenship. However, individual courses or degree programs may have requirements for specific educational background. Please refer to the course catalog to see specific requirements.

What does it cost for for out-of-state students?

Out-of-state residents are not charged a different rate for online classes. However, classes that are not online will be charged based upon the student's state of residency.

For example, the Health Information Technician program requirements include two practicums that are NOT online classes so out-of-state tuition will apply. Minnesota students may complete a reciprocity application for lower tuition rates. Out-of-state students will pay the tuition rate according to their state/country of residence.

Do I need books for online classes?

Books are needed for online class and can be ordered from the NDSCS Bookstore by calling 1-800-342-4325, ext 2239 or from the Online Bookstore. Costs of books and supplies will vary by course.

Will my books be sent to me automatically?

Books must be ordered by the student. They are not sent out automatically to students enrolled in online classes. Books can be ordered by contacting the NDSCS bookstore at 1-800-342-4325 ext. 3-2239 or email Coleen.Thoe@ndscs.nodak.edu. Your order will be taken over the phone and books will be shipped directly to you for your convenience. Allow enough time for books to arrive so you have them when the semester starts.

Will my books be sent to me automatically?

Do I need high speed Internet for online classes or will dial-up work?

We recommend you have high speed Internet service for online classes. Dial-up services are much slower and more restrictive in bandwith so videos and other multi-media are not able to be played properly. If you are unable to get high speed, you need to find a location in your community to view the media components. You can see additional technical requirements at the "Technical Info" Web site.

Can I start a course at any time?

No, NDSCS online courses follow the same Academic Calendar start/stop dates as traditional on-campus courses. They are not designed to be work-at-your-own-pace/independent study courses but rather work-at-your-own-time. Students do not have to login at specifics days or times of day; however, instructors do set deadlines for assignments, exams, and projects to be submitted so students should log into classes frequently to keep up with assignments, announcements, etc. Online education allows flexibility to study at times more convenient for students who may work full-time days and can do homework evenings and weekends. Refer to the Academic Calendar to see semester start and end dates as well as final days to add and drop classes and tuition refund schedules.

How much work is there in a typical course?

This will vary by student and by course. A traditional "face-to-face" course will involve a minimum of three hours per credit. Therefore a student enrolled in one three-credit class online should allow approximately nine hours per week to do th e required course work. A student enrolled in 12 credits should allow approximately 36 hours per week to do the required course work.

Also, online classes could require more time because the student works very independently to acquire the information normally presented in a classroom setting. It is important to establish a good study routine so you don't fall behind in your class assignments.

How do I apply for admission?

Apply for admission by going to www.ndscs.edu and clicking "Apply Today" or "Admissions" where you'll find a link to "Application forms." If you are a new NDSCS student, you will need to complete an Application for Admission and submit a one-time application fee of $35. You also need to provide an "official" high school transcript or GED documentation, "official" college transcripts from other colleges attended, ACT or SAT test scores (or COMPASS), and immunization documentation. (If you are only taking classes online and will never be on the college campus, the immunization requirement may be waived. Contact Student Health Services for additional information.)

If you have been a student at NDSCS before and have been out of college for more than one semester you just need to complete the "Re-Application" form to update your student record. You do not need to pay the application fee again but you should submit any additional transcripts since you were here last.

Once the application process is completed, you will receive a User ID number and can get the password from the CampusConnection system after your application is completely processed, which could take up to two weeks. Additional information needed for your application file is listed at the Enrollment Services site.

To get your password, go to the CampusConnection site and click "Forgot my Password" and enter the information requested. Your password will be emailed to you. You need both the ID and Password to register for classes and later to check your college account balance, check your grades at the end of each semester, drop and add classes, and update your address/phone number/email information, etc. This will be your official ID and Password for your college record.

Does NDSCS have Entry-Level Requirements?

Your ACT test scores are used to determine whether you need to take additional prep classes before enrolling in college English or math classes. If your scores are lower than what we require for these classes or if you do not have a recent ACT or SAT test score, you may need to take a COMPASS assessment test. Our cut scores require an 18 or higher for English and reading scores and 20 or higher for college Math. The results of the ACT scores and/or COMPASS test scores will assist the advisor in determining appropriate course placement. Contact Enrollment Services (1-800-342-4325, ext 2202) for additional information or to schedule a COMPASS assessment test. If you are unable to take the COMPASS test in Wahpeton, contact Distance Education (800-342-4325, ext 3-2347 or cindy.barton@ndscs.edu) or the Coordinator of Assessment and Institutional Research (1-800-342-4325, ext 2619 or gloria.dohman) for help in finding a location near you to take the test. There may be a test fee at some locations.

If I took courses from another college will these count towards a degree?

They may. Students should have an official transcript from the other colleges sent to our Records Office for review. They will work with the program advisor to determine which classes will transfer to NDSCS.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can get information about financial aid at the NDSCS Financial Aid Web site. We encourage you to look at all the financial aid options and apply early to allow time to process your application before the semester begins. If applicable, remember to check on military or employer sponsored tuition assistance as well. The NDSCS Financial Aid Office can help you with specific questions. Contact them at 1-800-342-4325, ext 2191.

How do I register for a course?

Registration can be completed entirely online by logging into the "CampusConnection" system from the College home page. Complete instructions can be found on the NDSCS Online web page by clicking "Apply and Register" and then the applicable link. If you have any questions, please call Distance Education at 1-800-342-4324 ext. 3-2347.

Can I complete more than one program at NDSCS?

Yes. Students who have completed a program and wish to continue on and complete another program need to complete a "Continuing Student Enrollment Form" for Enrollment Services.

Can I take an NDSCS course if I have not graduated from high school?

Yes, you can. Juniors and seniors (age 16 and older) can take an online course with your high school principal's permission.

Can I get a Faculty Advisor?

Yes, all students are assigned a faculty advisor based on the program information they indicate on the admission form. You may also request a program advisor by contacting the Division Dean's Office.

Qualified division advisors are available for online academic counseling. They are also available by phone as well. We think advising is critical to student success and welcome the opportunity to provide that service to you. In addition, some counseling and referrals are available for issues relating to your academic success through our Student Services.

Can I change my program major?

Yes, students can change program majors by completing a "Change of Program" form and submitting it to the Division Dean's Office as soon as possible so the correct advisor can be assigned. Program nformation is important to ensure students are assigned the correct program advisor.

What if I have not decided on a major?

Many students do not know what major they want when they start taking college courses. Our academic advisors will help guide you through some career planning information and assist you in seeing the opportunities the courses and degree can provide.

Do I get a refund if I drop my online classes?

There is an Add/Drop Policy which includes a refund schedule for classes dropped during the semester. Students get 100% refund only for classes dropped before 8.99% of the semester has passed. After that time, there is no refund given for dropped classes. Students who totally withdraw from school may receive a refund according to the college refund schedule.There are different schedules for full-semester classes and half-semester classes to coincide with the number of instructional days.

For additional questions, contact the Distance Education Office at 1-800-342-4325, ext 2347 or email.

For additional questions about the Dual Credit registration process, contact the Distance Education Office toll free at 1-800-342-4325, ext. 3-2437 or e-mail.