Troy University–Florida and Western Region

Undergraduate Distance Learning

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

The distance learning program at TU is an important and growing part of the mission of the University. A variety of different courses are offered throughout the TU system, including eight complete undergraduate degrees that may be completed online through Troy University–Florida and Western Region (TUF&WR).

TUF&WR's distance learning program is designed to support students both locally and around the globe. Troy University implements emerging technologies coupled with traditional methodology to create an optimal learning environment—the virtual classroom.

Students enjoy the flexibility of distance learning course work, and while distance learning may not be for everyone, it can certainly help students reach their academic goals by lifting the barriers of proximity, geography, and time.

Distance learning students need a steadfast work ethic, independent study skill, good communication habits, and a working knowledge of the Internet. Students must maintain the self-discipline to complete course work within their environmental pressures of work and home. While there is some flexibility in the completion of distance learning requirements, the classes do operate within the same time structure as traditional courses.

Distance learning also mirrors traditional classroom courses in admissions and registration, as well as content and instruction, evaluation, and testing criteria. All valid financial aid and tuition assistance programs accepted by TU are honored for distance learning courses. Along with personalized attention from faculty members, the TUF&WR distance learning program is supported by the distance learning department located at the Florida and Western Regional Office in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

DELIVERY MEDIA

Distance Learning Center course offerings are Web interactive and are delivered through the Blackboard Internet-learning platform. Students may complete course work on an anytime/anyplace basis worldwide.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

There are currently eight undergraduate degree programs available in their entirety online through the Florida and Western Region. Complete details can be found by visiting the Web site listed in the Contact section.

Two associate degrees are offered in business administration (A.S.B.A.) and general studies (A.S.G.E., with various concentrations). In order to receive the associate degree, students must complete all course requirements for the degree being taken and declare for the associate degree before declaring for the bachelor's degree. Six bachelor's degrees are offered.

Through the Bachelor of Applied Science in Resources Management (B.A.S.R.M.) program, the University offers a baccalaureate degree especially designed for individuals with skills and understanding obtained from accredited postsecondary technical schools, community colleges, military schools, and nontraditional sources. The academic curricula taught by the University have been developed to supplement, not duplicate, the vocational/technical training or other experiential learning the individual may possess in a manner designed to provide these individuals greater career opportunities.

Since its founding in 1887, Troy University (TU) has been recognized for the high quality of its academic programs and its focus on the individual student. The University is dedicated to the preparation of students in a variety of fields in the arts and sciences, fine arts, business, communication, applied science, nursing, and allied health sciences, as well as to its historic role in the preparation of teachers. The administrators, faculty and staff members, and students of the University, through a system of shared governance, are committed to excellence in education. A major commitment exists to provide undergraduate and graduate education for the national and international community, especially for mature students, not only by traditional means of delivery but also by technological means. Additional information about the University may be found at its Web site (http://www.troyst.edu).

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) program is an academic computer training program that prepares its graduates to be successful, whether they are entering the fast-paced world of commercial computer processing or continuing their academic training by attending graduate school. This goal is accomplished by maximizing student proficiency in both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. The computer science (CS) program gives students experience with both mainframe systems and microcomputer systems. This blend of theoretical and practical training, as well as mainframe and PC experience, allows graduates to minimize the time it takes them to become valuable contributing employees. Also, the flexibility of the CS program allows students to obtain additional background experience in other areas of interest, such as mathematics or business.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (B.S.C.J.) is designed to provide a broad introduction to the social, psychological, administrative, and legal aspects of law enforcement. The criminal justice curriculum provides an understanding of the American justice system and develops the student's ability to critically analyze the problems associated with that system.

The Bachelor of Science in Management (B.S.M.) program prepares individuals for managerial positions and the responsibilities of leadership. It emphasizes setting and accomplishing goals by the efficient and effective utilization of a manager's resources: money, machines, materials, and people.

The Bachelor of Science in Political Science (B.S.P.S.) is a rigorous academic program that provides both a general foundation for the study of politics and focused study in one of three major subfields: American politics, international relations, or public administration.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.Psy.) is designed to provide students with an understanding of human behavior from a psychological point of view. Psychology is the science that is concerned with the understanding of behavior and mental processes. Amajor in psychology provides preparation that should enable students to pursue graduate study in psychology and related fields. It also may enhance employability in areas where a knowledge of human behavior would be deemed beneficial. The psychology major provides students an opportunity to acquire a thorough grounding in the field of psychology. The 36-hour major provides students an opportunity to select courses that meet their professional and personal objectives.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The Troy Distance Learning Center is a part of University College. The University College component of TU is unique, as it provides a global focus to TU's routine operations. University College sites span from Korea to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, giving meaning to the phrase "the sun never sets on TU." Additional information about the University's programs may be found at its Web site listed in the Contact section.

STUDENT SERVICES

TU is committed to providing a wide range of learning opportunities for a diverse student population. Students come to TU with hopes and high expectations. Professors teach courses using the latest course materials and techniques for rich interaction with students. Professors can advise students on course options and degree requirements. The staff members in the TUF&WR distance learning department also provide advice and assistance with admissions, financial aid processing, registration, evaluation of transfer credit, changes of program, and processing of intents to graduate.

CREDIT OPTIONS

The TUF&WR distance learning department offers credits through distance learning that are recorded on a Troy University transcript in the same manner as credits earned in on-campus courses. Most students enroll as degree-seeking students, but there is opportunity for students to take individual courses that may apply to degrees at other institutions of higher learning. Students should contact the Student Services staff in the TUF&WR distance learning department to learn more about transient authorization or other credit opportunities.

FACULTY

All distance learning faculty members meet the standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the state of Alabama, and the review agencies of the various TU colleges. Faculty members are full-time or adjunct members of the department granting the course credit.

ADMISSION

Admission to the distance learning degree programs at Troy University has the same criteria as admission for any on-campus student. Interested students should access the distance learning Web site for more information. There is a $55 admission fee.

TUITION AND FEES

Current tuition and fees are subject to change and are published on the Web site. For the 2004–05 academic year, TUF&WR undergraduate distance learning tuition is $145 per credit hour ($435 for a 3-credit-hour course).

FINANCIAL AID

Troy University offers a comprehensive program of financial assistance for students pursuing a graduate degree. Application for financial aid forms may be obtained by e-mailing a request to the e-mail address listed below in the Contact section. The G.I. Bill, Veterans Administration, and tuition assistance are also means by which students who are qualified for these forms of financial aid may pay for tuition.

CONTACT

Student Services
Distance Learning Department
Troy University–Florida and Western Region
326 Green Acres Road
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547
Telephone: 866-MY-TSUDL (toll-free)
Fax: 850-863-2702
E-mail: distlearn@troyst.edu
Web site: www.tsufl.edu/distancelearning

APPLYING

Students can submit an application for admission as well as register for courses using the distance learning Web site, which provides complete details regarding degree programs and application and registration requirements.