WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY

Distance Learning
Ogden, Utah

Weber State University (WSU) provides lifelong opportunities for diverse learners on and off campus. It offers degrees through seven colleges and forty departments via distance learning options, including online and independent study courses. Students may earn their Associate of Science in general studies or receive specialized training in health professions, criminal justice, and manufacturing. WSU's academic programs prepare students for immediate employment or further study and equip them with liberal education concepts and skills to support their lifelong learning.

WSU serves as Utah's premier public undergraduate university. The institution was founded in 1889, became a state junior college in 1933, and added upper-division courses and began bachelor's degree programs in 1959. On January 1, 1991, Weber State further expanded its offerings and was granted university status.

Weber State University is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, professional agencies such as the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration accredit specific disciplines.

Distance Learning Program

The WSU Distance Learning Program serves students who cannot attend college classes in person. During the 2005–06 academic year, more than 20,000 students enrolled in print- and Internet-based courses. Students use distance learning to earn general education credits, as well as degrees and professional credentials in manufacturing, criminal justice, and health science areas.

Delivery Media

Students follow study guides, read textbooks, view videotapes, hear cassettes, and/or participate in online courses. They interact with other students, instructors, and advisers by using mail, telephone, e-mail, and online discussion groups. Exams are delivered online or through the mail and are administered by approved proctors. Access to a videocassette/DVD player, audiocassette player, word processor, or a computer with browser software and an Internet service provider may be required.

Programs of Study

The WSU Distance Learning degree program evolved from a commitment to providing education for health-care professionals and other working adults regardless of location. Combining independent study with Internet courses, abachelor's degree requires 120 semester hours (40 upper-division, 30 through WSU) with a minimum GPA of at least a2.0 (or C).

Bachelor's degrees are available in clinical laboratory science, diagnostic medical sonography (medical-vascular), health information management, health promotion, health services administration, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and radiologic science (emphases in advanced radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and quality management).

Associate of Science degrees are available in health information technology and respiratory therapy. An Associate of Applied Science degree is also available in clinical laboratory science.

The associate degree in general studies serves the needs of students who want to individualize the first two years of their academic programs, students who want to obtain a broad liberal education, and students who want to lay broad foundations for continued higher education.

The Weber State University Distance Learning Associate of Science degree program in criminal justice and the professional certificate programs in production and inventory management are designed for professionals whose work and travel schedules and remote locations make it difficult for them to participate in classroom course work.

Law enforcement and security professionals can register online with the Utah Electronic College (UEC) and take courses through Weber State University or one of its six collaborating institutions, completing their training on their home or work computers.

Weber State University works in partnership with the 70,000-member APICS (The Association for Operations Management) to offer its certification program through WSU Online for people who work in production and resource management.

WSU certificate programs include health information technology, health-care coding and classification, and radiologic sciences. Radiologic sciences classes can be used toward continuing education units (CEU).

Special Programs

WSU Online, the award-winning extension of the University on the Internet, allows students to take online courses, use online support services, and participate in online discussions and activities with faculty and staff members and other students. WSU Online makes it possible for students with busy schedules and/or long commutes to take advantage of the convenience of online courses with support services and interpersonal experiences that are essential to their success. For current course listings and additional information, students can visit the WSU Web site at http://wsuonline.weber.edu.

Courses from a wide range of academic disciplines are available through Weber State University's independent study program, allowing students to complete their course work at their convenience. Each year, more than 2,000 students enroll in these Internet or print-based courses and take advantage of this self-paced, individualized mode of study.

Student Services

WSU recognizes that most of its students have work, family, and other responsibilities that limit their participation in traditional classroom college courses; therefore, convenience is a major factor in the design of the Distance Learning Program.

Students receive guidance from distance learning staff and faculty members. Degree-seeking students are assigned academic advisers who review transcripts and past learning experiences. This information is used to design individualized programs of study.

Students may access Stewart Library's catalog, interlibrary loan, reference help, document delivery, and other services electronically at http://library.weber.edu. Textbooks can be purchased directly from the WSU bookstore, by telephone (800-848-7770 Ext. 6352), or online (http://bookstore.weber.edu) for a small handling charge.

Credit Options

WSU may grant credit for active military, National Guard, or reserve experience; 38 or more credits to registered radiographers; a maximum of 45 credits to diploma nursing school graduates; and varying credits to registered respiratory therapy technicians and graduates of accredited therapy/specialty programs. Official transcripts should be sent directly from universities and colleges attended. WSU also recognizes College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits.

Faculty

WSU Distance Learning currently employs 200 full-time university faculty members and 50 adjunct faculty members. Nearly all faculty members hold terminal degrees in their respective fields.

Admission

Degree-seeking Distance Learning applicants must meet WSU admission requirements. The programs in health professions require separate applications and information specific to their academic areas. Students not seeking to complete a degree at WSU may be eligible for simplified, nonmatriculated admission.

Tuition and Fees

Distance Learning tuition averages $147 per semester hour. Additional materials may include course study guides ($3–$40) and audiotape, videotape, or DVD deposits of $60 to $100, with a $40 refund upon their return.

Tuition fees for online courses are $177 per semester hour for non-Utah residents. Utah residents pay regular on-campus tuition and fees. All fees are subject to change. Students can consult the current catalog or visit the Web site at http://www.weber.edu/distancelearning/ for more information.

Financial Aid

Eligible students may apply for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Perkins Loans, and Stafford Student Loans. Students can contact the office of financial aid toll-free at 800-848-7770 Ext. 7569.

Veterans may also be considered for VA educational benefits (office of Veteran Affairs telephone: 800-848-7770 Ext. 6039, toll-free). Health professions degree programs are approved by DANTES.

Applying

Students should apply online at http://weber.edu/admissions/ and send an individual program application (if required); official transcripts from previous colleges; and an application fee of $30 (may be paid online by credit card) to the contact address. Distance Learning students need not attend an orientation.

CONTACT

Office of Distance Learning
Weber State University
4005 University Circle
Ogden, Utah 84408-4005
Phone: 801-626-6600
800-848-7770 Ext. 6600 (toll-free)
Fax: 801-626-8035
E-mail: dist-learn@weber.edu
Web site: http://wsuonline.weber.edu
http://weber.edu/distancelearning