Online Courses Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• Are all courses available via distance education?
• How much do distance education courses cost?
• How do I see the GMU catalog for course details?
• How do I register for a distance education course?
• Can I use distance education courses toward programs at other schools?
• Where can I get more information about an individual course?

The Distance Education Experience

• What do I need to do to be successful in a DE course?
• Can I take a distance education course at my own pace?
• How long do I need to work on each class?
• Do I have to log into class at a specific time?
• Are distance students able to participate in a class?
• How do students interact online?
• Do students have to work in groups?
• How many students are in each class?
• How do I take online tests?
• Are exams proctored?

Technology and Support for Distance Education

• What technology is required?
• What happens if I have a technical problem?
• How do I receive my books?
• How do I use the library?
• Who teaches distance education courses?
• How do I contact my faculty member?

General Questions

• Are all courses available via distance education?
  No.  Courses offered via distance education can be searched by program via the distance education website.  Mason offers a variety of distance education methods that may require real time participation, coming to a campus for part of the course, and/or testing in a proctored setting.  Our goal is to offer fully online courses that are asynchronous for select graduate programs and to offer sections of general education courses that will meet the needs of students who cannot attend a Mason campus. 
• How much do distance education courses cost?
  The cost for the distance education classes is the same as for ground based undergraduate and graduate courses.  The Student Accounts Office link will help you find tuition and other costs.  Distance education courses may require a fee to help provide the necessary software, support, and technical assistance needed to manage distance education courses.  
• How do I see the GMU catalog for course details?
  You may go to the Mason online catalog at http://catalog.gmu.edu. This website is specially designed for distance education students. More detailed information is available on individual course websites.
• How do I register for a distance education course?
  After completing an application, advising, and being accepted into Mason, you may register for courses at https://patriotweb.gmu.edu/
• Can I use distance education courses toward programs at other schools?
  Acceptance of transfer credit is determined by the receiving school, so you should check with the receiving school.
• Where can I get more information about an individual course?
  See course descriptions, including tuition and prerequisites, at http://courses.gmu.edu. This website is specially designed for distance education students.  More detailed information is available on individual course websites.