Convenience and flexibility are the most common advantages of online classes. Taking classes online is ideal for someone who wants to continue working while earning a master’s degree. Online classes allow you to fit school into your schedule when it’s convenient for you.

The time you spend on a class can vary. No two instructors will format their classes exactly the same. Plan to spend 6-12 hours a week on one class. The number of credits per class varies by course.

Online classes are delivered using a learning management system, called Desire2Learn. Students log into Desire2Learn and can select their course sites. Once a student is in their course site, they can access lectures, PowerPoint, emails, assignments, readings, documents, videos, links, discussion boards, their advisor and the assignment dropbox.

All students begin their M.H.A. degree by attending Residency 1 on campus in Des Moines, Iowa. Through this experience, you will meet your academic advisor and most program faculty. This enhances the relationship throughout the M.H.A. degree, as you will always have a face to connect with the name. Professors are very accessible and responsive to students. Students and instructors communicate primarily through course sites and emails in online courses. Some instructors utilize Adobe Connect or Skype for class chats or conference calls.

Beginning with Residency 1, you will develop relationships with other students who are beginning their M.H.A. degree. While you may not progress at exactly the same pace as other students as in a true cohort program, you will find yourself among familiar faces throughout your degree. Even in the online courses there is quite a bit of interaction between other students including group assignments, online discussion forums, online posting boards, reading reflections and class discussions.

Yes, group projects are often a part of online courses. Students are grouped together and given a topic to investigate. The intent is for the students to work together electronically to accomplish their goals. Often, groups prepare and give PowerPoint presentations electronically by emailing each other draft versions, and then posting the final product to the student discussion board. Students are often divided into groups or learning communities to discuss questions or cases developed by the faculty. By dividing students into small groups (versus entire class) the faculty can facilitate students getting to know each other better and achieve a higher level of interconnectivity.

A three credit course will typically last 12 weeks. The syllabus outlines the requirements for the course. Students typically have several due dates a week where they post a response to a question or assignment and then later respond to other students posts. Quizzes and tests are also completed online.

One of the keys to being a successful online student is self-discipline. Because you are not required to be in class at a specific time you have to be motivated to get the work done on your own. If you have a family and/or a full-time job while you are taking online classes it is important that you establish schedule of when and how you will get your work done.

If you don’t understand an assignment it is important to ask questions for clarification so you don’t fall behind. Instructors make themselves available to students via e-mail, discussions boards, virtual office hours and conference calls.

Online courses are graded just like classroom courses. High-level critical thinking is required, and students leave the course with an understanding of the subject and an ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Standard assignments include reading the course text and additional materials, active participation in online discussions, quizzes or tests, writing papers etc.

Yes. Many instructors assign tests in their online classes. Students may sign an ethical agreement saying they will not copy or share their exam, and that the person taking the test is the person registered for the course. Tests may be timed, and do not typically allow for open-book responses.

Online classes at Globe Eagle University have a specific start and end dates along with due dates for assignments. The programs are not self-paced or independent study.

Students will attend a total of 3 on-campus executive residencies during their completion of the M.H.A. program. These executive residencies will be offered on campus in  twice each year. The residencies are scheduled to run Wednesday afternoon – Sunday afternoon, as to maximize your time on campus while minimizing your time away from home.

Online courses require weekly logins and weekly assignment submissions. Students must ensure they are able to meet the course requirements throughout the duration of the semester.

Online classes may include conference calls, online chat rooms or Skype engagements that require a specific time commitment. Students should expect weekly due dates for assignments that require them to participate in the online course throughout the week.

To ensure quality course delivery, online courses have an enrollment cap of 25- 50.