Convenience and flexibility are the most common reasons for taking online classes. Taking classes online is ideal for someone who wants to continue working while earning a master’s or doctoral 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 Angel. Students log into Angel 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.

Students interact with their professor in a number of different ways. First, the online class is created and explained through the instructor’s lecture information. Then, students discuss topics in the discussion board, where their professor and peers provides insight, guidance and feedback. Students and the instructor also communicate through private assignment correspondence within the course site, or via e-mail. Sometimes instructors arrange for a class chat, either using Adobe Connect, a conference call or an instant message system. In addition, instructors are available for students to make appointments to meet or to call.

There is quite a bit of interaction between other students during the online coursework, including group assignments, online discussion forums, online posting boards, reading reflections and class discussions. All students will attend three on-campus executive residency workshops throughout their degree, further enhancing the relationships created in the online courses.

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.

Assignments are critical in nature. Online assignments are similar to on-campus assignments and require reading the book, completing questions, writing papers, posting to discussion boards, reviewing other materials and research.

A three credit course will typically last 13 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. Learn more about DMU’s Honor Code.

Typically exams are given through the Angel Learning Management System and don’t require a proctor.  However, exams may need to be proctored as determined by your instructor.

No. Assignments, exams and all course material must be completed by the enrolled student. If for some reason you lose access to the required technology to complete your work, we ask that you find alternate resources and contact your advisor immediately. Learn more about DMU’s Honor Code.

Online classes are different from on-campus classes primarily in the way that students and the instructor interact. In an online class, students communicate using the weekly discussion board, course mail or instant messaging. Online classes require students to post their thoughts and ideas or research in written format, versus a verbal discussion in the physical on-campus classroom.

Online classes require students to engage in a course in a different way than on-campus courses. In an on-campus course, students know they will read, write papers, take tests and meet once a week in a classroom for four hours. In an online class, students will read, write papers, take tests and engage using a written medium. Students in an online class need to budget the same amount of time as students in a classroom, or 4 hours per week of learning/classroom time plus 4-8 hours per week of outside classroom time. Sometimes students find it difficult to self-manage this amount of time without a weekly classroom discussion.

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

The academic year is composed of two 16-week semesters (fall and spring) and one 8-week summer term. Download the projected 3-year calendar. Students must apply and be accepted to the program before attempting to register for courses. New students are admitted each fall and spring. See course calendars.

Students are expected to be confident with their skills regarding standard computer applications for completion of their coursework.  You should plan to review our posted technical requirements for a list of the minimum standards of technical equipement and competencies required of students.

The Help Desk (515-271-1522, Help.Desk@dmu.edu) is available most days from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST to address technical problems students may encounter with online classes.

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 Des Moines, Iowa twice each year.

As a medical school and graduate health sciences university, DMU has an extensive system of online library resources available to its students including multiple databases and full text articles. The interlibrary loan service allows you to reserve books, order journal articles and receive materials from other libraries.

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.

No. Once you’ve enrolled in a course and the term begins, you are not able to switch course formats.