Frequently Asked Questions

Distance Learning
• What is distance learning?
• What are the advantages of distance learning?
• Can I be a successful distance learner?
• What do others say about their experience?
• What are courses like?
• How much time is required?

Taylor University Online
• Is Taylor University Online accredited?
• Are course credits transferable?
• Are credits recorded in semester or quarter hours?
• Can I receive financial aid or veterans benefits?

Tuition
• How much is tuition? What are the other fees?
• Do you have a tuition payment plan?
• Is the cost of course materials included in tuition?

Course Procedures
• Do I need to apply for admission in order to take a course?
• How long do I have to complete my course? When does it start?
• Can I extend my course?
• How are quizzes and exams administered?
• How quickly are assignments graded?
• What is the drop/withdrawal policy?

Answers

What is distance learning?
Distance learning describes learning activities that take place when a physical distance separates teacher and student(s).

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What are the advantages of distance learning?

Any time, anywhere learning . . .the distance learning student has the flexibility of determining when and where course work is completed. This flexibility requires a measure of self discipline to ensure that all work is submitted by the deadline, but offers the opportunity to adjust academic effort to meet the challenges of work and family. This results in a learning process that is personalized and not tied to a group schedule.

Contextualized Learning . . .because the distance learner is able to remain within the context of their work environment, they have the opportunity to both apply professional experiences directly to their studies AND apply new knowledge gained directly to their work situations.

Depth of Discussion . . .distance learning dialogue is characterized by reflective thought rather than extemporaneous thought. And, the individual who is not the class extrovert in a physical classroom setting has equal opportunity to share their insight with the more verbose learner.

Reduced Cost . . .because the distance learner does not incur room and board, travel costs and on-campus fees, the cost of education can be significantly reduced.

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Can I be a successful distance learner?

Yes, you can. Distance learning requires self-motivation and self-discipline, so set a time and place to study. Keeping to a strict study schedule will keep you on track and help you get to work quickly. Your success depends upon your ability to motivate yourself.

Individuals with the following characteristics/abilities will likely find themselves to be successful distance learners:
• self-discipline: independent learners can't rely on regular class times to provide structure for their studies
• personal motivation: well-defined goals are very important to achieving your desired outcomes for distance learning
• effective time management
• good learning environment: a quiet place to study, free from distractions
• ability to communicate effectively through writing
• computer literacy: ability to use the following equipment

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What do others say about their distance learning experience?

"I want you to know what a blessing you and Taylor have been to me. I am able to attend the chapels because you put them on the web. I am able to attend a Christian University and not leave my home. The closest Bible College is 2 1/2 hours away. I have not only taken 3 classes through TUFWO but have attended the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy School held at the Fort Wayne Campus. It is because of Taylor I am able to work my full time job, handle my family and work school around rotating shifts. Thank you."

— Officer Mike Blevins

 

"When I discovered Taylor's TUFWO, I knew it was one more exciting step in God's unfolding plan for my life. Last fall, I felt a sure calling to pursue a graduate program in psychology, but my husband and I both knew this would only be possible if we could find a Christian program. I was accepted into the program, but was lacking the required abnormal psychology prerequisite to begin the MA program, and I only had six months to find and complete the course! I told my husband that if the Lord's hand truly was blessing this decision, the course would be made available. To my amazement, TUFWO had just begun offering Abnormal Psychology. God perfectly planted the course there for me!"

— Cathy J. Lueers

 

"One reason I enrolled in TUFWO was because of the Christian orientation of the courses. Even though I live in a town that has a university, I felt I would receive a better education through Taylor University. The fact that I could study at home was another reason I chose Taylor. I was attending a Christian college in Redding, California, which is 80 miles from my home. The commute was too long to say the least, so I had to find another way to continue my education. The registrar there mentioned Taylor's TUFWO, so I decided to write for information. You offered the courses I needed to take. The price was right, too. Compared to other correspondence studies, the cost of classes at Taylor was very reasonable."

— Paul Maestas Jr.

 

"I changed my major at the beginning of my sophomore year to elementary education. Taking a correspondence course has allowed me to graduate on time and fit in six hours of credit that did not fit in my schedule otherwise. I took U.S. History I and II over the course of a little less than a year. The questions integrated my faith, provoked reflection on our country's choices in history, and asked me to make comparisons between past and current situations. I received personal feedback from my professor grading my correspondence course. I felt comfortable calling TUFWO with the various questions. The staff has always been very pleasant, patient and willing to help."

— Carissa Guinnee

 

"I took the course Cultural Anthropology because I needed it for my International Studies major. I believe that over all, this course was well laid out, and I enjoyed it tremendously. Two of the books required were very interesting and eye-catching with an easiness to relate with some incidents. Although it was lots of work, I did enjoy this class."

— Chi-Wen Chen

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What are courses like?

The courses are college-level and meet the high academic standards for which Taylor is known. The majority of courses are taught completely online and a few are correspondence such as Greek, Hebrew, and music theory. By the nature of learning by distance, the student must do his/her own research and course work independently.


Once registered, you may begin your course work. The student simply begins pursuing course activities as specified by the instructor within the online course itself. A final grade is issued when the student has completed those learning activities and demonstrates competency for the course subject matter. Once all lessons and exams have been completed, a final grade report will be issued for the course. No final grade can be issued if there are any outstanding fees due the University.

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How much time is required?

The courses are college-level studies and require as much time and effort to complete as the same course taken on campus. Since each lesson is roughly equivalent to one week of classes, you should spend an average of seven to ten hours on each lesson.

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Is Taylor University Online accredited?

Taylor University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. This esteemed level of accreditation means that our online courses offer the highest educational quality and are well-respected throughout the collegiate world.

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Are course credits transferable?

Since Taylor has achieved the highest possible accreditation, credits are easily transferable to most other colleges and universities. The acceptance of transfer credits and their specific application to degree requirements is always left in the hands of the receiving institution.

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Are credits recorded in semester or quarter hours?

Credits are recorded in semester hours.

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Can I receive financial aid or veterans benefits for courses offered by Taylor University Online?

If you are enrolled in a degree program with Taylor University Online, it is possible to receive financial aid for courses. Courses taken as a guest student do not meet the criteria established by the federal government for financial aid. Taylor University Online courses have been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students entitled to receive veterans educational benefits should contact their Veterans Affairs administrator for details.

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How much is tuition? What are the other fees?

Click here to see all tuition and fees.

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Do you have a tuition payment plan?

Tuition is paid in full at the time of registration. Our open enrollment policy allows students to enroll on any day of the calendar year that your time and finances allow.

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Is the cost of course materials included in tuition?

No, because we want learners to have the option of purchasing only the books/materials they need and do not have access to. Thus, course materials are not included in the cost of tuition and students buy only what they need. Visit our online course catalog to see a complete list of books and materials required for your course. We recommend purchasing books from an online vendor such as Amazon.com or half.com.

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Do I need to apply for admission in order to take a course?

No, simply submit an enrollment form which collects basic contact information. The following page is the payment form, which must be submitted at the time of enrollment. Courses are open to any college-age, adult or qualifying high school learner. This includes students enrolled in other colleges and universities, individuals taking courses for professional development or personal enrichment, and high school juniors and seniors.

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How long do I have to complete my course, and when does my course start?

As a guest student, you have six months to complete your course. The courses are independent studies in which you work at your own pace. The course begins on the date that you pay tuition.

Degree seeking students, complete courses in traditional fall and spring semesters at their own pace within a 15 week time frame.

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Can I extend my course?

Students are given six months from the date of registration to complete a course. If the coursework is not completed within this period, a three or six month extension may be obtained for a fee of $75 and $125 accordingly. A maximum of six months in extensions is allowed per course.


Extension requests and payment of the extension fee must be received prior to the expiration date of the original course enrollment. If the course cannot be completed within the original enrollment period and the student does not request an extension, or if a student cannot complete the course by the end of the extension period, a grade of “F” is issued. Students have the option of reenrolling in the course and, while the old course and grade remains on the transcript, only the new grade from the repeated course will be counted in the cumulative statistics.

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How are tests and exams administered with your online and distance learning classes?

Not all courses have tests or exams, but those that do are facilitated online. Courses taught through correspondence (Greek, Hebrew, musc theory) are the exception and require a proctored exam. What that means is that we send the test to a person who you choose to act as a proctor or test administrator. This person must be a pastor, educator, or librarian and cannot be a relative.

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How quickly are assignments graded?

Your instructor has one week to grade each assignment. If three assignments are submitted at once, the instructor has three weeks total to grade these assignments. It is advisable to submit assignments intermittently throughout the course.

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What is the drop/withdrawal policy?

Within 30 days from the registration date, the student may drop a course and receive a full tuition refund less a $50 fee. After this 30 day period and up to the course due date, the student may withdraw and pay a $50 fee. Please call the office to drop or withdraw from a course.

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