Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our students share the same thoughts and concerns about enrolling in a UW Oshkosh online degree program. Browse our list of FAQs below. You can also contact an advisor by telephone at (920) 424-3164 or email admissions@uwosh.edu.

Program FAQs

Q: Why choose online at UW Oshkosh?

Flexibility: You can’t afford for your education to get in the way of your work and other responsibilities. Most of our students work full time and many also have significant family commitments. UW Oshkosh online degree programs offer you the flexibility to complete your schoolwork online. You never have to set foot in a classroom and you don’t have to plan your work or social responsibilities around a complicated class schedule.

Quality: Get a degree that employers trust. There are online degree programs that are predatory toward their students and not all accreditation is created equal. UW Oshkosh carries the prestigious seal of the University of Wisconsin System. UW Oshkosh online degree programs follow the same rigorous quality standards that traditional programs follow.

Q: What will I be studying and what will I take away from the program?

While the specific focus of each program varies, there are many common themes throughout all online programs at UW Oshkosh. To view the specific earning outcomes for one of our programs, visit the program page. The curriculum and courses in the online programs emphasize the following:

•  Leadership applications and best practices
•  Critical thinking and scientific, rational problem solving
•  Strategic, tactical and operational planning and implementation
•  Quality management methods
•  Interpersonal communication, dealing with difficult situations, conflict resolution, negotiation and arbitration
•  Organizational learning
•  Human resource skill development in managing people at work, interviewing and training
•  Effective oral and written professional communication skills
•  Research, data gathering and analysis methods
•  Budget development
•  Crisis prediction, prevention, communication, management and mitigation
•  The ability to motivate others

Q: Is this program accredited?

Yes, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. Our online students earn the same degree as on-campus students. Additionally, our Fire and Emergency Response Management program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Q: What kind of career can I pursue after earning a degree online at UW Oshkosh?

The online degree programs are designed to develop supervisors, project managers and team leaders. They foster a team mentality of getting things done with and through people. Our graduates hold positions both in for-profit and non-profit firms and some have started their own businesses. Many of our students currently are in their desired career path, but they need a bachelor’s degree to advance into management positions.

Q: Do I ever have to physically appear on-campus?

No. All of the degree programs are 100 percent online and you do not need to appear on campus. Each student in these programs has a dedicated advisor and advising needs are taken care of over a video call, telephone or email. If you are in the Oshkosh area and prefer to speak with your advisor, you are welcome on campus anytime.

Q: Can I transfer credits into the program?

Yes. All UW Colleges (whether you have an associate degree or not) and all UW four-year institution credits are transferable. Most, if not all, credits from other accredited public or private institutions will transfer. Some technical college credits will also transfer depending on your program of choice. A block of 45 credits plus applicable general education credits will be granted for specific AAS degrees from a Wisconsin Technical College.

Q: Can I earn my degree entirely through online classes?

Each of the degree programs offered by the Division of Online and Continuing Education is 100 percent online. General education courses can be taken online from UW Oshkosh or other UW System institutions. Your dedicated advisor will tell you all of your options to complete each requirement — you’re never on your own to figure it out!

Q: What are the degree requirements?

Each program page details the program requirements for general education and program-specific requirements. Please visit our degree listing page to determine degree program requirements.

Q: How long does it take to complete the degree?

The best way to get a clear picture of how long it will take you is to set up an appointment with an advisor. Simply fill out this online prospective student form and we will contact you shortly. You can also call (920) 424-3164 or email admissions@uwosh.edu. The time required to obtain your degree will vary based on the number of transfer credits you receive, how much time you are able to devote to coursework and individual financial considerations. Students who transfer into our Bachelor of Applied Studies programs usually can finish in two years if they enroll full time. Students who enroll in Bachelor of Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Professional Studies, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts programs can finish in four years if they enroll full time, or less if they transfer credits into the program.

Q: What courses will I take?

Download each of the program guide or visit the page of each program below! Each program guide and web page details the course names for the program. You can read specific course descriptions on the program page. Visit our degree page and choose the program that interests you. Download a program guide or visit the web pages below:
•  Aviation Management (BAS)
•  Communication Studies (BA or BS) 
•  Criminal Justice (BAS, BS or BA)
•  Fire and Emergency Response Management (BAS)
•  Human Services Leadership (BS)
•  Leadership and Organizational Development (BPS)
•  Leadership and Organizational Studies (BAS)
•  Liberal Studies (BLS)
•  Medical Imaging (BS)

Tuition and Financial Aid FAQs

Q: How much does the program cost?

The best way to get an accurate picture of how much school will cost is to meet with an advisor to see how many credits you have to complete to earn your degree. The cost of your education will depend on credits that transfer in and how many credits you plan to take each semester. Visit the UW Oshkosh Financial Aid Tuition and Fees website for more information on tuition.

Q: What if I’m not a resident of the state of Wisconsin?

Out-of-state students pay the same flat per-credit tuition that Wisconsin residents pay. There are tuition rate differences for out-of-state students who enroll in the traditional programs, but not for students who are in our online programs.

Q: Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available for students who are enrolled in the online degree programs at UW Oshkosh. All financial aid for UWO students is handled through the Financial Aid Office. They are committed to helping students meet the rising costs of education. You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can do this online at fafsa.govOur financial aid school code is 003920. You can work directly with the Financial Aid Office regarding your questions about the financial aid process and your eligibility.

UW Oshkosh Financial Aid Office
Phone: (920) 424-0077
Fax: (920) 424-0284
fao@uwosh.edu

Technology, Text and Other Resource FAQs

Q: What are the minimum technology requirements?

With online learning, it is very important that students are prepared with technology that will help them be successful. To be successful with the online learning platform, students need:

•  A reliable high-speed internet connection that allows them to view streaming video and download files.
•  A laptop or desktop computer. The online learning platforms and our teaching methodologies are not ideal on mobile devices, including tablets.
•  Microsoft Office Suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Visit the Information Technology website for information on hardware and software purchases for students.

Q: What technology platforms will I need to use?

Students in the UW Oshkosh online degree programs use a few key web platforms.:

•  Canvas: All OCE courses are conducted using the Canvas online learning platform. Students can view a series of Canvas tutorial videos at the Canvas Orientation page. For specific questions about Canvas navigation and “how-to” guides, visit the Canvas Student Guides page.
•  Email: All UW Oshkosh campus faculty and staff now need to login to Office 365 for email. Your UW Oshkosh Microsoft Office 365 account is the official communication mechanism for UW Oshkosh. Students are required to check their UW Oshkosh email account regularly. Login to Office 365 with your NetID and password (same username and password as Canvas).
•  TitanWebTitanWeb contains all of your important student information, including your grades and tuition bill. You can update your address, get an enrollment certificate, request your transcripts and more. Students also enroll in their courses via TitanWeb. Students, staff and faculty can find tutorials and help on the Registrar’s TitanWeb information page.

Q: How do I obtain my textbooks and course materials?

Every instructor identifies the textbooks and materials needed for their class. Students must purchase all required texts. Many students find the books online and used textbooks are perfectly fine — they often come at a major discount! Just make sure you get the correct edition/version of the required texts. One way to do this is to find your text according to the exact ISBN number listed by your instructor. You can also obtain your textbooks from the campus bookstore, University Books & More. Visit the University Books & More Textbooks Page.

Q: Will I have access to library resources?

Absolutely! The UW Oshkosh Polk Library website is easily navigable and is full of information and resources. In addition to the services that all UW Oshkosh students enjoy, Polk Library also has special services for distance and online students. There are a few frequently used library tools for online students:

•  Ask a Librarian: Chat, email and phone help 24/7!
•  Online Library Tutorials
•  Citation and bibliography help
•  Many students find supplemental readings and supporting documents for writing papers on Polk Library journal article search tools.

Do you have questions we didn’t answer?

Contact us to get answers to your specific questions. Call (920) 424-3164. You can also email admissions@uwosh.edu.

 

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Contact

Phone: (920) 424-3164
Emailadmissions@uwosh.edu