Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn a degree via Distance Education?
How do I apply for admission?
Which online courses are available this semester?
How do I register?
How much are my fees?
Where can I find key semester dates and the academic calendar?
How do I find the textbook for my course?
Do I ever have to come to campus?
What do I need to know about course delivery?
What are the hardware and software requirements?
What can I do to prepare for the first distance class?
Can I earn a degree via Distance Education?
Yes, you can receive a Masters of Science or Graduate Certificate depending on the program. Detailed information is available here.
Do I need to apply for admission?
Students must be admitted to the University of Tennessee in order to register for Distance Education classes.
Which online courses are available this semester?
Please see the timetable of classes.
How do I register?
You may register for Distance Education courses online through Circle Park Online (CPO).
How much are my fees?
Information on fees may be found on the Bursar’s web site. Fees can be paid online via Circle Park Online.
Where can I find key semester dates and the academic calendar?
The academic calendar and key term dates are both located on the registrar’s website.
How do I find the textbook for my course?
Textbook information is listed in the course description for all courses on the Distance Education website. See courses offered.
Do I ever have to come to campus?
Individual program requirements differ, so it depends on the program. All course content is delivered online for all programs except MBAs. Information Science students are required to attend an on-campus orientation at the beginning of the program. Engineering programs require students to come to campus for comprehensive exams at the end of their program. MBA programs have varied residency requirements. See the description of programs for more details.
What do I need to know about course delivery?
Most courses have specific start and end dates corresponding to the UT semester-based academic calendar.
Live Online distance classes are real-time; you see and hear everything as it happens. This Internet based interactive media features:
- Audio-over-the-internet for phone conference call-like interaction
- Synchronized web browsers for interactive use of the World Wide Web
- Shared electronic whiteboard allowing real time group collaboration
- Use VCR-like audio/video playback of previous classes over the Internet.
What are the hardware and software requirements?
All software, required for the Live Online delivery system, is free of charge and runs on PCs as described in Computer Requirements.
What can I do to prepare for the first distance class?
Take advantage of the opportunity for a five-minute test flight! During the week before classes begin you will receive an email message regarding a test flight of the Live Online software. The test flight is an informal time for a one-on-one with a member of the DE technical staff for you to log in, download the free software, check your audio and ask questions.
Contact This Department
Department of Distance Education & Independent Study
Conference Center Building
600 Henley Street, Suite 208
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-5134
Toll Free: 1-800-670-8657
TDD: (865) 974-5078
Fax: (865) 974-4684
Email: disteducation@tennessee.edu