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.
Return to TopDo I need to apply for admission?
Students must be admitted to the University of Tennessee in order to register for Distance Education classes.
Return to TopWhich online courses are available this semester?
Please see the timetable of classes.
Return to TopHow do I register?
You may register for Distance Education courses online through Circle Park Online (CPO).
Return to TopHow 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.
Return to TopWhere 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.
Return to TopHow 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.
Return to TopDo I ever have to come to campus?
Individual program requirements differ, so it depends on the program. See the description of programs for more details.
Return to TopWhat do I need to know about course delivery?
Most courses have specific start and end dates corresponding to the UT semester-based academic calendar. Programs are delivered by a variety of technologies depending on the needs of the program. The majority of online programming at UTK is delivered by Live Online, Media Site and Online@UT (Blackboard) management system.
Live Online distance classes are delivered real-time via web conferencing using a software application called Centra. Students may participate in the live interactive classroom (two-way audio) experience via the web or view a recording of the class. visit Live Online for additional information.
Media Site is on-way streaming video and audio. Click here for details.
Online@UT is the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's online course management system. Online@UT is often combined with Live Online or Media Site for the required organizational work of each class.
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.
Return to TopWhat can I do to prepare for the first distance class?
For classes delivered by Live Online/Centra, take advantage of a five minute test flight provided the week before classes begin. Test flights give you the opportunity to log in and test your system. You will need to attach speakers and a microphone to your computer to fully test your in-class audio. Test Flight dates and times are announced on the LiveOnline@UT homepage before each semester begins. Media Site is a web-based product and no download of special software is necessary. Click here for a sample video. To learn more about how Online@UT works, please visit What is Online@UT? and check out the Blackboard tutorial.
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