Future Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UW-Platteville

• What degrees and certificates does UW-Platteville offer at a distance?

  UW-Platteville offers several degrees and certificates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Visit Degrees Programs and Certificate Programs for more details.

• Is UW-Platteville accredited?

  Yes, UW-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UW-Platteville is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

• What kind of credentials do your online instructors have?

  UW-Platteville's online instructors are experts in their field, with experience in both academia and industry. Many teach the same course on campus that they teach online. They hold a minimum of a master's degree in their field and many hold more advanced degrees. For a complete listing of our faculty and their credentials, visit our online faculty directory.

• Will I have access to UW-Platteville library resources?

  Yes, all students have access to UW-Platteville's Karrmann Library. Visit the Karrmann Library website for more information.

Distance Education

• Will I ever have to visit the campus?

  No, you can earn your degree entirely at a distance. We do, however, invite our students and graduates to visit campus. Graduating distance learning students may participate in on-campus commencement ceremonies.

• Will I have an academic advisor?

  Yes, you will be assigned an advisor when you are admitted to a program.

• Do you hold orientation for new students?

  If it has been a while since you took a class or distance learning is new to you, you may enroll in Return to Learn, a free course offered by the Distance Learning Center.
  
  All new students are encouraged to visit the Virtual Orientation for helpful information about studying at a distance.

• How are examinations administered?

  Most online courses provide an online examination. Some online and all print-based courses require a paper examination administered by a proctor.

• How long will it take me to earn my degree?

  The time required to earn a degree varies based on the number of transfer credits you receive, your course load, and other individual factors.

• How much computer and Internet experience do I need?

  You must be able to navigate the Internet and know how to download files, attach files to e-mail, and use software such as word processors. If you feel that you may need more experience in these areas you may want to take an introductory computer course.
  
  UW-Platteville provides free Software User Guides & Tutorials through the Learning Technology Center.

• Do I need special hardware and software for online courses?

  We follow the recommendations of University of Wisconsin Learning Innovations for system requirements for online courses.

• Can I purchase Microsoft Office and other software at a discount?

  Yes, as a UW-Platteville student, you can purchase a wide variety of software at a discount through WISC Software.

• What is it like to be a student in an online course?

  Courses are offered on a fall/spring/summer semester basis.
   

  • You can log in to your course at your convenience to complete assignments, participate in discussions, or e-mail your instructor.
  • You will benefit from logging in daily to check announcements and review your assignments. The time you spend each day will vary with the type of assignments.
  • You will be expected to do the same amount of studying, submit assignments by due dates, and take exams as you would in an on-campus class.
  • You will be expected to generate and participate in discussions with the instructor and the other students. These discussions, in which you will respond to other students' comments, play a central role in the learning experience. Keeping up with your reading and assignments will help you be an active participant in online discussions.
  • If you are assigned to participate in team projects, your team members will rely on you to participate and contribute to the projects.
  • You will benefit from networking with students from across the country.

• What is it like to be a student in a print-based course?

  Courses are offered on a continuous basis. Internet access is not required.
   

  • You can enroll in a print-based course at any time. You have up to 12 months to complete the course(s) on your Contract Enrollment Plan.
  • You will receive course manuals to direct you through the units, assignments, and exam procedures for each course.
  • You will be expected to do the same amount of studying, submit assignments in a timely manner, and take exams as you would in an on-campus class.
  • You have the flexibility to create your own study schedule and set your own due dates for coursework.
  • You will work one-on-one with your assigned instructor, who will provide instruction and feedback on assignments and exams.

Financial Considerations

• What is the cost of tuition? Are payment plans offered? Is financial aid available?

  Tuition and fees must be paid in full before you begin a course. American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and VISA are accepted.
  
  Financial aid is available. To determine eligibility, contact Sheila Trotter in the Financial Aid Office at 800.616.0412 or trotter@uwplatt.edu. Please specify that you are a distance learning student.

• Does the GI Bill apply to UW-Platteville's distance education programs?

  Talk to your education officer about the restrictions and requirements of the GI Bill. Specify that you are interested in taking distance education courses. Your education officer will evaluate your situation and provide you with the information and material you need. After talking with your education officer, contact the UW-Platteville Registrar to learn how to process your benefits at 608.342.1321 or registrar@uwplatt.edu. Read more about the Wisconsin GI Bill.

Application Process

• How do I apply to a distance education program?

  You will find specific information regarding the application process on the Admission Information page for each degree program. You will also find information about transferring credits, credit for life experience, and degree requirements.
  
  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  
  Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  
  Master of Science in Criminal Justice
  
  Master of Science in Engineering
  
  Master of Science in Project Management

• How long does the admission process take?

  You will receive notice regarding your admission approximately four weeks after the Distance Learning Center receives your official transcripts and all other required materials.
  
  Allow two weeks for all of your transcripts to arrive at UW-Platteville. It is your responsibility to request transcripts.

• Still have questions?

  Ask our Virtual Advisor or contact the Distance Learning Center at 800.362.5460 or disted@uwplatt.edu. The Distance Learning Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.