Online Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney

About UNK

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is an accredited, public University offering a quality, affordable education. Located in the Midwest, UNK is one of four institutions in the University of Nebraska system. As a mid-sized, comprehensive, public university, UNK is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Affordability, quality, and growth make UNK a wise choice for many online learners.

Why Choose UNK?

• Affordable – UNK has one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. For an out-of-state online student, undergraduate tuition is $212.00 per credit hour; graduate tuition is $265.50 per credit hour. For a resident of Nebraska, undergraduate tuition is $137.25 per credit hour; graduate tuition is $170.00 per credit hour (2007-08 rates). Fees are additional.


• Accredited Programs – UNK is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.


• Quality Education – UNK offers the same quality online degree programs and courses that are offered on the campus. The majority of the instruction is taught by credentialed faculty with Ph.D.¡¯s who are committed to quality teaching. Courses are highly interactive with faculty and students communicating through e-mail, discussion forums, and chat groups via Blackboard course management software. To enhance the quality of online instruction, many courses use multimedia presentations, streaming video, and supplemental CD¡¯s.


• Quality Student Support Services – Quality student support services are a hallmark of education at UNK. To help students get started with their online courses, an online orientation is available, as well as a set of online video tutorials. Other services include 24/7 help desk, library services, discounted software and hardware, a writing center, online bookstore, and more.


• Global Market – UNK serves a global market with online students in 46 states and four foreign countries. As the course offerings expand, more students will be able to take advantage of UNK¡¯s online courses.

How are the courses structured?

Online courses are similar to traditional courses. They are instructor-led where the instructor develops the curriculum, conducts the class, gives the assignments, answers questions, leads discussions, and assigns grades. Students are expected to begin the first week of class and work regularly throughout the semester. Online courses are highly interactive with faculty and students communicating through e-mail, discussion forums, and chat groups. To enhance the quality of online instruction, many courses use multimedia presentations, streaming video, or supplemental CD's.

When are the courses offered?

UNK courses are offered in two 15-week fall and spring semesters with courses beginning in late August and early January. Course schedules may vary in the summer but most of the courses are offered in three 4-week sessions beginning in May, June, and July.

Accreditation

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; 800-621-7440) and by NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.