SOUTHERN POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY

Extended University's Office of Distance Learning
Marietta, Georgia

At Southern Polytechnic State University, distance students are able to study the sciences, technologies, construction, quality and systems management, information technology, and technical communications in a unique and practical manner. They acquire an education that is career-based and balanced.

Since its founding in 1948, the University has earned an exceptional academic reputation. SPSU, Georgia's technology university, has approximately 4,000 students (traditional, nontraditional, and distance) from approximately thirty-five states and eighty-two countries.

Distance Learning Program

The Office of Distance Learning (ODL) provides administrative, marketing, and technical support for distance learning activities at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU). SPSU has offered distance learning options in a variety of formats since 1995. Current methods of distance delivery at SPSU include several Web applications and videoconferencing.

Delivery Media

Online students are required to have regular access to the Internet and a computer capable of running current versions of Web browsers as well as standard office and design applications. Students communicate with their professors and class members through discussions, chat, live classroom (voice chat), and e-mail. Assignments are completed using word processing, spreadsheet, and graphic software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Photoshop. Other software may be required depending on the course.

Distance learning courses at SPSU use Vista, a Web-based course-management system from WebCT that is accessible through an Internet browser, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla.

Programs of Study

SPSU offers the following degrees and certificates via distance learning: Master of Science (M.S.) in Quality Assurance (MSQA), Master of Science In Systems Engineering (MSSYE), Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication, Graduate Certificate in Informational Design and Communication (GCIDC), Graduate Certificate in Technical Communications (GCTC), Graduate Certifi cate in Content Development (GCCD), Graduate Certificate in Communications Management (GCCM), Graduate Certificate in Visual Communication and Graphics (GCVCG), and an undergraduate Certificate in Specialty Construction (SCC). Through two state consortia, SPSU also offers eCore, (University System of Georgia (USG) core-curriculum classes) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (WebBSIT).

The M.S. in quality assurance has been offered at a distance since 1997 and was the first degree in quality assurance to be offered in the country as a distance program. The MSQA program is designed for anyone working in quality, training, and related disciplines and meets the needs of professionals who support total quality, continuous improvement, and process management within an organization.

The M.S. in systems engineering (MSSYE) is the first program of its kind in Georgia and joins an elite list of distance MSSYE programs in the country. The MSSYE helps professionals enhance the development of systems thinking and the ability to apply system-analysis techniques in a real-world environment. Participants learn to design, analyze, and manage the implementation of complex systems for business and technology.

Consisting of 20 credit hours or six graduate courses, the Graduate Certificate in Technical Communications (GCTC) is offered entirely in a Web-based learning environment that allows professionals already working in the field to update and expand their skills. For those new to the field, the program is an opportunity to learn desirable information design and communication skills that are sought by today's employers. This is the prerequisite for the other four certificate programs (18 hours each) also offered completely online.

The Specialty Construction Certificate (SCC) requires 19 semester hours and includes courses in building; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing loads; the estimating process; project management; and energy conservation.

The WebBSIT degree is offered in a consortium with four other schools in the University of Georgia System. This program of study provides a solid background in the technical, user-centric, and managerial skills required by today's information technology managers. Graduates can pursue careers in programming, systems design, database design, and e-commerce, among others.

eCore (Electronic Core Curriculum) is another USG-consortium effort that offers the first two years of core curriculum entirely online. eCore consists of online freshman- and sophomore-level courses designed, developed, taught, and supported by USG faculty and staff members. eCore courses comply with ADA standards to meet the needs of students with disabilities or special needs.

Student Services

The Office of Distant Learning's Web site at http://dl.spsu.edu provides links to all distance-learning student services available at SPSU, including admissions, registration, financial aid, career services, counseling services, the bookstore, and the Johnson Library's Resources for Distance Learners Web page (http://www.spsu.edu/library/Dl/dlguide.html).

The ODL web site also offers an online orientation to SPSU, a self-assessment test to determine how well a student's learning style is suited to distance learning, links and descriptions of the various degree and certificate programs, technical support, a self-directed Vista tutorial, and a Web form to request additional or more specific information about distance learning at Southern Polytechnic State University. Students can access this information on the Distance Learning Web site at http://dl.spsu.edu/.

Credit Options

In general, students can be awarded some transfer credit for course work already completed elsewhere. Distance learning M.S. students can choose the online graduate seminar class as the final course, which delves into special technical topics not normally covered in other courses. A technical semester project is required. Alternatively, distance learning students can choose to complete QA7503, a two-semester research methods project class, as their final course. This course requires two intensive full-day Saturday on-campus meetings, one in October and the other in March. At the second meeting, students present their completed research projects to faculty members and students.

Faculty

The faculty strives for excellence in teaching and service, providing a laboratory-centered and/or professionally oriented education that fosters problem solving, ethical awareness, and a desire for lifelong learning. All classes are taught by experienced, dedicated faculty members, not teaching assistants. At SPSU, teaching is the top criterion for promotion and tenure. All faculty members are required to have relevant work or research experience.

Admission

Incoming freshmen must have completed a minimum of 16 units in English, math, science, history, and foreign language and must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a minimum SAT score of 1000 (42 on the ACT).

Tuition and Fees

In 2006–07, undergraduate tuition is $189 per credit hour; graduate tuition is $227 per credit hour. Those enrolled in the WebBSIT program pay $290 per credit hour. The eCore program costs $144 per credit hour. All programs require the payment of a technology fee of $75 per semester.

Financial Aid

Each year, approximately 90 percent of undergraduate students receive aid, consisting of loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study assignments. Graduate students can receive aid through loans or a work-study program. Information about aid available to distance learners is available through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Applying

Undergraduate applicants must submit the completed application form, a $20 nonrefundable application fee, all official high school and college transcripts, and official SAT or ACT scores. Graduate applicants must send in the completed application form, a $20 nonrefundable application fee, two copies of all official college transcripts, and three letters of reference. Applications may also be made online. The application deadlines for the summer, fall, and spring semesters are May 1, August 1, and December 1, respectively.

CONTACT

Office of Distance Learning
Southern Polytechnic State University
1100 South Marietta Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30060-2896
Phone: 678-915-3713
Fax: 678-915-3576
Web site: http://dl.spsu.edu

Dawn Ramsey, Dean
Phone: 678-915-4287
E-mail: [email protected]

Stephen Rehberg, Instructional Designer
Phone: 678-915-3169
E-mail: [email protected]

Jennie Vitty-Rogers, eCore Coordinator
Phone: 678-915-4984
E-mail: [email protected]