TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE WACO

Distance Learning
Waco, Texas

Distance Learning Program

Distance learning courses at Texas State Technical College Waco offer students flexibility in planning a course load that they can complete in their own homes and within their own schedules.

Delivery Media

TSTC Waco's distance education courses are delivered through Web-based Internet classes or interactive video. They mainly use Web pages, chatting software, discussion boards, telephone, and electronic mail. In order to take distance learning classes, students must have access to the Internet, an e-mail address, and a Web browser. Students must meet deadlines, complete assignments, and take scheduled tests. Some distance learning courses require proctored testing. Learning materials include textbooks, videos, other reading materials, group activities, and tests.

Programs of Study

In addition to its academic courses, TSTC Waco offers a variety of more than forty courses over the Internet in programs of study such as advertising, computer networking, computer science, design and print, media communication and information, network security, and Webmaster. The College also offers noncredit courses. Students should visit http://distance.tstc.edu/pjs/cs/dlcourses.cfm for a complete list of current courses offered through distance learning.

Special Programs

TSTC Waco provides many services for students with disabilities. Students should contact the Deaf-Disabled Student Services Office for information about specific services.

Student Services

TSTC distance learning students can take advantage of TSTC's many academic support services.

Library support is available to enrolled students through access to the TSTC library either in person at the campus or at http://walib.tstc.edu, where they can also access the EBSCO full-text periodical online database. In addition, there is a link to the library's reference and interlibrary loan services. For students who are Texas residents, there is a state program, TexShare, that allows member libraries to give circulation privileges to patrons of member libraries. For more information about this program and participating schools, students should visit the Web site at http://www.texshare.edu.

The Counseling and Testing Center offers numerous services, including assessment and placement, career planning, personal counseling, transfer student counseling, academic counseling, and scholastic probation counseling. Counselors and faculty advisers can discuss the full range of programs and services offered and are available during the semester for continuing assessment and advisement.

The full-service campus bookstore is available to all distance learning students, and textbooks, ebooks, and other materials can be ordered online.

Credit Options

Upon application for admission, students must submit transcripts from all other postsecondary institutions. The amounts and types of credit transferable to TSTC depend on the student's intended degree program.

Faculty

In addition to their formal education, TSTC Waco faculty members have years of industry experience and bring to the classroom real-world skills. They bring from industry valuable knowledge and skills gained in their respective field. The TSTC student-faculty ratio is low, giving professors more one-on-one time with their students.

Admission

Admission is based on graduation from an accredited high school (or the equivalent) or college transfer. Individual programs may have additional specific requirements.

Texas State Technical College Waco (TSTC Waco) is a coeducational two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees and certificates of completion in critical and emerging technical areas of study. Whether students want to add to existing skills or begin a new career, TSTC Waco can help them achieve their goals. The benefits of investing in a TSTC education are marketable skills, desirable job opportunities, and excellent starting salaries.

Founded in 1965, TSTC Waco is part of the only state-supported technical college system in Texas. Texas State Technical College Waco is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone: 404-679-4501) to award Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion.

Tuition and Fees

TSTC students receive a valuable education at a reasonable price. The average investment to get an A.A.S. degree at TSTC is $5500. Students enrolled only in distance learning courses pay regular tuition plus a $15-per-hour distance learning fee and all other fees except special use and student union fees.

Financial Aid

Even though an education at Texas State Technical College is reasonably priced, financial assistance is still available to all students. The variety of scholarships and aid available at each of the TSTC locations includes the Federal Pell Grant Program, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, Federal and Texas Work-Study programs, TEXAS Grant Program, TEXAS II Grant Program, subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and parent loans. For more information, students should contact the Financial Aid Office at http://www.waco.tstc or call 800-792-8784.

CONTACT

Distance Learning Office
Texas State Technical College Waco
Administration Building
7th Street
Waco, Texas 76705
Phone: 254-867-3257
800-792-8784 (toll-free)
Fax: 254-867-3470
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Web site: http://www.waco.tstc.edu

Applying

Applicants to the Distance Learning program must also be accepted as a student at the College. They should submit a completed Application for Admission, proof of residency (if claiming Texas residency), the Immunization Health History Form, and official high school transcript or GED certificate and all official college transcripts (if applicable) to the Admissions and Records Office. Upon acceptance to the College and the distance learning program, students contact the learning adviser for their technology major. The adviser then works with the student to determine the courses needed. Students may apply online at http://www.waco.tstc.edu.