University of Houston–Clear Lake

Distance Education Program

Houston, Texas

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

UHCL offers the Master of Science degree in instructional technology and the Master of Science degree in software engineering completely online. In addition, the School of Education offers certificates, which can be completed entirely online: the Technology Application Certificate for all grade levels, the Online Distance Educator Certificate, and the Master Technology Teacher Certificate. UHCL will be offering the foundation courses for the Master of Business Administration degree program online in 2004. Undergraduate terms are sixteen weeks in length for the fall and spring terms, while summer terms are nine weeks in length.

DELIVERY MEDIA

WebCT is the courseware system used for all UHCL online classes. Most online class sections are limited to 23 registrants. To participate in online degree programs, students must have a computer and access to the Internet. Prospective students should review the requirements listed on UHCL's distance education Web site for required hardware and software, which students need to be successful in online classes.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The online degree programs currently available are the Master of Science in software engineering offered by the School of Science and Computer Engineering and the Master of Science in instructional technology offered by the School of Education. The School of Education also offers the following certificates, which can be completed online: the Technology Application Certificate for all grade levels, the Online Distance Educator Certificate, and the Master Technology Teacher Certificate. UHCL's online classes carry the same accreditation and provide the same credit toward a degree as classes taken on-site at the main campus or at one of the University of Houston System Centers. For an overview of degree requirements, prospective students should visit UHCL's distance education Web site listed at the end of this description and click on Academic Programs.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Through the University of Houston–Clear Lake's participation in the Electronic Campus program of the Southern Regional Education Board, UHCL students are provided with increased opportunities to pursue certified degree programs via distance learning by removing out-of-state tuition barriers. Participating institutions offer their Electronic Campus programs at the in-state rates to qualified students. For additional information, students should visit the Electronic Campus Web site at http://www.electroniccampus.org.

CREDIT OPTIONS

Master's degree programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours; at least the final 24 hours must be credit hours earned at UHCL. UHCL's Distance Education Academic Advising Coordinator is available by telephone (281-275-3325), e-mail ([email protected]), and regularly scheduled chat room office hours to answer students' questions regarding online degree programs. Prospective students should visit UHCL's distance education Web site listed at the end of this description and click on Advising to check on chat room hours and/or e-mail the Distance Education Advisor.

The University of Houston–Clear Lake (UHCL) is located just minutes from downtown Houston, amid the pleasant recreational environment of Clear Lake, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. NASA's Johnson Space Center is nearby, making the campus a hub of technology in a relaxing natural environment. The University of Houston–Clear Lake is the largest upper-level educational institution in the nation, serving a diverse student population from the state, the nation, and abroad by offering programs on and off campus.

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UHCL to award bachelor's and master's degrees. The School of Education's programs are fully accredited by both the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

FACULTY

UHCL faculty members must meet stringent educational and background criteria and are considered subject-matter experts in their fields. Faculty members are initially trained in meeting the needs of students at a distance and encouraged to participate in continuing education opportunities to ensure implementation of the latest pedagogical techniques, which positively impact student-learning outcomes.

ADMISSION

All applicants must present documented evidence that they meet the appropriate admissions requirements, including a completed application for admission and the nonrefundable $35 application fee ($70 for international students). Official transcripts and confirmation of degrees or diplomas of any and all academic studies attempted at other colleges/universities must be submitted prior to enrollment. Two sets of official transcripts in the original language and English translation describing all academic studies completed or attempted must be on file before evaluation can proceed. International students must also submit an official TOEFL score report with minimum or higher scores.

TUITION AND FEES

The tuition rate for graduate distance education courses is approximately $1100 ($366.67 per semester hour); this rate is subject to change. The University may change tuition rates, student fees, and other charges without notice when so directed by the Board of Regents. Other general expenses include textbooks (ordered online). Some courses require students to purchase specific software packages.

FINANCIAL AID

Students may seek financial assistance in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Applicants may contact the University's financial aid office by telephone (281-283-2481) or by visiting UHCL's distance education Web site listed below and clicking on Financial Aid to e-mail the financial aid staff.

CONTACT

Kate Finstad, Director
Telephone: 281-283-3032
E-mail: [email protected]

Lisa Gabriel, Academic Advising Coordinator
Telephone: 281-275-3325
Fax: 281-275-3307
E-mail: [email protected]

Distance Education Program
University of Houston–Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Boulevard
Box 101
Houston, Texas 77058
Telephone: 281-283-3031
Fax: 281-283-2119
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.uhcl.edu/disted

APPLYING

Students must submit an application for admission by fax or mail or online at the UHCL Web site listed below and clicking on Admission. When all required documentation has been submitted and the file is complete, the student is eligible to register for classes. Students may register for classes by telephone or online by accessing the EASE On-Line Registration System. Students can review registration guidelines on UHCL's Web site at http://www.uhcl.edu/ admissions and clicking on Registration. Students may use a credit card to pay tuition fees by telephone or online or via mail by the fee payment deadline.