Prospective Students

Welcome to eLearning at the University of Texas at Dallas. This site offers a chance for you to explore the university's completely online and hybrid (requiring campus visits) offerings. A course demo is available on the Online Programs webpage for you to see how a sample online course is set up. In addition, a distance education self assessment is available to help you determine if online learning is right for you. If you have any questions, contact elearning@utdallas.edu.

• Is Distance Learning Right for Me?

  Distance Learning is different from traditional classroom courses. Many new distance learners are unaware of the amount of work and time involved to successfully complete a Distance Learning course. It is the student's responsibility to process and learn from the information provided by the instructor. Distance Learning requires students to work independently without a lot of interaction and prompting from the instructor.

• About UT Dallas

  Find out why students have chosen to become part of one of the fastest-growing institutions in Texas. The University of Texas at Dallas offers high-quality, affordable education in a wide variety of cutting-edge programs that have national and international reputations. Read more about UT Dallas' history, mission statement, strategic plan and more on the About UT Dallas website.

• Program Options

  UT Dallas offers Distance Learning degrees and certificates at the graduate level. To learn more about degree and certificate programs, see the Programs section.

• Getting Started in Distance Learning

  New students and students seeking re-admission must complete the admission process prior to enrolling in a distance education course. In addition, students should take the time to become informed of tuition costs and fees, and financial aid options before applying for admission.

  You can also go to the programs page and talk to the advisor before you start your application. Your advisor can assist you in determining if Distance Learning courses are right for you.

• Student Support

  Advising
  Advising is done in the school in which you intend to major. Additionally, many distance education degree programs have a program coordinator who can also provide advice and assistance. See our Degree Program for more information.

  AccessAbility Services
  UT Dallas is committed to providing equal access for qualified students with disabilities to all university courses and programs.

  Career Center
  UT Dallas Career Center provides career counseling, resume critique, and online job listing.

  Financial Aid
  In the Financial Aid web site you will find information about applying for financial aid, important deadlines you need to know, the various financial aid programs offered at UT Dallas, and contact information for your specific financial aid counselor.

  Comet Card
  Comet Card is the official identification card for all UT Dallas students, faculty, and staff. You have to use the identification number on the Comet Card to access UT Dallas library. You may obtain your Comet Card at the Info Depot in the Student Union, or send an email (cometcard@utdallas.edu) to the Comet Card office requesting an ID.

  Email must include:

  1. Complete student name
  2. Return mailing address (where to mail card)
  3. A .jpg "head shot" photo file attached to the email
  4. Fax a copy of Driver's License (copy must be enlarged so we can see the picture on it). The fax number is 972-883-6144.

Prospective Students FAQ

• What type of student does well in a distance education environment?

  This is an important question because distance learning is not for everyone. Students who do well in the online environment:

  • Take command of their own learning
  • Are self-disciplined, self-guided and flexible
  • Have the necessary computer skills
  • Are comfortable with online text-based and email communications
  • Do not require the face-to-face interaction of a traditional classroom

  To help determine if distance education is for you, feel free to take our self assessment test.

• What are the technical and software requirements for participating in an online class?

  In addition to a confident level of computer and Internet literacy, certain minimum technical requirements must be met to enable a successful online learning experience. View the eLearning technical requirements on the Getting Started page to view the settings, browsers, and software needed.

• How do faculty and students interact in the virtual (online) classroom?

  Each class's structure and activities are determined by the instructor. Faculty use a variety of tools and activities to increase interaction with students.

  • Online video lectures
  • Downloadable course files
  • Online text-based threaded discussions
  • Email exchanges
  • Virtual online meetings for class discussions and office hours
  • Electronic submission of written assignments
  • Online exams and quizzes
  • Occasional web conferences
• How are exams administered?

  The academic integrity of online courses is an important concern. Exams may be administered in several different ways: embedded in courses, uploaded by email or proctored. For courses requiring a proctored exam, the online student is responsible for making arrangements with a testing service convenient to them or must come to UT Dallas on the exam date set by the course instructor. Specific information is available on the Proctored Exam Information page and also in each course syllabus.

• Are campus visits required?

  Campus visits are not required for most online classes. Please check with the program contact or advisor for more information. In most cases, instruction is completely online, as are other services such as registration and book ordering. However, for a course which requires a proctored exam, a student may choose to take that exam on campus on the day designated by the instructor, or arrange for UTD's Testing Center to administer the exam during the exam period.