Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and in many cases even more effective.

In May 2009, the United States Department of Education released a report that looked at 12 years’ worth of education studies and found that online learning has clear advantages over face-to-face instruction. The study, “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies,” stated that “students who took all or part of their class online performed better, on average, than those taking the same course through traditional face-to-face instruction.”

Yes, in every measurable way.

DEAC accreditation is just as valid as any regional accreditation, and the Secretary of Education has officially recognized DEAC (Formerly the Distance Education and Training Council‒DETC) since 1959. DEAC is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org) and its predecessors since 1975.

All Department of Education recognized accrediting bodies meet precisely the same standards, so distinguishing between regional and national accreditation no longer applies. The US Department of Education Final Rule (84 FR 58834) has removed the “artificial distinction” between regional and national accreditation and now refers only to “institutional” or “programmatic” accreditation.

Additionally, DEAC has vastly more experience and tougher, more stringent standards for distance learning than any other agency in the U.S.

In the United States, the acceptance of transfer credits between institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving college or University considering such factors as course content, date completed, grades, and accreditation.

In spite of the view of the U.S. Department of Education that all accreditation recognition is equal, some institutions have very restrictive policies for accepting transfer credit.

If you plan to transfer credit earned at Taft University or enroll in a program at a later date, you are urged to check with the other institution(s) before enrollment in the program.

No. Academic and administrative procedures are carefully designed so that students can complete coursework entirely through directed independent study, without unreasonably disrupting their professional and family lives. Students may elect to take examinations via webcam or at one of over 250 approved testing sites.

Computer requirements are detailed in this Catalog. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows® and Word® is necessary to complete the assignments. Internet access is necessary to access the courses and the library.

An e-mail address is necessary to effectively communicate with University personnel and fellow students.

The amount of time it will take an individual to complete a given course will vary depending upon the background of the individual. For most individuals, the amount of time necessary to complete a course will approximate the amount of time students in a classroom program covering the same subject.

Faculty members are subject matter experts for the courses they facilitate and are available to answer questions and clarify concepts presented in the curriculum. Questions about administrative issues can be addressed by Student Support. Faculty and Student Support contact information is included in the course shell on the learning management system.

Proctored examinations are typically administered at one of over 250 approved testing facilities throughout the country, or via web camera from the comfort of the student’s home.

A typical course always consists of readings and assignments.

Acquisition of required course textbooks is the responsibility of the student and they may be purchased from any source at their discretion. Often textbooks may be available to purchase used or as e-books to save cost.

Assignments are outlined in the course syllabus provided in the online class platform in PDF format and can be downloaded and printed at the option of the student.

The inclusion of online lectures, video, or other multimedia content varies from course to course.

Students will not be required to log in at any specific time of day to view them. They will always be available to view asynchronously at a time convenient to the student.