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MDE Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UMUC MDE program offered only online?

Yes. The UMUC MDE program is offered only through distance education and has no "on-campus" or "face-to-face" requirements. All coursework in the program is delivered via the Internet using UMUC's proprietary comprehensive Web-based learning resource, WebTycho. WebTycho creates an online classroom in which students and faculty can discuss weekly assignments. Students turn in all assignments through the WebTycho classroom, and in each seminar study groups are formed to allow members to work on team assignments separately from other groups. Additional information about WebTycho is available from the WebTycho login page.

If I have a problem with the WebTycho classroom, is technical assistance available?

There are six ways for a student to get help with WebTycho:
  1. Online Guide

  2. These step-by-step instructions for using WebTycho are available by clicking on "Getting Started" on the log-in page.
  1. WebTycho Help Desk Conference

  2. Users can click on "WebTycho Help Desk" in the Conference Area of the Main Menu to post topics regarding technical problems and to access an archive of other users' technical problems and solutions. All visitors who access the Help Desk Conference from the link on this page must login with "UMUC Guest" as username and "umuc" as password.
  1. Help Desk Chat

  2. Users may participate in immediate, online discussions with members of the WebTycho Help Desk staff at any time by clicking on "Help Desk Chat" on the Main Menu 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All visitors who access chat from the link on this page will be identified as "UMUC Guest" in the chat room.
  1. News and Information

  2. Users should check Manifest for news about developments and useful tips & tricks in WebTycho.
  1. Help Desk Telephone

  2. Telephone assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-807-4862. 
  1. Help Desk E-Mail

  2. Users who have previously set up Netscape's mail preferences may use this form to e-mail questions directly to the WebTycho Help Desk staff. Those not using Netscape 4.x may send an e-mail message to tychosupport@polaris.umuc.edu.

What kind of computer equipment do I need for the online MDE program?

Technical requirements for participants in the MDE program can be found on the MDE Technical Requirements page.

What software do I need?

Software Requirements:

The MDE program (and WebTycho) requires a browser version of 4.5 or higher. The Adober Acrobat Reader, version 4.0 or higher is required. Microsoft Word97 is required in most of the MDE courses. Microsoft Excel is required in some of the MDE courses. Microsoft Powerpoint is highly recommended.

What are the admission requirements for the MDE program?

Informatoin on admission requirements can be found on the Graduate School Admissions Requirements page.

Do I need an undergraduate degree to be eligible for the MDE?

The Certificates in Distance Education program does assume that all students have the equivalent of a US undergraduate degree. However, the focus of that degree can be in any area. Obviously, students who have degrees in business, management, technology or education will have already been exposed to some of the concepts in the program, but there is no requirement for such specific disciplines.

Do I have to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test or the Graduate Records Exam for admission into the MDE program?

No, neither of these tests is required for admission.

Are there additional admission requirements for applicants who are not native speakers of English?

Information on admissions requirements for international applicants is available from the International Students page.

How do I apply for the MDE program?

An online application form can be filled out and submitted directly.

More information on applying to the Graduate School, including instructions for applying by mail, fax, or telephone is available from the Graduate Student Affairs Admissions Application page.

How many credits can I transfer into the MDE program?

Students can transfer 6 semester hours of approved coursework (usually 2 courses) from an accredited institution to the MDE program.

Once I have applied for the MDE program, how long will my application remain active?

Once accepted into the MDE program, a student has one year to start the program. Students who choose to enter the program after one year will need to submit a new application with another application fee.

How do I register for my first MDE course?

Students can register online or by phone through UMUC's Integrated Registration and Information System (IRIS). Registration procedures are provided at the Graduate Student Affairs Registration page.

When will I have access to the WebTycho classroom for my first course?

Soon after students register for their first MDE course, they will receive an email containing their username and password. Upon receipt of their username and password, students should log into the WebTycho classroom. Students can access WebTycho at  tychousa.umuc.edu.

How do I order books for MDE courses?

Textbook can be ordered online through the online schedule of classes. Go to the class you wish to register for and you fill find a link at the far right for ordering your texts.

If you already know what textbooks you need, they can be ordered through either of two bookstores - University Book Center, and MBS Textbook Direct Sale. Ordering information is available from UMUC's Virtual Bookstore.. 

What is UCSP 611 Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills and when should I register for it?

UCSP 611 Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills is an online, seven-week, faculty-mediated course. It is required of all new students and inactive students who reapply for admission. It must be successfully completed within the first six credits of graduate study. Otherwise, students will not be allowed to register for additional credits.

How long does each course run?

Each course is 15 weeks long. Students are also off the weeks of U.S. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. Summer terms are 7 weeks long.

How much does each course cost?

Tuition and fee information is available from the UMUC Tuition and Fees page.

Is financial aid available for the MDE program?

There is financial aid available for eligible students. Complete information is available from the UMUC Financial Aid page.

How long do I have to complete the MDE degree?

Students have seven years from the date of their first completed course to complete the MDE program.

What happens if I don't complete the MDE program?

Students will receive 3 semester hours for each course they complete. Students will not receive any credit for an incomplete course.

Is the UMUC MDE degree accredited?

UMUC has been accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) for more than 50 years.

Does UMUC have job placement services?

Yes. More information on job placement services can be found from the UMUC Career and Cooperative Education Center. More information on jobs is available from the Master of Distance Education departmental site.

How can I learn more about the Graduate School's academic policies and procedures?

You can review all Graduate School academic policies at Graduate School Student Policies and Procedures page.


 

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