The following are frequently asked questions about Montclair State University Online programs. Have a question that you don’t see answered below? Contact us.
- What are the qualifications for admission to the online programs at Montclair State University?
Many of our programs do not require GRE/GMAT test scores or undergraduate work in a specific field. Admission requirements can be viewed through Graduate Admissions. Find your online graduate program. - Is the Online Program accredited? Why is accreditation important?
Montclair State University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation ensures programs meet nationally endorsed standards, provides a formal process for ongoing assessment, and strengthens and sustains the quality and integrity of the institution. In addition, Montclair State University’s programs to prepare teachers and other school professionals, including educational leaders, are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For more information, please visit the University’s Accreditations and Memberships page. - What will my diploma read upon completion of the program?
The online programs at Montclair State University are taught by the same qualified faculty who teach on campus. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded the same diploma as the on-campus graduates. Neither the transcript nor the diploma will indicate “online.” - Can I take part in the graduation ceremony on campus if I earn my degree online?
Yes, you are welcome to visit the Montclair State University campus. Our campus is a leafy, 250-acre oasis in the town of Montclair, New Jersey, just 14 miles from New York City. - How much does the program cost?
Many of our fully online programs are at reduced tuition rate. See Financing Your Online Education. - When can I begin my Online graduate degree or certificate?
Many of our online programs are offered in short, accelerated sessions, so you can get started as soon as you are ready. See upcoming dates for beginning your Online Program at Montclair. - Does Montclair State University offer financial aid?
Montclair State University assists eligible students in meeting their educational expenses through loans, grants and scholarships. Graduate students enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits per semester may be eligible for financial aid. To verify if you qualify for student financial aid programs, including federal financial aid and private student loans, please review the Steps to Student Financial Aid – Graduate. - What is the Student Health Insurance waiver and enrollment?
The following students are required to have health insurance that meets University requirements:- Graduate students enrolled in nine (9) or more credits.
**All full-time students are required to have health insurance and automatically have the cost of the health insurance charged to their student account. You are responsible to submit a health insurance waiver online if you do not want/need the school sponsored health insurance.**
- Will I be able to complete all of my required coursework online?
Many of the programs are 100% online and all work can be completed without ever coming to campus. For the MFA low-residency program, please visit the College of the Arts. - How will I take the online courses?
Your coursework will be completed on Canvas. Online courses at Montclair State University are structured using a user-friendly web environment to provide you with all relevant course information, access to learning materials and activities, opportunities to engage and collaborate with peers and your professor, as well as assessments to enable you to demonstrate your understanding and mastery of the course. While each instructor may deliver the course content differently, there will be a common user environment in all of your courses. You will use a variety of online tools geared toward appropriate pedagogy to maximize your interaction and learning outcomes. View the Online Learning Guide. - Are students required to be online at a specific time?
For most programs, students are not required to be online at a specific time. This asynchronous schedule provides you with the convenience and flexibility you need to earn your degree and still balance life’s priorities. - Can I take some classes online and some on campus?
The online program is designed to be purely online, so in most cases, you will not be able to take classes on campus. For the MFA low-residency program, please visit the College of the Arts. - I have taken some graduate courses. Can I transfer those credits to this program?
No more than six semester hours of credit completed at another accredited college or university or at Montclair State University may be transferred into a graduate degree program. Courses eligible for transfer to Montclair State University must be graduate-level courses with earned grades of “B” or better. Students can work with the program coordinator at the time of admission to determine if the courses are applicable. - How much time is required on a weekly basis for the program?
As a general guideline, students will spend approximately nine hours per week per course. Once enrolled in a course, it is recommended that you look briefly through the learning content in a Learning Unit before you start working on it. Don’t spend too much time reading the content, just get a sense of what topics are covered, how much reading is required, and what kind of activities or tests are included. Plan for how much you can do at a time and allocate times for completing the tasks. Make specific, realistic and time limited plans, and stick to your plan until you are done. - How do I purchase textbooks?
You may purchase textbooks online through our Bookstore or as directed by the academic department. Your textbooks will need to be shipped. Please allot adequate time to insure your textbooks will be delivered prior to class. Some course material may also be available to download. - How do I register for online classes?
Once accepted into the program, you will be able to register for your course(s) via NEST. Registration instructions for NEST. - How do I apply?
Click here to apply. - Is there an application fee?
No, the application fee is waived for Online graduate degree and certificate programs. - I still need help. How do I speak with someone in Montclair Online? Contact us.