New
Distance Learning Students
Welcome to the exciting and challenging world of Distance Learning. If you are looking for online classes or considering getting a degree totally on line, this is the place to start. We suggest you read this section first and follow the links available to help you understand how the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC) can help you meet your goals.
STEP 1: Make sure online courses are for you.
- Take the Self-Assessment to see if you are a good candidate for an online course.
- Try the Sample Course to get a good idea of what its like to be an online student.
STEP 2: Choose an online Program
- While online courses are taught differently from those in a classroom, the ways degrees are designed are the same. You must get your degree from one institution (although they may accept some or many courses in transfer from other institutions) and you must meet all of their degree requirements.
- The CTDLC does not give degrees. Our 36 members do. You can see which online programs are offered by clicking on Degree Programs. Then you can click on the blue circle with the I for information in the middle to find out about the college or university. You need to follow all of their regulations for applying and registering for programs.
- Some institutions do not have an entire program online, but offer many online courses. If the degree you want isn’t listed as being offered on line, you may be able to get a degree by combining online and onsite classes. Or you may be able to use online courses from other institutions for your degree. You can see what courses are offered each semester by looking at our Course Offerings.
- REMEMBER, YOU CAN NOT TAKE COURSES FROM LOTS OF DIFFERENT INSTITIONS AND BE SURE THOSE COURSES WILL COUNT TOWARDS A DEGREE. if you are working toward a degree, you must check with an advisor at the institution offering the degree to make sure they will transfer the credits you earn from another institution and count it towards your degree.
STEP 3: Apply to the Institution
- Once you have decided what institution offers the program you are interested in, you must apply to that institution.
- Click on the CTDLC Members page and use that link to go to the institution where you want to apply.
- Click on their link and make sure you follow the instructions for applying including any dates by which you must have your paperwork in.
STEP 4: Financial Aid
- Financial aid is available for online degree seeking students who meet the eligibility requirements. Your eligibility is determined by the institution in which you are enrolled and seeking a degree.
- For all institutions you will need to complete a Federal financial aid application form which can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
- You may also want to look at the information on our Financial Aid page and contact the financial aid office at the institution where you will be getting your degree.
STEP 5: Register for Classes
- If you click on the course you are interested in, you will see a brief description of the course, what it costs, and other important information. At the bottom there is information on how to register.
Remember
- The CTDLC does not offer courses or programs; our members (http://www.ctdlc.org/About/Members/index.html) do.
- All of the programs offered by our members are listed at http://www.ctdlc.org/Degreeoffer/index.html
- Course
offerings each semester are listed at
http://www.ctdlc.org/Courseoffer/index.html