Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Online Learning


At MSU Denver, we adapt to your educational needs based on your ever-changing life. Online learning is a cornerstone of our mission to serve you where you are, how you want to learn, and when you are available. Join our learning community of resourceful, committed, and passionate students who are actively engaged with the university, faculty, and each other.

Delivery Formats Include In-Person, Hybrid, and Online

Degrees and programs are offered in in-person online, and hybrid formats, and available formats are listed on each major program page. MSU Denver students have complete flexibility to choose the course formats they prefer, and can mix and match formats regardless of the program they are pursuing.

  • In-person : all required courses are available on-campus.
  • Hybrid: 50% or more of the required courses are available online.
  • Online: all required courses are available online.
Comprehensive Support for Online Students

MSU Denver Online has dedicated support staff for online students. Our Online Student Services Manager connects online students with virtual student services (so you don’t have to come to campus), and resources for your distance learning success, health and well-being.

Course Delivery Formats

Delivery Methods with In-Person Option or Requirement

In-Person:  Instructional activities are facilitated in-person at scheduled times, either on-campus or at other physical locations.

Hybrid In-Person:  Instructional activities are facilitated through scheduled in-person sessions and either A) asynchronous online instruction, or B) scheduled meetings using live virtual meeting technology.

Dual Mode: In-Person:  Instructional activities are facilitated in-person. The section is combined with an online section, creating a learning environment with in-person and online learners. Students are not able to switch between learning experiences during the semester.

Hyflex:  Instructional activities are facilitated through: A) In-person class meetings; B) asynchronous online instruction; and C) online instruction using live virtual meeting technology. Students have the flexibility to choose between in-person, asynchronous, and live virtual instruction throughout the course.

SyncFlex:  Instructional activities are facilitated in-person and online using live virtual meeting technology. Students have the flexibility to choose between in-person and live virtual instruction each class session.

Field Experience, Practicum, Internship, etc.:  Experiential, hands-on learning that takes place in a location pertinent to the learning outcomes of the course.

 

Delivery Methods with Online Requirements

Asynchronous Online:  Instructional activities are facilitated online with no required scheduled meeting times. Assignments and assessments take place on a specific schedule. There are no location-specific requirements.

Synchronous Online:  Instructional activities are facilitated online at scheduled times through live virtual meeting technology.  There are no location-specific requirements.

Dual Mode: Online:  Instructional activities are facilitated online. The section is combined with an in-person section, creating a learning environment with online and in-person learners. Students are not able to switch between learning experiences during the semester.

Hybrid Online:  Instructional activities are facilitated online through both asynchronous online instruction and at scheduled times through live virtual meeting technology. There are no location-specific requirements.

Self-Paced Asynchronous Online:  Instructional activities are facilitated online with no scheduled meeting time and no location-specific requirements. Students choose the pace of their progress within the course with few or no established due dates.

Study Abroad:  Instructional activities are facilitated in another country and guided by faculty.

Online Learning Expectations

Whether fully online or hybrid, online learning requires students to effectively manage their time, plan ahead, communicate openly and timely, present themselves professionally, and to fully understand the expectations of the course. Online and hybrid course delivery options require students to be active in Canvas multiple times a week (e.g., discussion boards, presentations, assignments, peer interactions, course material, etc.), to read all emails and announcements (as they are not reinforced in face to face class), and complete all required material in the weekly modules.

Though students don’t have a physical class, students still need to schedule time to complete course assignments and learning objectives. Online does not mean less time or less rigorous. Students should schedule the equivalent time of a face-to-face class (approx. 3 hours) each week in order to learn the course material through participation in discussion and completion of the learning modules in addition to reading, homework, and assignment time required.