Who are Distance Learning Students?
Distance students are located around the world! They live and work throughout Canada and the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
People of all ages study via the distance learning programs offered at the Mount. Many distance students are working adults, but many on-campus students take courses via distance to accommodate their study and work schedules. Many students cannot come to campus because of job requirements, shift work and/or family responsibilities and find that distance learning provides them with the flexibility they need to pursue their education.
How do I know if Distance Learning is right for me?
Distance courses are the answer for many people. Distance learning provides a valuable alternative for learners who:
- prefer the convenience and savings of reduced travel costs and time
- are not in close geographical proximity to the campus
- are able to work independently in their own home or community
- are working shifts or other times which conflict with a fixed class schedule
- are traveling to meet employment responsibilities
- are unable to find adequate care for children or elderly at home
- prefer small-group interaction and class size
- prefer to concentrate on challenging courses one at a time during the summer terms
How do I become a Distance Learning Student?
Contact us! We will assist you in becoming a Distance Learning student. Students who wish to take courses through Distance Learning and Continuing Education (DLCE) must first apply for admission to the University.
Apply now
DLCE can help you with your application for admission if you need assistance.
Undergraduate Applicants
To check on the status of your undergraduate application, contact the Admissions Office at (902) 457-6117 or TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-733-6788 or msvu.ca.
Graduate Applicants
For graduate programs in Education, contact the Education Department at 1-877-433-2889 or (902) 457-6178 or msvu.ca
What degree programs can I take through Distance Learning?
The following programs can be taken entirely through distance learning unless noted:
- Bachelor of Arts, General Studies (with Minors in English, Psychology and Religious Studies, and concentrations in English and Psychology)
- Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Study) – Bermuda cohort (most courses for students within Canada)
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Business Administration
- Certificate in Marketing
- Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Master of Public Relations
- Master of Arts in Public Relations
- Master of Education(Education of the Blind or Visually Impaired)—with some residency
- Master of Education (Education of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing)—with some residency
A wide selection of undergraduate Arts and Science electives, which apply to many Bachelor's degree programs (e.g. Psychology), are offered through Distance Learning.
Certain courses are also available at a distance in the following program:
- Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology
How are Distance Courses delivered?Regardless of the delivery method for a distance learning course, the content, assignments and exams are equivalent to those offered in the classroom, and are usually taught by faculty members who also teach on campus. One of the reasons distance learning is so exceptional is the great support our MSVU professors provide.
Distance learning courses are offered in the following ways:
- Multi-mode (Web-based) Sections 18,19,25,26,28,29
- Downloadable videos Sections 20,21
All of our courses have a online component using Moodle. Access to the Internet and e-mail is required for all distance students.
Multi-mode (Web-based)
Online students using Moodle, access class websites where they pose questions to their professors and classmates and engage in real-time communication.
Web-based courses are facilitated by faculty who post course outlines, workshop notes and assignments, along with interactive discussions. Regular communication with students in a variety of forms occurs.
Interacting with fellow students and/or instructors enhances the depth of your learning experience. Students participating in Web-based courses have the added advantage of interacting with fellow learners from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Links to a variety of library and Web resources may also be posted on the class Web site.
Teleconferencing in Multi-mode Courses:
Some courses have an occasional live teleconference. If teleconferencing is part of your course, the telephone number and passcode will be emailed to you.
Video on Demand/downloadable lectures
Downloadable lectures parallel the on-campus university classroom experience and are built around live recordings of classes as they occur. Courses are complemented with an online component using Moodle. Students use Moodle to interact with their peers and professors and to post course materials.
Students order their lectures via 'video-on-demand' for $35 per 1/2 unit.
What equipment do I need to take a distance course?
Browser: Internet Explorer version 6.1 SP2 plus the following hardware:
- Java versions 1.5 or 1.6
- 20 MB free disk space
- Soundcard with speakers and microphone or headset (or telephone for Telephony users)
- 28.8 Kbps Internet connection
Collaborate:
For a Windows PC:
- Windows XP/Vista/7
- Pentium III 1 GHz processor
- 256 MB RAM
For a MAC:
- Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5
- G4, G5 or Intel Processor
- 256 MB RAM
Moodle
For a Windows PC:
- Windows 98 or higher
- Pentium 133 MHz processor or higher (166 MHz recommended)
- RAM: (Memory):
- Windows 98 (Second Edition) 128 MB of RAM or more
- Windows ME – 128 MB of RAM or more
- Windows 2000 or XP – 128 MB of RAM or more
- 10 MB of free Hard Disk space
- 28.8/33.6modem minimum internet connection
- 14” minimum, VGA monitor with 800X600 screen resolution, 256 colours
For a MAC:
- Power PC 601 100 MHz (603, or higher recommended)
- 16 MB of ram
- 10 MB of free disc space
- 28.8 modem or higher internet connection
Teleconferencing Requirements
Access to a telephone (not a cell phone) A long distance calling package is recommended, as teleconference long distance fees are the responsibility of the student.
Do I have to come to campus if I am taking a distance course?
Distance Students who reside within 100 km of the University are required to come to campus for mid-term and final exams. Students beyond this distance will write with a proctor at an approved education site in their community.
How do I find Distance Learning courses in the University Timetable?
Sections numbered 18-19 and 25-29 are multi-mode
Sections numbered 20-22 are downloadable lectures.
Distance courses are listed in the Timetable by section: Under, "Search for Sections", enter 18-19, 20-22, etc...and distance courses will appear.
The 2-digit section number at the end of your course code refers to the course delivery method.
How do I register for a DLCE course?
Once admitted, you will receive a Username and Password for WebAdvisor. Next you will Register online via WebAdvisor. Be sure to register early to ensure your place in the courses of your choice and order your materials from our online bookstore prior to the start of the course.
For assistance with WebAdvisor, please email msvu.ca or call (902)457-6117 for local and International; and toll-free within Canada at 877-733-6788.
What does it cost?
The following fees include the distance education administration fee:
Undergraduate
1/2 Unit Course: $659.00
1 Unit Course: $1318.00
Graduate
1/2 Unit Course: $846.50
1 Unit Course: $1693.00 (Graduate tuition fees may vary.)
Textbooks, video on demand and headsets are in addition to tuition fees. International fees are in addition to base tuition fees For further financial information consult Financial Services.
How do I get my materials and books?
- Register for a Distance course through WebAdvisor as usual.
- Go to www.dlcebookstore.ca
- Create an account or Sign In in you are a returning user.
- You can enter the DLCE online Bookstore to see what materials are required for your course without making a purchase.
Course information is normally posted on Moodle. The Moodle login link is located on our homepage.
How do I get academic advising if I am a distance student?
The Academic Advisor will schedule telephone appointments for undergraduate distance students who cannot come to campus.
Advising Website http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/academicadvisingsupport/default.aspx or (902) 457-6324 or E-Mail: msvu.ca
Graduate students must consult with their academic department for advising and program planning.
Students pursuing graduate degrees in Education must contact the Department of Education for authorization prior to registering for courses: telephone: 1-877-433-2889 or (902) 457-6178 or e-mail: msvu.ca
How do I access library services as a distance student?
Visit the Library information for distance students
Distance Student Contact:
Denyse Rodrigues,Extended Services Librarian
902-457-6525 or msvu.ca
What about other services?
The Department of Student Affairs offers a variety of services including Athletics & Recreation; Career Planning; Counselling & Psychological Services; and Financial Aid, to all registered students, full-time and part-time.
For further information visit:
Athletics & Recreation
Career Planning Services Financial Aid Office
Health & Wellness