Frequently Asked Questions

Online Degree

Online Degree Programs Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the online program anytime?

Yes, you can apply when you are ready. There are six different start times throughout the year: two in the fall, two in spring and two in summer. Your application will need to be reviewed and an admission decision will need to be made before starting coursework in any program.

When are online courses offered?

A link to fall, spring and summer semester dates for our online programs can be found here.

What do I need to submit to complete my application for admission?
1. First, you must complete your free application for admission.
2. You’ll also need to submit official transcripts for any earned or conferred college degree or coursework taken at a college or university. If you do not have any prior college credits, you’ll need to mail an official high school transcript or a GED to Hiram College at the address below:
Hiram College
Office of Professional and Graduate Studies
P.O. Box 67
Hiram, OH 44234

Will all of my college credits transfer?

Admission counselors will review your application and transcripts to determine how many credits you may transfer. A maximum of 75 eligible hours of credit can be transferred to Hiram College. Generally speaking, transfer credits will be awarded for courses in which:
- A grade of “C” or better is earned in the course
- The course was completed at an accredited college or university
Can I take courses through the Weekend College (on-campus) and online at the same time?

Yes. You can take courses on Hiram College’s campus through our Weekend College program while also participating in online courses at the same time.
Do I need to attend any on-campus courses?

No. Our online courses are offered entirely on the web and through the Moodle platform. This enables distance learners and working professionals with limited time for school to earn their degree on a schedule that works for them.

How many online majors does Hiram College offer?

We currently have two online majors: Accounting and Financial Management, and Business Management.

Can you describe the “online classroom experience” at Hiram College?

A self-disciplined student will find online college courses to be rigorous, challenging and engaging. Typical online college courses require as much work as a traditional college course. Most online courses require substantial reading and writing skills to master the subject. You should expect to spend 10-15 hours per week participating in learning activities, class discussions, assignments, reading, quizzes or exams.

Will my professors be the same as those that teach at Hiram College and for the Weekend College?

All courses offered by Hiram College are taught by Hiram approved faculty, many of whom also teach in our traditional and Weekend College programs. All faculty members understand the goals, missions and expectations for teaching at Hiram College, which ensures the high level of quality that you would expect.

Do I have to be a “techie” to take online courses?

It’s helpful to be comfortable with computers and familiar with email, internet searching and general software applications for word processing and other productivity tools. At a minimum, you’ll need access to a computer with an Internet connection. We recommend high-speed broadband, cable or DSL connections. Dial-up connections are not supported.

How can I make sure Moodle (the online learning website) will work on my computer?

For best results, we recommend using Mozilla Firefox 3.6.x or later as your default browser. Internet Explorer (version 7 or higher), Google Chrome (version 4 or higher), Safari (version 3 or higher) and all other Mozilla Firefox versions are supported. However, you may not be able to access all of our website’s features.

Safari OSX supports most website functions with the exception of the text editor in Forum posts and other areas (you will see a plain text box instead of the editor window). You can still post to these areas; however, standard text formatting tasks will be more difficult.

We encourage you to disable any pop-up blocking software you may have installed on your computer. Disabling pop-up blockers on your browser is also recommended.

Please note: Additional browser toolbars that you may have installed can also act as pop-up blockers. These could include the Yahoo toolbar, Google toolbar, MSN toolbar and more. Deactivate these and other toolbars that may block pop-ups while using Moodle.

Are online students given a campus ID card?

Yes. Online students will be mailed an ID card after they register for a course at Hiram College. The ID card allows students to access library resources online and to add “Terrier Cash” onto their card. Terrier Cash can be used to purchase books through the Hiram College Bookstore.

Can I attend graduation on-campus?

Yes. We encourage Hiram College online students to participate in the annual commencement ceremony in the spring.
How much is tuition? Can I apply for financial aid?

2017-18 tuition = $475 per credit hour

Comprehensive fee = $125 per semester

Online course fee = $25 per credit hour

Students must take at least six hours to qualify for financial aid. All students are eligible to apply for state and federal financial aid. The first step is to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Visit our Financial Aid Office’s website for additional information.
After completing the admission process, when and how will I register?

After completing the admission process and being officially admitted to Hiram College, you will be able to register for classes. To register, you will work one-on-one with a program counselor who will advise you on both the registration process and the recommended courses to take. Counselors will be assigned to each student.
When will I receive a username and password to log in to my online course(s)?

All new students receive a Hiram username and password that provides access to most Hiram electronic resources include online courses. Your counselor will send a new student welcome packet usually within 2-3 days of your first registration as a new student. This packet will contain your Hiram login credentials. These credentials will be used to login to all online courses as long as your remain a Hiram student.

How do I participate in my online course and how do I interact with the professor?

Your professors will provide the necessary materials for lectures, tests and course assignments, which can be accessed at any time. You will be given deadlines and time frames to complete each of your assignments and to engage in discussions and other activities with students in the class and your instructor. You will be able to interact with your instructor via email, via online discussion forums inside your course, through scheduled chat or web conferencing sessions, and by telephone. Professors are readily available, and regularly participate in courses directly with you and your classmates.