When do classes start?

Spring semester 2021: Jan. 11 Summer semester 2021: May 17

Orientation: What's online learning like?

As an online student, you have access to all the resources available to all students, including advising, career services, our library (with vast online assets), tutoring, financial aid and help-desk support. Learn more about the resources available to online learners, as well as strategies for success and the tools we use: The Learning Experience at UAkron Online

Will my degree be labeled as online? May I attend graduation?

When you earn a degree through UAkron Online, you earn a University of Akron degree. You and your family will be invited to campus for commencement so we may recognize and celebrate your achievement with you. We look forward to that day!

Who accredits our online programs?

UA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission — one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.Colleges and universities across the United States voluntarily seek accreditation to ensure they are maintaining quality standards, and use it as an opportunity for continuous improvement. Regional accreditation also ensures that students at colleges and universities are eligible for federally-based financial aid programs.

How do I attend online classes? Do I have to be at my computer at a certain time each day?

As an online student at The University of Akron, you will be enrolled in your classes through Brightspace. You will log on to each class and complete assignments and exams as you would in a traditional college course. You will interact frequently with faculty and fellow students through such activities as lively discussion forums, group projects and live classroom sessions. Coursework can be accessed online anytime, day or night, but assignments must be completed by the due dates specified by your instructor. If you need help, you can meet with your instructors in a live meeting tool such as WebEx or Teams. Some courses will schedule a live classroom meeting. You will be able to join the classroom for a session that might include a live lecture, presentations, office hours, or other interactive activities. If the timing does not meet your needs, these sessions will be recorded so that you can review them later.

Is there an orientation for new students?

Yes! Once accepted students confirm their enrollment at The University of Akron, students will receive communication via email from the Office of New Student Orientation providing additional instructions. Online-degree students will be enrolled in their respective online orientation experience depending upon being a new student, transfer or adult learner. After completing your online orientation requirement, you will be connected with your academic advisor to schedule classes for the upcoming semester. Online students also have access to an orientation to online learning. This mini-course provides an opportunity to practice using all of the tools that you will need to be a successful online student.

Are all of the classes online?

Yes. All of the classes that you are required to take for our UAkron Online programs are offered online. In the case of electives and general education requirements, you may need to choose from the available courses that are offered online in the term that you need to complete those. Your academic advisor will work with you to ensure that you have a schedule that meets your academic needs to complete your program as quickly as you would like.

Will I need to come to campus for tests?

No. Your courses may use an electronic proctoring service, but you will not be required to come to campus. You can run the proctoring software on most laptops, desktop computers, and some tablets including iPads and Chromebooks.

Will I need to come to campus for student services?

No. You will be able to meet with student services personnel virtually, and complete all activities including orientation, academic advising appointments, library services, career services, and any desired tutoring services from the convenience of your home.

How can I find out about using the GI Bill?

We provide comprehensive enrollment and referral services to new and returning Veterans and their families. You can contact our Military Services Center by phone: 330-972-7838 or email: veterans@uakron.edu. Learn more on our veterans website.

As an online student, what types of support are available to me?

A variety of academic, technological, and program support is available to students. The IT Help Desk provides the IT Knowledge Base UACB-1 (Helpdesk Chatbot) support by phone at 330-972-6888 helpdesk@uakron.edu Need help in Brightspace? Call Brightspace support at 1-877-325-7778 at any hour. There is also an online chat option in Brightspace. View numerous Brightspace tutorials. Cisco WebEx provides 24/7 direct support for their product. If you have questions or would like immediate help with WebEx, please call them at 1-866-229-3239. They also maintain support resources here: Webex Help Center Library resources and academic databases can be accessed from home. Local library material requests, Course Reserve requests, and Interlibrary Loan material requests will be delivered electronically or uploaded to Brightspace course pages whenever possible. Book or media requests will be mailed by USPS to patrons who respond to a notification email with their current mailing address. You can chat live with a librarian. Questions can be submitted through AskUs at uakron.edu/libraries/ask.dot The University of Akron is a member of the Ohio eTutoring Collaborative, which provides an online eTutoring platform allowing undergraduat students currently enrolled at UA the opportunity to receive virtual assistance from trained tutors in the following academic areas: Algebra Anatomy and Physiology Biology Calculus Computer Programming Computer Science Chemistry C++ and Java Math Microsoft Office Physics Statistics Writing Lab (Asynchronous) To access tutoring assistance in these areas, student should visit Ohio eTutoring Collaborative online

Are additional resources available for online students?

Yes. As a member of The University of Akron, you can access Office 365 for free. Students can use Office 365 for up to one year after graduation. Office can be installed on your Mac or Windows PC or, on your iOS, Android or Windows Mobile device.

Is financial aid available for online degree programs?

Yes. Our Office of Student Financial Aid is your resource for financial aid support as you apply to the University, make your college decision, and pursue your degree at UA. You can contact us live, 24 hours per day.

Are study abroad opportunities available to UAkron Online students?

Absolutely. Under normal circumstances, we offer a robust calendar of overseas opportunities, many of them led by our faculty.

Can I transfer to a completely online program at UA?

No matter where you start, we want you to finish at UA! We have made it easy for you to transfer into UAkron Online. Start here.

Will I receive a student ID as an online student?

Yes. Our student ID is called a Zip Card. You can do so much with it. Online students can email an image of their photo identification along with an image for us to use for the Zip Card. We then send the card to them via U.S. mail.

UAkron Online Master's Degree Programs

Looking for top universities that offer online degrees? The University of Akron’s completely online degrees are taught by the same professors who teach our in-person programs. UAkron Online is accredited, with optimum flexibility for working professionals and students who prefer the flexibility of an online degree.

Request information | online@uakron.edu | 330-972-6658

Accredited Online Master's Degrees

Earn your master's degree 100% online.

Master of Applied Politics

One of only a handful of graduate programs in the United States focused on practical politics and experiential learning, the Master of Applied Politics (MAP) is designed for students interested in election campaigns, digital strategy and messaging, fundraising, managing organizations, and related political activities.

A student intern for the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus

Master’s in Business Administration

Our MBA program has been ranked by U.S. News, Princeton Review and CEO Magazine as a best business school.

A professor in our online mba program makes a point during class

Master of Arts in Child & Family Development

Prepares professionals who will contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and global communities in careers working with child and families through advanced interdisciplinary and experiential education

Master of Arts in English

The Master of Arts in English provides students with strong practical and theoretical grounding as you prepare to move forward into careers or into graduate and professional schools.

Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology

Graduates have earned a 100% pass rate on the Praxis national exam and a 100% job-placement rate.

Students working online with a client in speech-language pathology lab

Master’s in Strategic Communication

Learn applied skills for strategic communication in one of two concentrations. Heath & Risk Communication examines the creation of messaging for healthcare industries or during health crises. Strategic Social Media examines the creation of content for meaningful social media engagement across all industries.

A communication professor talks with students in class

Master of Taxation

You can complete the degree in as little as 15 months. Our graduates are highly recruited.