Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credit hours are needed to complete the degree?
A.S., Professional Aeronautics (ASPA): 60 semester hours are required for degree completion. Of this total, 15 hours must be taken through Embry-Riddle.

B.S., Professional Aeronautics (BSPA) & B.S. Management of Technical Operations (BSMTO): 120 semester hours are required for degree completion. Of this total, 30 hours must be taken through Embry-Riddle.

Are there any specific courses, required for degree completion, which must be taken from Embry-Riddle?
Embry-Riddle does not require the student to complete specific courses with the University as long as the student meets the residency requirement of 15 hours for the ASPA degree and 30 hours for the BSPA or BSMTO degrees. Some of our aviation-related courses may be unique to the University.

What other degrees are available from your institution through distance learning?
Embry-Riddle currently offers the Master of Aeronautical Science and Master of Aviation Business Administration degrees online.

What is the tuition?
$169 per credit hour for undergraduate courses.

What counseling services do you provide in support of the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership?
Counseling services provided by Embry-Riddle are focused on academic advisement. The purpose of academic advisement is to ensure that the student knows which courses are needed for degree completion and when those courses are available. The counselor also assists the student with admission and registration processes. Students also are counseled on any course sequencing that needs to be followed as well as prerequisite requirements, so that they do not enroll in a course before they are ready. A degree plan and an evaluation showing transfer and experiential credit awarded is prepared for the student upon admission to the degree program. Those documents are subsequently updated as the student completes additional coursework, so the student is able, at any time, to know how many hours he/she has completed, and how many remain for degree completion. Typically, students request advisement during or shortly before the term registration period. If a student needs to address withdrawing from or extending a course, the advisor is available to help the student consider the alternative solutions.

Each student enrolled through the Distance Learning Enrollment Office is assigned a personal academic advisor who remains with the student throughout their career with Embry-Riddle. This advisor provides support in program and course selection, class registration, financial aid and tuition assistance, proctor identification, and other academic and administrative issues. The advisor is available Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST/EDT, or by appointment. Advisors may be contacted via a toll-free phone, e-mail, Fax, or mail.

In addition, Navy sailors can enroll for distance learning courses through our centers on the Navy base where they are stationed. These sailors have an advisor at the local center who is available from 0800 to 1700 Monday through Friday. They can also be contacted via e-mail, phone, fax, or mail, and they will respond to student concerns the same or next business day. In our extensive network of over 130 off-campus centers, we have found this system to be highly successful in meeting student needs.

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What library/research resources will you make available to me?
The development, implementation, and administration of Embry-Riddle's Hunt Library Extended Campus Library Services are guided by the ACRL Standards for College and University Libraries and by the guidelines of the ACRL Distance Learning Section.

Faculty and administrators consult with Extended Campus librarians to ensure availability of appropriate library resources and services. Collections of books, journals, technical reports, documents, and videotapes are developed with distance learning courses and programs in mind. Course outlines on the World Wide Web, as well as faculty meetings, provide the means for sharing course information. The Hunt Library provides access to all of its research materials for student and faculty research.

Embry-Riddle provides orientation and instruction in the use of basic library resources to students and faculty through a variety of means:

A printed library guide developed especially for distance learning students details resources and services available from the Hunt Library at the Daytona Beach campus, as well as information about using local libraries, and includes an overview of research strategies.

Instructional brochures present in detail the connection procedures and searching techniques for online indexes and databases available from the Hunt Library through the Internet.

The Hunt Library's Department of Distance Learning Web page contains further introductory and instructional information, as well as links to pertinent Internet resources (URL: http://amelia.db.erau.edu/cdl). E-mail access is also available through this Web page.

Individual instruction is also available through the library's toll-free phone line to the Reference Services Department.

Embry-Riddle's Distance Learning Guide to Library Resources was prepared especially for Embry-Riddle's distance learning students. It provides a description of the library services available directly from the Hunt Library at Embry-Riddle's main campus. In addition, public and private libraries are generally available to Embry-Riddle students and faculty in their local area. The guide provides information about access requirements for libraries. It also describes the resources and services that are available through Embry-Riddle's Hunt Library in support of distance learning courses and programs. A copy of the Guide to Library Resources is issued to each new student. The guide is also available through the Internet on the Hunt Library's Web page. The guide's information on services is backed by letters of agreement and published law and regulation for local area libraries.

The library's collection of reference books, handbooks, statistical compilations, technical reports, government documents, videotapes, etc. Materials needed for classroom instruction or individual student research can be ordered from the Hunt Library's Extended Campus Services Department by using the Internet, e-mail, fax, or phone.

The library's collection includes reference books, handbooks, statistical compilations, technical reports, government documents, videotapes, etc. Materials needed for classroom instruction or individual student research can be ordered from the Hunt Library's Extended Campus Services Department by using the Internet, e-mail, fax, or phone.

Business- and aviation-related periodicals and journals are indexed in the library's online catalog and online indexes and databases which facilitates their use for research purposes. Access to these online resources is available through the library's Web page on the Internet. ABI/Inform, Aerospace Database, NTIS, PsycINFO, and other online databases provide access to resource materials which graduate and undergraduate students need for their research assignments. In addition, the Hunt Library is continuing an Electronic Library Project to digitize full-text research materials to make them available through the World Wide Web. Embry-Riddle faculty reviews the holdings of the Hunt Library periodically and recommend additions or deletions.

Video Materials. The Hunt Library's Extended Campus Services Department provides a circulating videotape collection for use by faculty and students in Embry-Riddle's Distance Learning programs. Access to the video collection is provided through a Video Catalog produced by Extended Campus Services. The catalog classifies all available videos by title, keyword, and course number, thus making it easier to relate available video materials to courses and research topics. A copy of the Video Catalog is available through the Internet on the Hunt Library's Web page.

Computer Search Services. A staff of reference librarians is available at the Hunt Library to assist distance learning faculty and students with database searches for course assignments, research, or course development. Reference librarians can search collections on the campus of ERAU at Daytona Beach, the OCLC Online Union Catalog, CD-ROM and online indexes and databases at the Hunt Library, and databases available through DIALOG, EPIC, and FirstSearch. Search results generally consist of a number of citations with abstracts or full-text documents, if available. Citations will generally be to English-language materials which may include references to journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports. Search results are forwarded to a faculty member or student via e-mail, fax or first class mail.

Document Delivery Service. The Hunt Library budgets for, orders, and coordinates subscriptions to over 800 current journals and almost 2,000 serial publications. Copies of articles and papers from these periodicals are accessible to all students and faculty. Students and faculty review the library's online indexes and databases in search of periodical and journal articles relevant to courses and topics of interest. Students and faculty may electronically transmit to the Extended Campus Services Department the citations for selected articles. The Hunt Library, which maintains a substantial collection of journals and microfilm files, will provide copies of requested articles and papers by first class mail. Utilizing this service provides students and faculty members with a vast and current collection of articles on aviation and course-related topics that may not be available in local libraries.

Subscriptions. The Hunt Library provides access to a substantial number of periodicals and other serial subscriptions for distance learning students and faculty. Specific journals are selected by the library's Collection Development Committee and Extended Campus Services librarians after consultation with distance learning faculty and staff. Periodical subscriptions are selected based upon specific course and program requirements.

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Which national and/or regional bodies currently accredit your institution?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award degrees at the associateâs, bachelorâs, and masterâs levels.

When accreditation is granted or reaffirmed to an institution, the action covers all of the programs offered by that institution, wherever located.

Is Embry-Riddle a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges consortium?
Yes, Embry-Riddle has been a member since 1984.

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Is Embry-Riddle a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity College, Navy?
Yes, Embry-Riddle has been a member since 1984.

What is your policy on acceptance of credit that is transferred from another institution?
Appropriate course work completed at another accredited institution with a grade of A,B,C,D,P or equivalent will be accepted. It will be left to the discretion of the student, in consultation with their academic advisor, to determine whether to retake courses in which a D was earned or where placement testing indicates a deficiency.

When students are eligible to graduate with honors, both the grade point average of all courses taken at Embry-Riddle and the grade point average of all courses transferred from other institutions and applied to degree requirements will be taken into consideration.

Credit hours are transferable if earned at institutions accredited by the appropriate regional agency. Academic credit is accepted without regard to the date the course was completed. It is left to the discretion of the student, in consultation with the student's academic advisor, to determine whether to retake courses when placement testing indicates a deficiency. Embry-Riddle has sole discretion in determining which and how many transfer credit hours will be accepted toward degree requirements.

Previous academic credit is evaluated on a course by course basis. Acceptable transfer work will be recorded on the Embry-Riddle transcript. If courses are not applicable to the student's degree program at Embry-Riddle, they will be considered as electives in excess of minimum degree requirements. The level of credit (upper or lower division) is determined by evaluation of the course at Embry-Riddle.

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What is your institution's policy on the acceptance of credit by examination?
Embry-Riddle has set standards for awarding credit for the CLEP general examinations, and awards 6 credit hours in each of the subject areas for successful completion of the exam. The University has also approved CLEP subject examinations, DANTES examinations, and other nationally recognized testing programs and accepts the recommended scores for credit as it applies to the student's specific degree program.

What financial aid is available through your institution for the following: Active duty Sailors, family members, retired military, Department of Defense civilians?

ERAU awards the Embry-Riddle Excellence Award to recognize students who receive duty or work related honors. The award consists of a certificate and eligibility for authorization of payment of non-reimbursed tuition expenses for one three-credit or four-credit course. A student may receive multiple awards, and may redeem one per year for tuition credit.

The Florida Resident Access Grant is available to any student who is a Florida resident. Additionally, scholarships may be available through military- or aviation-related associations. The student's advisor can assist him/her in exploring the possibilities.

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Does your institution participate in federal financial aid programs for students? If so, which programs?
Embry-Riddle participates in all Title IV federal programs.
These include: Direct Stafford Loan Program
Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
Pell Grant Program
Perkins Loan Program
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Is your institution approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Yes.

What experience does Embry-Riddle have with distance learning?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University established a Department of Independent Studies in 1978 to primarily support military members who could not attend the traditional classroom environment. For the past 22 years, Associate's-, Bachelor's- and Master's-level degree programs have been offered. In 1993 the office became the Center for Distance Learning and an electronic communications media was established to support electronic interaction between student /student and faculty/student. This interactive system evolved to a Web-based system that offers connectivity from any location that has Internet access.

Current students often provide positive comments on the interaction and networking capability provided through this system. Military and civilian professionals find the Web site an ideal venue to exchange ideas and viewpoints. The site provides neutral ground for discussion of technical issues related to the profession. The current distance learning model is Web-based and utilizes an asynchronous environment for delivery of course assignments, private and public messages, library research, system support, and progress reports. The administrative operation has been divided into two offices: the Department of Distance Learning for course development and academic oversight of the courses, and the Distance Learning Enrollment Office for student services.

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On what Navy locations do you offer classes?

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) San Diego, CA
Naval Air Station Atlanta, GA
NAS Brunswick, ME
NAS Corpus Christi, TX
NAS Fallon, NV
NAS Jacksonville, FL
NAS Kingsville, TX
NAS Lemoore, CA
NAS South Bay, CA (formerly Moffett Field)
NAS Norfolk, VA
NAS Oceana, VA (Norfolk)
NAS Patuxent River, MD
NAS Pensacola, FL
NAS San Diego, CA
NAS Ventura (Point Mugu), CA
NAS Whidbey Island, WA
NAS Whiting Field, FL (Pensacola)
NAWS China Lake, CA (High Desert)
Naval Reserve Center Oklahoma City, OK
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Memphis, TN

What is the process a Sailor would follow to apply for admission? A sailor may apply for admission either by visiting a local resident center on the Navy base or by contacting the Distance Learning Enrollment Office. The Extended Campus offers admission to nontraditional applicants. To be considered for admission to Embry-Riddle, an applicant must:

1. Complete and sign an Extended Campus Application for Admissions form.

2. Submit the nonrefundable application fee of $30, $50 for international applicants.

3. Provide an official copy of a high school diploma or official evidence of successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test. Completion of secondary school also may be documented by copies of military records certified by an education services officer or military director of personnel, or indication on a transcript from a regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students who have completed 12 or more credit hours are exempt from this requirement.

4. Arrange to have an official transcript submitted to the University by each accredited institution attended. To be considered for admission to any degree program, transfer students must have earned at least a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 a the last institution attended and a combined CGPA of 2.0 for all institutions attended. Students who do not meet this criteria may appeal to the Academic Standards Board for special consideration.

5. Submit official CLEP or DANTES test result reports sent directly from the testing agency to the University.

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How do I obtain course materials (books, syllabus etc.)?
Course materials are shipped through several modes. Sailors located in the areas serviced by the US Postal Service and FPO's would receive the material through those venues. Materials are shipped Express Mail and if required may be shipped with Overnight Delivery Requested at the student's expense.

Students located in areas not serviced by the US Postal Service would receive course materials through either United Parcel Service (UPS) or Federal Express (FEDEX).

Course materials are usually shipped within two working days of the receipt of registration.

Can I start my program at any time?
A new distance learning term starts on the 15th of every month. Each term runs for 12 weeks.

Will I be assigned an advisor, and will I be able to communicate with that person on a regular basis?
Each student is assigned a personal Academic Advisor who will work with you during your studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Advisors are available via telephone, e-mail, and FAX.

How much of the degree has to be taken through a partnership school to meet residency requirements?
All Bachelor degree students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (Associate 15 hours) of course work with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in order to meet University residency requirements.

Will courses from other colleges transfer into your partnership school degree plan?
Credit hours are transferable if earned at institutions accredited by the appropriate regional agency. Appropriate course work completed with a grade of A,B,C,D,P or equivalent will be considered for transfer. Academic credit is accepted without regard to the date the course was completed. Embry-Riddle has sole discretion in determining which and how many transfer credit hours will be accepted toward degree requirements.

How will classes be delivered?
In our distance learning courses you are part of a "virtual" class and access this class via a secure course specific Web site. In your "virtual" class, you have access to a course instructor who is available to you throughout the course. You will communicate with your instructor and classmates by way of an asynchronous threaded discussion forum. You will be able to log-on and retrieve messages and assignments and post replies, ask questions, and submit course work whenever you want. You are not required to be on-line at the same time as your instructor or classmates. You may log on at anytime and as often or as little as you need.

Classes are also offered in a traditional classroom setting at all Embry-Riddle Resident Centers located on Navy bases.

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Is there a placement test?
A math placement exam is available to assist students in selecting an appropriate math course.

Do you have study guides for the courses offered?
No. All course materials are now available over the Internet.

Do I have to own a computer to do distance learning?
While most of our students own personal computers, ownership is not required to participate in these courses. You need only to have regular access to the Internet. If you don't own a computer, we will work with you to obtain access to the Internet. Just a few of the options you may have include base computer centers, public libraries, and Embry-Riddle Resident Centers.

Does your school accept credits from foreign institutions?
Yes. For each foreign institution attended, the student must provide official transcripts translated into English and certified by appropriate officials to one of the approved agencies listed below. A fee is charged for the translation service and must be paid by the applicant. The results of the evaluation must be sent directly to Embry-Riddle by the evaluation service. Ask for a course-by-course evaluation:

Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.
P.O. Box 6908, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(Tel) 310-275-3530, 800-234-1597, (FAX) 310-275-3528.
www.aceil.com

Foreign Credential Evaluations, Inc.
1425 Market Blvd., NE Suite 330, PMB #305
Roswell, GA 30076
(Tel) 770-642-1108, (FAX) 770-641-8381
www.fceatlanta.com

International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3665, Culver City, CA 90231-3665
(Tel) 310-258-9451, (FAX) 310-342-7086
 www.ierf.org

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc
International Education Consultants
7101 SW 102 Avenue, Miami, FL 33173
(Tel) 305-273-1616, (FAX) 305-273-1338, (Translations) 305-273-1984
www.jsilny.com

World Education Services , Inc. (Main Office)
P.O. Box 5087,Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274
(Tel) 212-966-6311, 800-937-3895, (FAX)212-739-6100
 www.wes.org

-or-

World Education Services, Inc. (Southeast Office)
P.O. Box 69-4034, Miami, FL 33269
(Tel) 305-358-6688, 800-937-3899, (FAX)305-358-4411
 www.wes.org

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Can I continue my degree while at sea?
Students can complete their degree from anywhere they can access the Internet.

How many courses can I take at a time?
Undergraduate students may be enrolled in up to four courses at one time.

Will tuition assistance cover the costs for this type of study?
This program is eligible for tuition assistance , VA benefits, and all Title IV federal financial aid programs.

How do I apply for grants/financial aid?
Students may attain assistance applying for financial aid from their Academic Advisor.

Can I start my program at any time?
A new distance learning term starts on the 15th of every month. Each term runs for 12 weeks.

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How do I use my VA benefits?
Embry-Riddle is approved for VA benefits. The student's advisor can assist in securing VA benefits.

Does the student pay in-state or out-of-state fees?
As a private institution, Embry-Riddle has just one tuition rate.

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