Online Classes – and How They Work
At DeVry and Keller, we offer online classes to help you achieve your education and pursue your professional goals in a way that fits your schedule. Whether you’re taking classes while working full-time, raising a family or serving in the military, we offer the solutions you need to learn anywhere, anytime.
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Online Programs Find the right online degree or certificate program for you.
Complimentary Skill Building Videos Watch targeted, self-paced videos led by distinguished faculty members and other experts that dive into some of the most in-demand1 technology and business skills in the workforce today.
Flexible Learning Explore tools and resources like our digital course platform, mobile app, e-tutoring and more.
Transfer Applicants Transfer your qualifying credit hours.
Accreditation Learn about our accreditation and approvals.
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
You’re never too busy to achieve your goals. Our online classes meet you where you are—home, work or on-the-go. Learn more about our flexible options.
Why Take Online Classes?
Engaged Community
When you enroll in online classes at DeVry, you’ll be part of an engaged community of fellow students and professors who challenge and support you.
Flexibility and Convenience
Your career-focused online degree program can be built around your schedule so you can complete your degree on your timeline.
Save Time and Gas Money
You no longer have to worry about commuting to and from class. Take online classes at home, in your office or wherever is most convenient for you and skip the commute and additional gas expense.
Access a Variety of Resources:
At DeVry, you'll have a team working with you to help you move past whatever obstacles may stand in your way. While you may be taking online classes from home, both your professors and Student Support Advisors are committed to your success. As you work toward earning your degree, these individuals can help provide you with the support you need.
- Student Services can answer your questions about resources and how to access them.
- Student Support Advisors are available via phone and email to help you navigate your academic career, develop a plan of study, assist you in selecting your online classes, act as a resource and advocate for you and more.
- Student Technical Help Desk support is available 24/7 to assist you in accessing the online learning platform and course technologies.
- Student Support Advisors help students understand options that may be available to help them pay for their education and developing a financial plan that suits the individual's needs.
If you live near a DeVry University location, you may also have the option to enroll in our hybrid format and take some classes on campus.
How Online Classes Work? – Learn About DeVry's Online Learning Platform
So what is the online class experience really like? First and foremost, DeVry has created an online platform designed to foster an engaging learning experience. Whether you are participating in class discussions, collaborating with other students, or connecting with faculty real-time, the goal is to make you feel connected and supported. Here is what you can expect:
- Get a Head Start: course materials are available a week before class starts.
- Access What You Need: Stay organized and on schedule by using the built-in activity list, to-do list, coming-up list and calendar. Also, access on-demand tutoring whenever you need it.2
- Interact with Fellow Students: Through robust discussion threads and group projects, our courses offer opportunities to connect with fellow students.
- Connect with Involved Faculty: DeVry’s professors are actively involved in classroom discussions and available to answer students’ questions.
How to Succeed in Your Online Classes
Online learning creates a way for students to complete their degree on the go, outside of the traditional classroom setting. By proactively creating your own class and study schedule, you can maintain your productivity and get the most out of your education. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Be Prepared with the Right Tools
You can participate in classes, discussions and complete coursework online utilizing a number of different devices including tablets, smartphones as well as desktop and laptop computers.
Read Everything
Read your course materials, your FAQs, your how-tos and online discussions.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Even though you won't be expected to sit in a physical classroom, make it a priority to schedule time to complete your coursework — whether that's interacting with your professor and class online or studying independently.
Use the Tools Provided
We provide multiple tools to help support you while you pursue your online degree. Take advantage of those resources, especially the team of dedicated Student Support Advisors who are here to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Take Advantage of Tutoring When Needed
You can schedule one-on-one sessions with our professional tutors online and submit papers for review through TutorSource. If you’re struggling in a class — or if you just want some extra help— take advantage of this online resource.
By combining these practices and DeVry University's focus on our students, you'll have access to the tools you need to pursue your educational goals.
Commonly Asked Online Learning Questions
How are online classes structured?
DeVry University’s online classes are designed to give you flexibility while helping you get the most out of each class. How do online classes work? Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Schedule. Classes at DeVry start every 8 weeks. You’ll receive course material a week before the class starts. This includes a class syllabus that outlines assignments and expectations for each of the 8 weeks of class.
Format. Online classes are presented through DeVry’s online learning platform. Our user-friendly portal is accessible via computer, tablet or mobile phone. Each week’s assignments, topics and discussions are contained on a tab specific to that week. Older content is saved to previous tabs for easy access.
Coursework and assignments. Every class is developed around course learning objectives. Some classes may offer optional live or recorded lectures or group discussions. You’ll also have various assignments to complete throughout the course. These may include assignments that integrate virtual simulations, interactive videos and tools and technologies used in today’s business environment.
Engagement. If you have any questions or concerns before or during the course, you’ll be able to connect with your professor for support. Each week you’ll also engage with classmates and professors by posting on an online discussion board. Some courses may include group projects, which allow students to collaborate virtually to complete assignments together.
How is cheating prevented in online classes?
What are Synchronous and Asynchronous online classes?
What are the benefits of online learning?
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Take the Next Step
Questions on what it's like to be an online student? We've got answers!
Minimum System Requirements for Online Classes
Following is the hardware and software needed to complete your online classes:
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows 10, Windows 8x, and Windows 7 are supported. Please note Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1 are not supported. Users on Windows 10 need to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to submit Canvas assignments).
- Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) and higher is supported for most online course materials, but there may be applications that require a supported Windows Operating System. Therefore, please be prepared to run a virtual machine environment such as Parallels desktop, vmWare Fusion, Oracle VirtualBox or use BootCamp with an installed and supported Windows Operating System (as mentioned above) if you elect to use a Mac computer.
Important:
We highly recommend that you have administrative rights to the computer used for college coursework. If you must use a computer over which you do not have administrative rights (such as a library computer or a workplace computer), you may experience difficulties with needed functions, such as installing plug-ins. Students using library or workplace computers will have limited support options due to access limitations on such networks. Check with your workplace IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company’s network.
Productivity Tools:
Microsoft Office 2016 (Windows) or Microsoft Office 2016 (Mac). (NOTE: This software will be available to matriculating students at deeply discounted pricing through the Student Software program after you have begun taking courses. Office 2016 is also available at no charge through the online lab environment.)
Internet Access:
ISP account for Internet access and email address. (See more on Internet connectivity specifications below.)
Supported Internet Browsers:
The following are supported browsers. Major releases of browsers are generally supported within 60-90 days of their public release date. Due to the rapid release cycles of some supported Internet browsers, the two latest releases of each browser are supported. When using older versions of a browser, users risk running into problems with the course software.
Windows Users
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and Edge 39 and 40 (Please make sure your operating system is also current as noted in the computer specifications lesson; you may need to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to submit Canvas assignments)
- Google Chrome 59 and 60
- Mozilla Firefox 54 and 55
Mac OS Users
- Apple Safari 9 and 10
- Google Chrome 59 and 60
- Mozilla Firefox 54 and 55
Internet Browsers not mentioned above are NOT currently supported and may not meet all requirements of your coursework.
Internet Browser Settings:
Please refer to your browser's Help features to check these settings.
- Pop-Up Blocker should be disabled
- Java Script should be enabled
- Java should be enabled
- Cookies should be enabled
Plug-ins:
The most recent version of the following plug-ins are required for many of the resources available in your online classes.
All plug-ins needed to participate in components of your online classes are available at no additional cost. We recommend that you review the list of plug-ins and install them prior to beginning your coursework.
Minimum Hardware Specifications for Online Classes
Minimum PC Specs for Business and Management:
The following minimum technical PC specifications apply to students in business and management programs:
- Intel Core 2 Duo - or AMD - 3 GHz processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive - Note that some software may require a DVD drive for installation
- Hard drive: 160 GB minimum
- Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024x768 display
- Stereo sound card, speakers and/or headset, microphone
- A Webcam may be required in courses in some programs. Check with your student support advisor.
Additional requirements for all electronics students taking online coursework:
- USB 2.0 port(s), min USB 3.0 preferred
- A webcam with still camera capabilities
- Video/graphics - Open GL® capable 3D graphics card recommended (SVGA resolution video adapter with 1024x768)
NOTES:
- Specific curricula for college courses may require additional software purchases. Any additional software requirements will be provided in the syllabi for your courses.
- Computer specifications are reviewed and revised bi-annually to accommodate changes in technology. While every attempt is made to ensure that these specifications satisfy all curricular needs for students completing courses, Keller reserves the right to require upgrades in the event of technology changes. Students will be given 90 days notice before such changes are implemented.
- While tablets, netbooks, smartphones and other mobile devices may allow for some completion of coursework, they are not guaranteed to work in all areas. Please ensure you have a Windows or Mac based computer available to complete coursework in the event your selected mobile device does not meet the needs of the course.
- Students who need assistive technologies will have different computer and technology requirements. Please check with your Student Services counselor to determine the requirements for the specific technologies needed to support your classes.
- For questions regarding these requirements, please phone the Help Desk at 877-306-4283.
Additional Information and Recommendations
Internet Access:
Internet access is required to participate in online components of your college courses at DeVry and Keller. The minimum Internet speed is 512 kbps. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will provide you with the software and access necessary to utilize the internet in order of preference:
- Broadband: (Cable, or DSL) connection is highly recommended for optimal student experience and is required for all technical programs.
- Satellite and/or Cellular (3G/4G/LTE) may also be used if you connect to the Internet through your company, you may need to ensure that appropriate plug-ins and access rights are available to you. Check with your IT department to ensure that you may access course materials from your company's network.
Email Account:
- A valid email address, which is checked frequently, is required for participation in components of your coursework.
- All students are provided with a University supplied email address, which is our preferred and recommended option.
- This will help you avoid issues with Spam blockers and other problems that may prevent you from receiving email from your professors.
- It will also enable you to participate in special student offers that are available only to students with a ".edu" email address.
- If you change your email address, you must supply the correct address to Student Services.
- You can access your University supplied student email account by logging in to the student portal and clicking the My Student Email link.
Computer and Internet Security:
- The ease and convenience of accessing educational materials through the Internet brings with it the need to ensure that our computers do not become targets of unwanted and often malicious attacks and intrusions by computer viruses and/or hackers.
- To prevent this, we recommend using an anti-virus package and a firewall. Your computer is subject to virus attack whether you're surfing the internet or getting information from USB drives, DVDs or a network. Email attachments are particularly vulnerable.
- We recommend using a security software to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software from one of the major vendors; such as McAfee, Windows Defender, or similar to protect your computer from viruses and other types of computer threats. Since an anti-virus/anti-malware program is no better than its virus definitions, virus definitions should be updated regularly, preferably on a weekly basis.
- Personal firewalls are another means to protect your computer from malicious activity when you are connected to the Internet. Windows comes with a built-in personal Firewall. It is recommended that you enable the Windows Firewall and learn how to use this application. A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers. Most of the major anti-virus vendors also supply firewall software along with their protection options.
- Along with keeping your antivirus updated, it is equally - if not more important to also ensure that your Windows and Mac computer updates are current. As Microsoft & Apple find weaknesses in their Operating Systems, they post updates that can be downloaded and installed. These updates can be set to occur automatically, but they may at times require user input to complete the update. Your Operating System updates should be checked on a weekly basis.
Screen Settings:
- Your screen resolution (size) should be set at minimum to 1024 x 768 or higher. Students using Netbook computers or computers unable to meet the minimum requirements for screen settings may require the use of an additional monitor capable of displaying the supported resolution.
Have additional questions about our online learning technical requirements? Request more information or call 866-338-7934 and a member of our team will be glad to help.
All students enrolled in site-based programs will be required to take some online classes and, for some programs and locations, a substantial portion of the program may be required to be completed online.
1http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2018.pdf - page 12.
2Each student is allotted 13 hours of tutoring per academic session through www.Tutor.com (available 24/7). Additional tutoring services are also available through www.DeVryTutors.com.
