Online Learning.

What does it mean to study online at Boston University School of Public Health? Here are some things you should know.

Studying Online

We’ve designed a media-rich, collaborative learning environment, allowing our faculty members to interact with students through a learning management system (LMS). Course content may include online lectures, videos, interactive animations, discussion boards, electronic portfolios, Web conferencing, and more. Students submit regular assignments including homework, projects, and papers, through the LMS. Some courses include secure, proctored online exams.

Online learning requires a substantial amount of written communication. Because you learn at your own location and during the times that you prefer, email is your primary means of communicating with instructors and other students. In addition, most courses require you to engage regularly in online discussions and collaborative work with classmates. As an online student, it is important to feel comfortable interacting with others from a distance, since you will not have the same face-to-face contact as a student learning on campus.

Courses and Programs Available Online

Motivation and Discipline

With disciplined work habits, you are likely to succeed as an online student. A greater degree of flexibility requires that you take an active role in your education—it is up to you to log on to your course and meet your own deadlines. It is very important that you are proactive when it comes to staying on top of deadlines for things like registering for classes and financial aid.

Time Management

Online courses are intense and can consume a great deal of your time—especially as many of you are trying to balance school, work, and family. In order to receive competitive grades, plan on spending at least 10 hours a week for full semester courses and 20-25 hours a week for courses that run in the intensive 7-week format. Read all the course content, complete all the assignments, and block out time to do it.

High-Quality Instruction

Boston University faculty are highly respected. In addition, many of those who teach online tend to have extensive, hands-on experience in their fields. They are researchers and industry professionals, with extensive academic expertise. They deliver an education that focuses on practical application, while developing a core foundation of knowledge and theory.

Professional Connections

Most students in BU’s online graduate programs are employed when they enroll. In addition, many BU faculty who teach online have connections to industry. That means the online learning environment ensures access to diverse insights, expertise, and practices, and comprises an extensive network of professionals in a variety of industries. During your time at BUSPH, you will have many opportunities to explore these connections remotely and broaden your horizons.

Technology

It goes without saying that technology plays an integral role in online learning. You’ll need a high-speed Internet connection and basic computer skills (we’re happy to help you get up to speed). For specifics, please visit our Technology page.

Course Schedules

Though you can complete course assignments during the hours that work best for you on a day-to-day basis, you must finish each course within the allotted time period. Each course has built-in deadlines along the way to make sure that you progress at a manageable pace. Each live session is mandatory. If you are unable to participate in the live session at the designated time, you are required to watch the recording of the class.

Technical Help and Student Support

Boston University ensures that online students receive experienced support throughout their studies. Distance Education office staff, your course facilitator, and your course instructor are all available by phone or email to answer questions and guide you as needed. However, online students should be comfortable learning independently, taking the initiative to ask questions, and receiving instruction at a distance. Technical support is available through BU’s Information Services & Technology (IS&T) group.

Navigating Online Courses

The course administrative functions such as announcements, gradebook, assignments, quizzes, and exams are all accessed from within Blackboard, Boston University’s learning management system (LMS). While the courses will differ based on your instructor there is one thing that remains the same, SPH’s commitment to high-quality education is found in every course. Each online course provides the same amount of academic challenge and content as a face-to-face course.

Online Learning FAQs

Communicating Online

Communicating with others online is a critical component of learning online. Interacting with others is essential as your ideas develop and your skills progress. Outside of email there are a number of applications that will help you leverage the expertise of faculty and the experience of your classmates. This section will provide a number of quick introductions that you can use to help get you started.

Zoom

Zoom is an online service that will allow you to hold online meetings with others. You can either hold a Video Meeting, which uses your webcam as the focal point, or a Shared Screen Meeting, which allows you to select your desktop or a single application, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, as the focal point of the meeting. Zoom also allows you to easily record and share a presentation from within a meeting. Follow the short guide below to get started!

How to Zoom

Tips and Suggestions

  • Pay close attention to the due dates of the assignments and check the Syllabus regularly in case changes have been made by the instructor!
  • Plan ahead and plan well. Do not put off quizzes or assignments until the last minute!
  • Check your e-mail regularly, but be patient while waiting for responses.
  • Communicate with your instructor and/or classmates by email, discussions boards, or phone.
  • Participation is important to your learning experience in an online learning environment, so be confident in making contributions. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes!
  • Identify a way of taking notes you would prefer: use Word, online journal/Web logging, note-taking software, bookmarking the websites important to you, or any method that works best for you.
  • Be aware of the resources for HELP available.