Online Learning FAQs
Frequently asked questions for prospective students
An up-to-date list of NJIT’s fully online programs can be found on our online programs webpage.
NJIT Online graduate courses follow a similar format to those that are held in person: they are led by a faculty member who is an expert in the field, utilize textbooks, and often require homework, class participation, and exams.
NJIT Online courses take place in the Canvas open-source online learning platform in an asynchronous fashion. Registered online students log on to Canvas using a NJIT-issued id and password to access lessons, participate in discussion forums, upload assignments, take tests and quizzes, and more.
While deadlines tend to be scheduled weekly, some courses may require participation in live online discussions or events, and group work may require meetings with classmates outside of the course.
- Asynchronous learning is a flexible approach to education that allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Unlike traditional classroom settings, asynchronous learning enables students to access course materials, lectures, and assignments online and complete them on their own time without the constraints of a fixed schedule or location.
- Online describes courses in which all course activities can be completed online through the learning management system. There are no required face-to-face sessions but students are expected to follow a week-by-week schedule as outlined in the syllabus. Work is typically done in an asynchronous mode and students can complete the coursework without coming to campus. Note: NJIT policy requires online students registered for a fully online course section must be given the option to take their exam in a completely online format, with appropriate proctoring.
For more information, please visit the NJIT Modes of Delivery web page
Reliable and secure internet access is required. 1.5 Mbps download speed is suggested. Updated Internet browsers such as (but not limited to) Explorer, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. A webcam and microphone may be required for participation in some courses.
Please Note: specific courses may require the purchase of software that will have its own technical requirements in order to complete the course. This information will be indicated on the course’s syllabus.
At a minimum, NJIT Online students should know how to send and receive email, attach a file to an email, and use a web browser and word processor. As a technical school, many of our courses and programs will require additional technical and computer skills to meet course requirements.
Please check with your program advisor or course instructor with any concerns.
Courses are offered in alignment with a standard three-semester academic-year calendar. Fall courses begin in September, Spring courses begin in January, and Summer courses begin in May.
Additional information concerning NJIT’s academic calendar can be found by visiting the NJIT Registrar academic calendar webpage.
It depends on the course. Timed course exam will be active for a specific date set by the instructor with a timer that begins when the student starts the exam. Students may be required to use a online proctoring solution.
This can include automated proctoring applications (e.g. Respondus Monitor) or remote proctors (Proctor U). The course material and nature of the delivery dictates the style of the exams and can vary for each professor and each course.
Students are permitted to register for up to 9 credits of non-matriculated coursework with the written approval of the academic department.
Students admitted into a fully online degree program are not able to register for on campus courses.
NJIT on-campus students may enroll in online courses through Newark Online if they are admitted to a program which the course applies.
NJIT’s diplomas and transcripts do not differentiate between online and on-campus program participation.
Once you are admitted and registered for a course you may log in to the NJIT online course management tool Canvas with your UCID and password.
Please reference these helpful Canvas FAQ for information on how to get started, update your profile, submit assignments and more.
That depends on the length of the program you are considering and the time you are willing to commit to coursework each semester. Each 3-credit online graduate-level course typically requires a time commitment of 10 hours each week for lesson review, reading, homework, discussion, exams and more.
A typical part-time graduate student takes about 6 credits (2 courses) a semester, while a typical full-time graduate student takes 9-12 credits each semester. For Graduate and Doctorate students, full-time status varies depending on purpose: 12 credits for billing purposes, 9 credits for academic and financial aid purpose
NJIT’s Graduate Certificates each require 12 credits (4 courses). NJIT’s Master’s programs require between 30 and 48 credits.
Coursework for online courses tends to be self-paced with regular deadlines set at intervals (often weekly). Therefore, if NJIT experiences an unexpected campus closure for a day or portion of a day, the coursework for online courses for that week will still be due.
In the rare event that NJIT is closed for an extended period of time please reach out to your instructor to determine if any schedule adjustments need to be made.