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 courses are structured similarly to our in-person classes. They are taught by the same expert faculty and include assigned instructional materials, such as readings or lecture videos. As part of their coursework, students can expect to engage in discussions, complete assignments, participate in projects and take exams.
NJIT Online courses take place in the Canvas learning management system. Nearly all courses follow an asynchronous format. This is where you will access lessons, participate in discussion forums, upload assignments, take tests and quizzes, and more. However, due to the nature of the content, certain courses will take place synchronously, meaning students and instructors interact in real time via zoom.
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 gives students the flexibility to access course materials, lectures, and assignments when it works best for them during the week. While you can choose when to study, you’ll still need to follow a weekly schedule and meet deadlines for assignments and activities. This way, you have both the freedom to plan your time and the structure to stay on track. Learn more about the benefits of asynchronous learning.
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.
Instructors may deploy exams in Canvas using the quiz tool. For academic integrity purposes, an instructor may use one of three methods:
- ProctorU Live+ - a live proctoring service that works by connecting you to a proctor who will watch (and listen to) you live, via webcam, while you take your exam online.
- ProctorU Record+ - an automated proctoring solution that uses Artificial Intelligence during the exam. Both you and your screen are recorded throughout the duration of the exam, followed by a full review from a ProctorU proctor. The proctor then sends an incident report to the instructor if any potential academic integrity violations occur.
- Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor - an automated proctoring solution that prevents access to external resources during exams while using a webcam to record students throughout the exam session.
All of these services require that the student has a functioning webcam while taking the exam.
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.
