Nationally Accredited Distance Learning Programs
Table of Contents
Introduction
The DANTES Catalog of Nationally Accredited Distance Learning Programs provides a listing of schools and their courses approved by national accrediting bodies. This Catalog has been prepared to meet the needs of military Service personnel, the National Guard and Reserve components, and the Coast Guard. Each school is selected to meet the needs of the military student.
This Catalog is updated online at http://www.dantes.doded.mil as changes occur. The Catalog is also reproduced on CD ROM each year. The CD ROM contains two other catalogs, the DANTES External Degree Catalog and the DANTES Independent Study Catalog.
Education services personnel may obtain CD ROM copies of this Catalog along with the other two Catalogs (DANTES Stock Number 2300) by emailing a request to dist@voled.doded.mil. Provide: 1) your DANTES ID Number, 2) your shipping address, and 3) the DANTES Stock Number 2300 and quantity desired. There is a limit of five CD ROMs per DANTES ID per year.
If you have questions concerning this Catalog information, call DSN 922-1111 x3129 or CML (850) 452-1111 x3129. You may also fax questions to DSN 922-1161 or CML (850) 452-1161. The DANTES Distance Learning Program email address is: dantesDL@navy.mil.
All programs listed in this Catalog emphasize flexibility and require the student to assume personal responsibility for learning. This flexibility and self-direction make courses accessible to the adult learner whatever the circumstances.
NADLP Catalog Contents
The NADLP Catalog contains an “Introduction” and a listing of “All NADLP Institutions.” The “Introduction” contains general information for program participation. Also included are suggestions for course selection and successful completion. Under “All NADLP Institutions”, each institution is described. Each institutional listing provides information about: points of contact, admissions policy, level of course offerings, tuition and fees, mailing and postage fees, transcript and registration fees, refund policies, lesson submission guidelines, course completion time and extension policies, grading policy, transfer policy, VA eligibility, accreditation information, and any special information.
On the institutional listing page, the “View Courses” button allows the user to see all of the institution’s individual course offerings by course number, title, hours, credit, course length, tuition, other costs, and total cost.
Also on the institutional listing page, the “Degrees” button allows the user to see the specific degrees offered by each institution, if applicable.
A search function is enabled on most pages to allow users to locate specific programs of study and courses.
DANTES Affiliated Institutions’ Commitments to Military Students
All participating institutions listing programs and courses in the NADLP Catalog have signed a Memorandum of Understanding through which they agree to:
- Provide DANTES with information on fees for tuition, special fees, and essential course information for the Catalog
- Provide rapid turn around time for initial ordering and distributing of course materials and for lesson and examination grading
- Provide refunds according to institutional policy as stated in the school catalog
- Provide transcript services to the military student in accordance with policies set forth in the school’s catalog. Transcripts will not identify the method of delivery. Courses delivered through distance learning will be indistinguishable on the institution’s official transcript from on-campus, traditional courses.
Enrollment Procedures
Service members should not attempt to enroll in courses listed in the NADLP Catalog without being counseled by an authorized representative of the appropriate Service's voluntary education program. This is especially important if the student intends to use tuition assistance. Some institutions impose certain requirements prior to acceptance of credit awarded from one's job experiences, credit from testing, or independent study credit. Students should determine the requirements of the institution before enrolling. The institution's catalog lists both general admission requirements and prerequisites for individual courses. Students should access the catalog from the institution’s website. If the student desires to apply the credits earned from the NADLP Catalog institution to another institution, be sure to consult with the follow on institution to determine their transfer policy before enrolling in courses.
Students should always verify course availability with the school before enrolling.
When enrolling, include a money order, cashier's check, certified check, or personal check for the exact enrollment costs as quoted for the specific course requested. Many schools accept credit cards; some provide separate credit arrangements. Check the NADLP Catalog Institutional Information page to determine the school’s specific payment policies. Enrolling students should be aware that many schools require a separate payment for books.
1) Military Tuition Assistance
Each Service has a policy and/or regulation that governs its education program. Generally, Service tuition assistance policies and regulations allow for partial or full reimbursement of tuition, based on course and yearly caps. Prior approval of courses is usually required before reimbursement can occur. Tuition assistance is generally available to Service members who plan to enroll in distance learning courses from institutions listed in this Catalog. Since TA policy can change from year to year and even in the middle of a fiscal year, check with your local education center or Navy College personnel to confirm TA policy and procedures before enrolling.
2) Veterans Administration (VA) and Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
Prior to enrollment, all VA beneficiaries should check with the school or VA for the approval status of the courses they plan to pursue. Students can contact the VA to receive information describing the program for which they are eligible. The VA website is at http://www.va.gov. Their nationwide toll-free number is 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-422-4551). Prospective users of VA education benefits should be aware that provisions for in-service VA benefits may differ from those for veterans.
If Veterans Administration (VA) Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) reimbursement is to be claimed, include a VA Form 22-1990a when enrolling.
Students must be aware of the importance of grades. Each grade will count toward the individual’s education portfolio. Failing grades will ALWAYS figure into the student’s grade point average for the rest of the student’s life and Service members using tuition assistance are required to refund the tuition to the Service, according to Service policy.
Institutions have an established and published policy for the settlement of cases when a student wants to discontinue a course. The policy is available from the school for review before the student enrolls. The policy should appear on the institution's enrollment agreement. If the student does decide to withdraw from the course, the student must notify the school immediately. The amount of a refund, if any, is determined by the length of time between enrollment and notification of withdrawal.
NADLP Catalog Enrollment Information
In the NADLP Catalog under each school’s courses, specific information is provided about each course. The following information is a partial listing describing some of the information provided for each course:
Course Length
In the Catalog under each school’s courses, the column entitled “Course Length" indicates the maximum length of time the school allows for a student to complete that course. (W) represents (weeks) and (M) represents (months).
Tuition and Cost Information
In the Catalog under each school’s courses, the Tuition and Other Costs are listed. Other costs frequently are fees. Based on Service policies, some of the fees may be paid under tuition assistance.
Students should confirm tuition and fees with the school prior to enrollment. Students should be sure they understand which costs are attributable directly to the cost of instruction, that is, tuition, and which costs are attributable indirectly to other costs, that is, fees.
Individual schools may charge an additional amount for first class mail service. In all cases, students bear the cost for postage on items that they mail.
General Information
Accreditation and Tuition Assistance
DOD Instruction 1322.25 and DOD Directive 1322.8 govern the off-duty voluntary education programs offered to military personnel. For U.S. Government funds to be paid toward tuition costs associated with such voluntary education, recipient schools must be accredited by agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation is a non-governmental process that gives public recognition to institutions that meet certain published standards of academic and administrative quality.
Accreditation helps assure the public about the quality of the institution and it helps improve the institution. To become accredited, each institution makes an intensive study of its own operations, opens its doors to a thorough inspection by an independent examining committee, supplies all information required by the Accrediting Commission, and submits its instructional materials for a thorough review by competent subject-matter specialists. The process is repeated periodically and assures the institution meets established standards.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes different accrediting bodies for different purposes. Some bodies accredit only specialized programs that prepare students for professions or occupations closely related with professional associations in the field. In fields such as medicine, law or dentistry, graduation from an accredited program in the field is a prerequisite to receiving a license to practice in the field. Thus, accreditation that applies to institutions or programs is different from certification and licensure, which apply to individuals.
The U.S. Department of Education lists a number of accrediting agencies that determine the reliability and quality of education or training offered by schools and colleges.
What Does Accreditation Mean To a Student?
Accreditation does not mean that course work can be automatically transferred from one school to another, that an application for a higher degree will be accepted, or that an employer will accept credits or degrees. The decision to accept academic credit is at the discretion of each institution or employer. Accreditation does not mean one can begin a new program of study, or change one's "major" and expect classes to be accepted in that new program of study without review and evaluation.
Accreditation is a voluntary process that gives public recognition to institutions that meet certain standards. For the schools listed in this Catalog, it is a reasonable assurance that an institution will provide the quality of education it claims to offer. Accreditation signifies that a school:
- Has an academically sound program of study.
- Has adequate facilities and equipment.
- Follows approved recruitment and admissions policies.
- Has a competent faculty.
- Offers up-to-date courses.
- Screens students for admission.
- Has demonstrated ample student success and satisfaction.
- Advertises its courses truthfully.
- Provides satisfactory educational services and is financially able to continue to do so.
Area of Accreditation Authority
No accreditation of any kind guarantees acceptance and transfer of courses between schools. Students are advised to undertake all courses of study with consideration for their later intended use.
Distance Learning Guidelines for Students
Good Advice for Service Members
(Read before enrolling!)
Students must receive education counseling from their Service's voluntary education program representative to receive information about accreditation and transfer issues, and to apply for tuition assistance. This counseling must take place before the student enrolls. Some Services may require that courses be job related or meet other regulatory standards.
It is important to understand tuition reimbursement. You can be reimbursed up to 100 percent of the tuition, up to certain caps. You cannot be reimbursed for equipment, tools, textbooks, or certain fees.
Request a catalog, course description, and learning objectives from the school offering the course you want. Study them carefully.
Before signing up, you should know:
- the background education suggested/required for students
- methods used in submitting assignments
- the learning objectives taught in the course
- time allowed to complete the course (1 year? 6 months?) and if extensions are allowed
- total tuition and fees
- method of payment (check, money order, charge, financial contract)
- materials you will be furnished
- the equipment (such as computer with Internet access) you will need to complete the course
- cancellation and refund policies
- the date you can withdraw from the course without penalty
- the number of exams you must take during the course and who will be allowed to administer them
Make sure you understand the entire application and reimbursement process.
After you have successfully completed your course, contact the school to make sure it has sent your final grade to the Service Voluntary Education Office handling your reimbursement. The tuition process is not complete until the school submits your grades.
Beware of Any School That:
- Claims to offer training for Federal civil service jobs.
- Claims approval by the VA. The VA does not approve the home study school; it only approves the courses of study.
- Guarantees employment after completion.
- Advertises high salaries available to you upon graduation.
- Advises you on your Service's policy on tuition reimbursement. (Check the facts with your education counselor.)
- Offers a payment plan that puts you in debt for years.
Checklist for Selecting a Course, Program, or Degree
| 1. | Consider your long-term goal. Are you meeting military requirements or planning for a civilian job? Do you plan to transfer these courses to another school? (See the earlier pages that discuss accreditation and transfer of credit.) |
| 2. | Consider total tuition and costs not covered by tuition reimbursement. |
| 3. | Is it important to you that the school awards credit for job training/experience and credit-by-exam? |
| 4. | How will you be affected by the school's credit transfer policies; e.g., fees charged for evaluation, number of years since the transferred courses were completed, or the maximum amount of transfer credit allowed by the school? |
| 5. | Does the school's mode of delivery meet your requirements and capabilities? Do you have a VCR, or computer, if one is required? Can you access material from CD ROMs and DVDs? Do you have reliable Internet access? Can you communicate with the school without firewall problems? If required for the course, can you download their software? Do you need a specific hand-held device? |
| 6. | If you plan to use VA benefits, is the program VA-approved? Clarify with the school whether the program is VA-approved for regular part-time VA benefits. Provisions for In-Service VA benefits may differ from benefits for veterans. |
| 7. | Do the school's services meet your needs; for example, toll free number, fax, email, quick turnaround on assignments and provision of transcripts, single source for books, etc.? Will the school be accessible to you when you need them in your time zone? |
Devising an Educational Plan
| 1. | Define your goal. Don't start haphazardly. Think about your long-term goals. Will the courses count toward your later educational goal, or are you taking them for other purposes? |
| 2. | Understand your academic and financial requirements as described in the school's catalog. |
| 3. | If appropriate, ask the school to evaluate credits already earned, including the ACE Guide, credit-by-exam, CCAF, and credits from previously completed courses. |
| 4. | If appropriate, obtain a degree plan from the school based on the above evaluation. |
| 5. | Are there any additional exams that will satisfy the remaining requirements (CLEP, DSST, etc.)? |
| 6. | Complete each course successfully by following the steps listed in the following section. |
How to Succeed with Distance Learning Courses
| Completing a distance learning course can be difficult. Experience shows students who take courses which lead to specific educational goals have the highest success rate. It is best to have some college experience before undertaking distance learning courses. Think carefully about your ability to meet these criteria and to follow the recommendations listed below. | |
| 1. | Develop a plan for completing your course and put that plan on paper. Set aside specific hours for study. |
| 2. | Work in an atmosphere that allows you to study effectively. |
| 3. | Include milestones in your plan to be reached by a specific time. |
| 4. | Check your progress periodically; build the checkpoints into your plan. |
| 5. | Check the plan against the course outline and study guide provided by the school. Ensure they both look realistic when compared to your work schedule and other obligations. |
| 6. | Submit the first lesson as soon as possible. |
| 7. | Review all graded/returned lessons in the first part of your study session and review text materials to ensure an understanding of the concepts presented in past chapters. |
| 8. | Discuss what you learn with someone else. Learning is enhanced by discussing new information. |
| 9. | Try to enroll in the same course with two or three friends. Form a study team and meet as often as possible, at least twice a week. (Ask your education counselor for the DANTES brochure, Organizing a Study Group, stock number 2001). |
| 10. | Find someone who may be more knowledgeable in the subject area; use that person as a resource to talk with about the course. |
| 11. | Make contact with your instructors. Let them know of special problems or questions you have, as early as possible. |
| 12. | Complete lessons and examinations on time as required by the school. Ensure your work is clearly written. |
Problem Solving
Service members who encounter problems such as delay of books, materials, grade reports, etc., should first contact the representative identified by the school. If needed, students also may see their education counselor at the education center or email DANTES at dantesDL@navy.mil.
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