What are the computer requirements?

Requirements are similar among the institutions. Since different platforms are used for course delivery, compatibility with the web browser is most important, although if you are using an older computer with limited memory, or a slow dial-up modem, you may wish to upgrade your equipment. Courses do require the use of a computer, the Internet and e-mail. To ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements, run a system diagnostics test at http://public.online.ksu.edu/support/readiness.

Is financial aid available?

It depends. Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. This form is located online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. To qualify for federal financial aid at the graduate level, students must be degree-seeking and generally must enroll in 5 credit hours for the fall and spring semesters, and 3 hours in the summer. Please contact your “home” institution for availability, deadlines and specific regulations at your university. Most scholarships and assistantships require full-time study on-campus. Your campus coordinator can direct you to the proper office on your campus for assistance with financial aid questions.

Can I take online courses before I am admitted into a degree program?

At most institutions, you can apply to be admitted as a non-degree seeking student. The number of credits you are allowed to complete as a non-degree student will be limited. Be sure to check with your Campus Coordinator about the university's policies and begin the program admission process as soon as possible.

What is required for admission?

Students must apply for entry into the program at the university they have selected as their “home” institution. Admission requirements vary. Please check with the university to which you are applying for specific requirements at that institution. Requirements might include GRE scores, a resume, statement of objectives, and letters of recommendation, in addition to an application, fee and transcripts from previous college work.

How do I choose a home university?

There are several things to consider when deciding which university you wish to apply to. We suggest students look at the faculty research interests at each university. Also, the admission and graduation requirements may also vary from institution, to institution. There are certain courses that are required within each degree program regardless of which institution is the student”s home university. Students will take these courses from the same instructor and with the same students no matter where they are enrolled. It is the elective courses and graduation requirements that might differ between institutions.

Do I have to be admitted to all the graduate programs at the participating universities?

You only need to be admitted to the university you select as your "home" university, which is the university from which you will receive your degree or certificate. You will register for the appropriate classes at your “home” university. The admission fee will be waived at all but the “home” university.

How does an inter-institutional program work?

Students select a “home” institution to apply to. They will enroll in all courses through that university, though the course may be taught at a participating university. Students log into the course at the “teaching” institution. At the end of the semester, grades are reported on the transcript at the “home” institution. There is no need to request a transcript from the teaching institution.

Dietetics

This degree enables dietitians to apply cutting-edge information in food, nutrition, food service management and wellness to enhance dietetics practice. Students successfully completing the program learn to think independently and critically to evaluate and apply new research concepts and theories to advance their professional practice.

Elective courses cover a variety of topics to meet the diverse needs of dietetics professionals. Electives include clinically-oriented nutrition courses, community or public health nutrition courses, healthcare administration, management-oriented courses, food science, food service management, and more.

Family and Consumer Sciences

This degree provides the pedagogy requirements for an Family and Consumer Science teaching certificate for most states. Standards for teacher certification vary by state, and students must meet the requirements of the state in which they want to be certified. Additional requirements may include courses in the teaching specialization, tests, or other requirements. Alternatively, graduates may choose to develop and conduct youth programming in an informal educational setting.

Nationwide, there is strong demand for FCS teachers. Many states are experiencing a serious shortage, with the most severe need in rural areas.

With the degree you will be able to:

• Plan curriculum for teaching
• Engage students in the learning process
• Examine the relationship of diverse groups and the educational process
• Analyze the historical and philosophical underpinnings of FCS education.
• Apply research to practice

Community Development

We welcome those working in all areas to help communities and regions build their capacity for an inclusive, sustainable future. We welcome those who volunteer their time and resources to support community. Most of all we welcome those with a passion for working toward a brighter future and a willingness to share their experience and wisdom with other via out online community.

Community Development training is essential because it:

• Initiates social action processes and helps to maintain balance to improve social, economic, cultural and environmental situations.
• Encourages people to see the whole picture.
• Engages citizens in demographic decision-making and action.
• Teaches critical thought, ethical consideration, careful planning and involvement of all stakeholders.

This degree is for community leaders, practitioners and for those committed to people and places. It provides the skills, information and networks needed to facilitate sustainable and prosperous community change. A master's degree in Community Development equips practitioners with the tools necessary to build communities for the 21st century.

Family Financial Planning

Tremendous change in the financial services industry provides opportunity for an exciting, dynamic career. Financial service providers from insurance companies to banks to investment firms are extending their services to provide comprehensive financial assistance.

An advanced degree or certificate in financial planning is ideal for a variety of financially-related fields:

• Insurance
• Real Estate
• Investment
• Retirement
• Tax
• Estate Planning
• Community Education

Gerontology

We live in a aging society, one in which the older population is growing both in absolute numbers and in proportion to all other age groups. Businesses, government agencies, service organizations, educational institutions and self-employed professionals from every economic sector are recognizing the need for specialized knowledge and skills to meet the needs of this changing demographic.

An advanced degree in Gerontology can benefit the professional in:

• social work
• nursing
• counseling
• recreation
• public policy
• long-term care administration
• medicine
• architecture
• interior design
• adult education
• rehabilitation therapy
• human/family services

Some Gerontologists work directly with older persons in a wide variety of programs and services in the community. Other work on behalf of older persons in areas such as advocacy and teaching about aging.

Merchandising

Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance is the only alliance of public universities to offer a full graduate program in merchandising completely online.

Upon successful completion of the Master's Degree in Merchandising the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a global-centric perspective that articulates the interconnectedness of cultural, economic, political, social and environment systems as they relate to merchandising.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the character traits and skills associated with good leadership that can be applied to changing situational contexts.
• Assimilate and evaluate knowledge of and apply critical thinking related to:consumers, technology, current and future trends, product development and distribution, the research process, the strategic planning process, ethics and social responsibility.

Food Safety and Defense

Four universities have joined together to offer an online graduate certificate in food safety and defense. The core course include: A Multidisciplinary Overview of Food Safety and Security, Microbiology of Food, Food Toxicants, and Principles of HACCP.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Food Safety and Defense the student will be able to demonstrate:

• Understanding of the muti-faceted areas that are affected by food safety and defense issues and events.
• Ability to apply the scientific principles of microbial and chemical risks as they relate to food safety and defense issues in real world situations.
• Ability to apply the concepts of HACCP programs, as well as other safety and defense programs, in the food continuum and their critical role in food safety and defense.
• Evidence that they can advance the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of food safety and defense issues in the food industry.

Youth Development

This program is the only online degree which focuses solely on youth development. Students will become immersed in a strengths-based curriculum, an approach which is in high demand nationwide, and learn a methodology which supports youth, enabling them to become socially, emotionally, and cognitively competent adults.
A master's degree or certification in Youth Development prepares students for a career in organizations such as 4-H and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, non-profits, faith-based groups, community recreation, juvenile justice facilities, middle and high school programs, extension services, and military youth programs.
With this degree you will be able to:

• Develop policies with a positive effect.
• Understand normative pathways to development.
• Work with agencies, boards, families, and other professionals.
• Gain the necessary skills for budgeting, grant writing, and fund-raising.
• Examine the impact of local, state, federal, and global policies on youth.
• Identify how youth and family cultural issues affect positive youth outcomes.