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What s Inside Letter from the Chief Information Officer 2 Online Course Basics 3 Tips and Techniques for a Successful Online Experience 4 Online Degree Programs 5 Online Program Quick Reference List 6 College of Education 8 College of Arts and Sciences 10 College of Nursing and Health Sciences 12 College of Public Policy and Justice 14 Hear from our Students 16 Alumna Profile 17 Applying to AUM 18 Transfer Admissions 22 Transient Enrollment 23 Tuition and Fees 24 Important Numbers Inside Back Cover AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 1
Welcome to Auburn University at Montgomery is dedicated to providing distance education opportunities that deliver an exceptional learning experience. We believe that online classes should be both rigorous and engaging, and understand the need for continuous interaction and support for online learners. AUM has been offering online courses since 1994 and distance learning programs since its founding. Our faculty achieve certification for online instruction through a comprehensive development program. The Office of Distance Learning supports AUM faculty in providing an engaging and supportive online learning environment that will contribute to your success. AUM aspires to a high standard of distinction for all our programs and courses. We strive to make excellence attainable through the convenience and quality of our distance education programs. We are pleased that you value quality instruction and have chosen AUM. Welcome to Warhawk Nation Online! Dr. Jeff Anderson, Chief Information Officer We are excited that you have chosen Auburn University at Montgomery to begin your educational journey! This guidebook will set you on your way. Read it carefully and please contact AUM Online if you have any questions. We are proud of our commitment to offering high-quality, academically rigorous programs taught by our excellent faculty. What is an Online Course? Online Course Basics An online course is a class taught over the Internet. Online courses are a form of distance learning. AUM classes typically provide readings and assignments each week. AUM Online courses are the same courses taught in the brick-and-mortar classroom. The content and materials are the same as those you would get in a face-to-face class. The difference is in the delivery. Class materials are delivered via text or multimedia. It is important to remember that online courses are very time intensive. Plan on spending as much time in an online course as you would spend sitting in a classroom listening to lectures and doing your homework outside of class. An online class typically takes as much time as a traditional class; you just spend your time differently. You, however, are in control of your time. 2 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 3
Tips and Techniques for a Successful Online Experience Planning Your Schedule While an Online class gives you more flexibility in choosing when you ll do your coursework, you ll still have to meet deadlines. Don t plan on missing a week of an online course for vacation or business and catching up later. Many instructors have weekly deadlines. Remember: online classes allow greater flexibility but require more discipline. Plan your schedule accordingly! Self-Discipline and Goal Setting In return for the convenience of completing a course around your own schedule, you have responsibilities. You must complete all coursework readings and assignments on time. Make a schedule! Set weekly goals. Discipline yourself to keep on track. If you fall behind, it will be hard to catch up. For a successful online experience, be sure to: Check your AUM email account frequently Log on to your course every day Keep in contact with your instructor Interact with your classmates as much as possible Contact the instructor for help if you have trouble understanding any aspect of the course Online Degree Programs We offer degree and certificate programs in AUM s core academic areas, including: Nursing and Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Public Policy and Justice, and Education. Our online programs are equivalent to our campus programs; they are taught by AUM faculty and receive the same accreditation. Each semester, AUM offers a wide array of online credit courses in many subjects. For a listing, see http://. Click on the semester you are interested in attending. You will find a list of all online and hybrid courses offered during that semester. Accreditation SACS Accreditation: Auburn University at Montgomery is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. 4 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 5
Online Program Quick Reference List Master of Science in Justice and Public Safety Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Medical Laboratory Science Master of Liberal Arts American Culture and Society Certificate Program Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program Master of Education: Instructional Technology Master of Kinesiology RN to BSN (EARN Program) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Auburn University at Montgomery/Auburn University joint program Instructional Technology Education Specialist (Ed.S.) 6 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 7
College of Education Master s in Instructional Technology AUM offers a Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology for teachers, staff, and administrators who wish to increase their understanding of the role of technology in student learning. This degree option is also appropriate for industry educators (those not in K- 12 or higher education) who wish to study instructional design and learn the uses of technology in learning and teaching. For more information, please contact Dr. Kellie Shumack at 334-244-3737 or kshumack@aum.edu, or Dr. Tim Lewis at 334-244-3184 or tlewis19@aum.edu. Kinesiology The Kinesiology teaching program prepares candidates for teaching physical education in P-12 schools. Satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Kinesiology master s degree certification program qualifies students for Alabama Class A certification. Requirements may be met online, on campus, or through a combination of online and campus courses. All graduate degrees in Kinesiology require successful completion of a comprehensive exam. For more information, contact Dr. Erin Reilly at 334-244-3586 or ereilly@aum.edu. Education Specialist Program Students enrolled in the Education Specialist Program have individually designed programs based on the master s level work they have done. An academic advisor helps students design their program. Requirements may be met online, on campus, or through a combination of both. For more information, contact Dr. Erin Reilly at 334-244-3586 or ereilly@aum.edu. Instructional Technology Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Technology skills are increasingly valued. The Instructional Technology Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree prepares candidates with such skills for professional settings that include P-12 schools, government, higher education, healthcare management, business, and industry. A graduate with a master s degree from any area is eligible to enter the Education Specialist in Instructional Technology program. For more information, contact Dr. Timothy Lewis at tlewis19@aum.edu or Dr. Kellie Shumack at kshumack@aum.edu. 8 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 9
College of Arts and Sciences Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) People from all walks of life come to Auburn University at Montgomery seeking a master s in liberal arts. It s the only interdisciplinary liberal arts master s degree program in Alabama and offers classes in Visual Arts, English, Philosophy, Sociology, Theatre, Geography, History, Spanish, and Anthropology. Students write their thesis on a subject of their choosing, allowing them to specialize in almost any field that interests them. AUM s MLA professors are active scholars and practitioners of their art and their expertise enriches their students experience. For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Sterling at 334-244-3760 or esterlin@aum.edu. American Culture and Society Want to study or do business in the United States? Or just want a better understanding of what it means to be an American? This is the right program for you. You ll take courses in American history, government, and contemporary life and will come to understand the way Americans live and think. The certificate program is designed for students who already have or are currently working on a degree. For more information, please contact Dr. Michael Burger at 334-244-3380 or mburger1@aum.edu. 10 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 11
College of Nursing and Health Sciences RN to BSN (EARN) The Educational Advancement for Registered Nurses (EARN) curriculum is designed for RNs who have a diploma or associate degree and desire to EARN their B.S.N. The program may be completed in three semesters of full-time study. The EARN program begins once a year in the summer semester. An extensive orientation prepares students for online learning. For more information on the EARN program, contact Janet Morrison at 334-244-3863 or janet.morrison@aum.edu, or Kris Conner at 334-244- 3431 or kconner4@aum.edu. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Auburn University at Montgomery/Auburn University joint program Prepares graduates to: Provide services to diverse populations Use innovative strategies, including an array of distance learning options Develop evidence-based programs Advocate for high-quality, cost-effective healthcare U. S. News & World Report rated the AUM graduate program in nursing as a Best Nursing School in 2011. The Auburn University at Montgomery School of Nursing is operated in cooperation with Auburn University, so a vast selection of resources and academic opportunities is available. For more information, please contact Dr. Barbara Wilder at 334-844-6766 or wildebf@auburn.edu. Medical Laboratory Science This online option is designed for certified clinical/medical laboratory technicians who have prior clinical laboratory experience with modern laboratory equipment, and military laboratory personnel who have completed military medical laboratory specialist school and have laboratory experience with modern clinical laboratory equipment. Upon completion of this program, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and/ or a Certificate of Completion of an accredited MLS Program. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations to become certified medical labororatory scientists/clinical laboratory scientists. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. Kyle Taylor at 334-244-3606 or ttaylor7@aum.edu. Fast Facts: Distinguished Teaching Faculty 90% of graduates from the School of Nursing have a job or a job offer by the time they graduate 97% of graduates are hired within three months of graduation 90% of graduates pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) 12 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 13
College of Public Policy and Justice Master of Science in Justice and Public Safety Welcome to a Justice and Public Safety program that is committed to arming you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the justice system. Two options are available for study: Legal Studies and Criminal Justice. The Criminal Justice concentration also offers an online Accelerated Executive Master s program for professionals in criminal justice that allows you to earn a master s online in as little as 12 months. For more information, contact Dr. Ralph Ioimo at 334-244- 3691 or rioimo@aum.edu. Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management AUM is honored to prepare military personnel, law enforcement, IT specialists, and emergency management professionals to anticipate and handle threats to public security and safety. Professors bring real-world experience to the classroom, sharing insider knowledge and the critical skills necessary to respond efficiently and with confidence. For more information, contact Dr. Ralph Ioimo at 334-244-3691 or rioimo@aum.edu. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate The Geographic Information Systems Certificate will teach you to use technology (hardware and software) and data to analyze spatial and geographic information. In Auburn University at Montgomery s GIS program, you ll master the technology that makes GIS work. These skills are in demand students often find jobs before they complete the certificate. You ll also study the interaction between people and their environments to see how it impacts culture, economics, ideology, and more. For more information, please contact Dr. Terry Winemiller at 334-244-3945 or twinemi1@aum.edu. Fast Facts about AUM s GIS program: Recognized by the GIS Certification Institute, the premiere certifying agency for Geographic Information Systems Nationally and internationally recognized faculty Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth in market demand 14 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 15
Hear from our students The positive experiences, support, and open lines of communication the EARN faculty provided me were definitely the reasons I chose to return to AUM to pursue my graduate education. James Hairston, Graduate Student, School of Nursing Being in my 30 s and working and attending school full time is sometimes a struggle. Online classes provide the convenience and flexibility needed to pursue my degree in Human Resources Management. I would love it if all my courses were offered online. Shelly Blackwell, Human Resources Student Taking online courses has allowed me more freedom. I can work the hours I need to and do assignments on my own time. And the instructors are incredible! Nicole Guerin, Accounting Student Alumna Profile Being a part of the EARN program has allowed me the opportunity to continue my education online while having a husband and five children ages 1-15! Heather Curtis, School of Nursing Student I had been a technology instructor for years when I decided to pursue Auburn University at Montgomery s Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology. I wanted to learn more about the growing role of technology in enhancing student learning. The faculty was first class! My expectations were already high, but the concern, expertise, and instructional experience of the AUM faculty greatly exceeded them. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and could not have been more pleased with the results. After 17 years in the K-12 classroom, with my Master of Education degree in Instructional Technology, I m now sharing my knowledge and experience with pre-service teachers at two universities. I m also a contributor for a textbook publishing company that is developing educational technology activities for the college classroom. Janice Newlin, M. Ed. Instructor Auburn University at Montgomery Foundations, Technology and Secondary Education 16 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 17
Applying to AUM: Undergraduate Ready to apply? Follow these steps to make sure you do everything you need to do. Step 1: Online Application Complete the online application. It s easy and free for undergraduate admissions. You will need to create an account if you are visiting the page for the first time. https://mars.aum.edu/onlineapplication/ Step 2: ACT/SAT Scores Have official ACT or SAT scores submitted to AUM. You can have the testing agency send them directly to AUM, submit the official scores yourself, or send a transcript on which they appear. AUM s College Board (CEEB) code for the SAT is 1036. AUM s ACT code is 0057. You can enter these codes when you register for the test and they will be sent automatically. Step 3: Official Transcripts Ask your high school guidance counselor to send official transcripts to AUM. It s OK if you have not graduated yet, but you will also need to submit an official four-year transcript after you graduate. If you have attended any other colleges or universities or earned dual credits, ask the registrar to send official transcripts to us as well: AUM Admissions P.O. Box 244023 Montgomery, AL 36124-4023 Step 4: Proof of Immunization After you are accepted but before you start classes, please complete and submit the proof of immunization form, available on the AUM website. 18 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 19
Applying to AUM: Graduate Ready to apply? Follow these steps to make sure you do everything you need to do. Step 1: Online Application Complete the easy online application form. The application fee is $25.00. You will need to create an account if you are visiting the page for the first time. https://mars.aum.edu/onlineapplication/ Step 2: Undergraduate Transcripts Have the registrar of your undergraduate institution(s) send your official transcripts to AUM. A bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission to master s programs. AUM Office of Graduate Studies P.O. Box 244023 Montgomery, AL 36124-4023 Step 3: Test Scores Have official GRE, MAT, or GMAT scores sent to AUM. The scores cannot be more than five years old. Check with the department you are interested in to find out which test, if any, it prefers. Step 4: Talk to Your Department Make sure to check with your department about other admission requirements! Several programs have additional requirements for admission, such as a letter of recommendation. 20 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 21
Transfer Admissions Transient Enrollment Applying to AUM as a transfer student is easy. We require an online application and official transcripts from all schools you ve attended previously. Transfer applications should have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher. If you have passed fewer than 24 semester hours, you must also meet freshman admission requirements. https://mars.aum.edu/onlineapplication/ All required documents should be sent to: Auburn University at Montgomery Office of Admissions P.O. Box 244023 Montgomery, AL 36124-4023 STARS: Statewide Transfer & Articulation Reporting System Students transferring from Alabama Public two-year institutions should consult the Statewide Transfer & Articulation Reporting System (STARS) website for Alabama Articulation & General Studies Committee information. You may transfer up to 60 hours from any two-year college. AGSC Approved Transfer Guide: http://stars.troy.edu For more information on AUM Transfer Admissions, please visit www.aum.edu/transfer. Want to take AUM classes to transfer elsewhere? Students in good standing at accredited colleges or universities may take AUM courses. Application Process Transient permission is good for only one semester. You must submit a new transient permission form for each subsequent semester of enrollment. 1. Please complete the free online application by going to: https://mars.aum.edu/onlineapplication 2. Obtain a Transient Permission Form or Letter of Good Standing from your home institution. This form should be signed by the dean/department head and/or registrar and mailed to: Auburn University Montgomery Office of Admissions Processing PO Box 244023 Montgomery, AL 36124-4023 3. Confirm with your home institution that credit for AUM courses will transfer back to the institution. 4. Transient students will receive an official letter of acceptance from the Office of Admissions Processing regarding registration dates and times. 22 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY 23
Tuition and Fees AUM offers affordable and convenient classes. In addition to credit hour cost, AUM charges a $20 per credit hour fee for hybrid courses and a $40 per credit hour fee for online courses. For a list of current tuition and fees for online students, please go to: http://www.aum.edu/admissions/ financial-information/tuition-fees/2013-2014- tuition-and-fees. Non-Alabama Residents Enrolled in Fully Online Graduate Programs: Non-Alabama residents enrolled in fully online programs are charged tuition at the rate of $295.00 per credit hour for undergraduates and $365.00 per credit hour for graduate students. Some of the fees charged to on-campus students are waived for fully online students, saving the non-alabama distance education student hundreds of dollars per semester. All AUM students are assessed an administrative fee of $35.00 per semester and a student technology fee of $8.00 per credit hour. All students in online classes at AUM are assessed the online learning fee of $40.00 per credit hour. This fee covers items necessary to the delivery of fully online programs such as the development and production of online 24 AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY courses, licensing for the Learning Management System and other instructional applications. The Higher Education Opportunity Act The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires that institutions offering distance education courses or programs have processes in place to ensure that the student registering for a course is the same student who participants in the course and receives course credit. The HEOA requires institutions to verify the identity of a student who participates in class or coursework by methods such as: A secure login and pass code Proctored examinations New or other technologies and practices effective in verifying student identity. Additionally, the HEOA requires Auburn University at Montgomery to protect student privacy and notify students of any additional charges associated with the verification of student identity at the time of registration or enrollment. Important Numbers Undergraduate Admissions 334-244-3615 International Admissions 334-244-3375 Graduate Admissions 334-244-3623 Transfer Admissions 334-244-3615 Financial Aid 334-244-3571 Registrar s Office 334-244-3796 Library 334-244-3200 Learning Center 334-244-3470 Center for Disability Services 334-244-3631 College of Business 334-244-3478 College of Education 334-244-3413 College of Arts and Sciences 334-244-3382 College of Nursing and Health Sciences 334-244-3658 College of Public Policy and Justice 334-244-3691 online@aum.edu