When you enroll in a program with Pitt Online, you are choosing to take all required courses and electives in an online format. You’ll progress through your coursework just like you would in a traditional classroom with assignments, assessments and participation requirements. You’ll interact with your instructor and fellow students via online discussions and submit your assignments online.

In most cases, yes, the majority of your online courses will be offered completely online (meaning you never need to come to the University of Pittsburgh campus). Depending on the program, there may be components that require participation at a specific time or proctoring of exams or assignments. Each program is slightly different so check program information for specific details.

Online courses are different from on-campus courses in that all course material is available via the Internet. Students can access the courses from their home or office and in most cases there are no specific time requirements, meaning you can access your course from anywhere, at any time.

Online courses at Pitt Online are just as rigorous as on-campus courses and in some cases may be more challenging. Online students need to be organized, technically savvy, self-disciplined and prepared to complete course work without direct supervision.

Most of our online programs follow the same schedule as our on-campus programs. Fall and spring courses run for 15 weeks. In the summer semester, courses may run for 6, 12, or 14 weeks. You may check our academic calendar for specific term details. Please note that courses in the Law School’s online certificate programs run for seven weeks.

You will have an instructor for each course. The same faculty who teach our on-campus students will be leading our online programs. You’ll have access to the same community of faculty as your on-campus counterparts.

Interaction with other students is part of what makes an educational experience complete. Online, you’ll have access to interact with other students in asynchronous discussion or on your own through email, phone or chat. Instructors will lead online discussions that allow students to benefit from the expertise of their peers and also capitalize on classroom networking opportunities.

Online programs at the University of Pittsburgh were developed to be offered 100 percent online. In some cases, depending on the subject matter, a program may have a course or courses that require proctoring or other synchronous elements. Check the specific program information for additional details.

Each program is slightly different based on the content and delivery method selected by the school. In most cases, you’ll be able to complete your degree completely at a distance. Check your specific program of interest for any details about on-campus requirements or optional events.

In general, there are no specific times that students are required to be online. Course activities can be completed anytime, anywhere as long as assignment due dates are met. In some cases, your instructor may offer supporting resources, such as online office hours, which are available at a specific time. Additionally, a few courses may include exams which require proctoring or are available only during a certain window of time. The intent is to create a flexible and accessible learning environment for students.

There is no daily login requirement to participate in an online program. But you should plan to log in frequently to access course content and interact with other students. Additionally, specific assignments will have deadlines, just like in the on-campus environment, so you’ll need to check the specific course deadlines to make sure your assignments are completed on time.

All textbook and materials can be purchased through the University Store on Fifth.

As an online student, you will have access to our online student orientation course, tutorials, and the student handbook. Additionally, you’ll have access to our 24/7 technical resources to support any questions about the online course system and materials.

Upon successful completion of your degree track, you will earn a diploma from the University of Pittsburgh. It will not be classified as an online degree.

The admission requirements for online students are the same as for on-campus students. Check the Admissions section of the program pages.

Courses can be transferred into the online program providing they meet the requirements set up by each school. Check the programs page for more information or check in with a student advisor to see if your credits are eligible for transfer.

You can Apply Now by using the online application.

To view current tuition rates for Pitt Online students, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Financial aid is available for online programs. Visit the program pages for more information about financial support.

All University of Pittsburgh students are assigned a student advisor. Upon acceptance into the University and to Pitt Online you will be assigned an advisor from your school.

As a Pitt Online student, you will have access to all of the same resources as our on-campus students. View our Student Resources page for access to specific information about support services.

The Computing Services Help Desk offers 24/7 technical support. They are available by phone (412-624-HELP), email (help@pitt.edu) or online web form.

There are several library systems available to Pitt Online students, including the University Library System, the Health Sciences Library System, and the Barco Law Library. Resources available at these libraries are also available digitally.

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course. The University of Pittsburgh offers a number of MOOCs on the Coursera platform. These are online courses available to anyone in the world.

Generally speaking, yes. All of the MOOCs Pitt offers can be taken for free. If you would like to earn a certificate for proof of completion, however, there is a reasonable fee for obtaining this credential. The fee varies based on the MOOC. You can find more information on the MOOC course site on Coursera.