Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to a number of common questions about distance education at NMSU. If you have other questions or concerns, please take a few moments to explore our website or contact us for more information.

What is distance education?
What distance education degree programs does NMSU offer?
What distance education courses does NMSU offer?
What is a degree completion program?
How much is tuition for a distance education course?
Can I receive financial aid as distance education student?
How do I register for a distance education course?
Is help available for students with special needs?
How do I log-in to NMSU's online services?
What is Blackboard?

What is distance education?
Distance Education at NMSU is defined as the formal education process of delivering instruction so that students physically remote from the campus and/or instructor may participate. Course delivery may include face-to-face interaction and/or synchronous or asynchronous written, electronic, or other media forms.

What distance education degree programs does NMSU offer?
New distance education degree programs are added every year. See our Degree Programs page for a complete listing.

What distance education courses does NMSU offer?
Every semester NMSU offers a number of distance education courses, both online and at sites throughout New Mexico. See our Course Listings page or the NMSU Course Schedule for more information.

What is a degree completion program?
A degree completion program is an option for students who have completed the first two years of college course work and are ready to complete the upper division classes in order to earn a Bachelor's.

How much is tuition for a distance education course?
NMSU Distance Education tuition and fees are the same rate as main campus plus a $25 per credit hour Distance Education fee. Additionally, some courses have their own special course fees. For more information about tuition, fees, payment options, and the current schedule of costs, see NMSU's University Accounts Receivable page.

Can I receive financial aid as distance education student?
For information about financial aid and scholarships, see NMSU's Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

How do I register for a distance education course?
The registration process for a distance education course is the same as for any other course and may be completed online at myNMSU. Students needing extra assistance with registration should contact us in writing via email.

Is help available for students with special needs?
Yes. Students with documented physical, learning or psychological disabilities are asked to register with NMSU's Services for Students with Disabilities office to assure they are provided appropriate accommodations.

How do I log-in to NMSU's online services?
In order to access many online services, including Web Registration, WebCT, and myNMSU, you must have a myNMSU account. Our Accounts & Passwords page contains step-by-step instructions for creating your log-in information.

What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a web-based, interactive, e-learning system used by NMSU. It enables instructors to integrate the Internet into course delivery. Blackboard will be replacing WebCT in the Fall of 2009. To learn more about Blackboard, visit http://learn.nmsu.edu/.