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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Technical Questions

For any technical questions please refer to Online@UCF Support.

What is a web-based or online course?

Web-based courses may loosely be defined as any course delivered using the Internet. At UCF, we define five types of courses that use the Internet to deliver all or part of the course. These are described on the Types of Courses page. UCF uses a course management system called Webcourses@UCF to deliver online content. In order to access Webcourses@UCF, you need one of the major Web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.

How much does an online course cost?

Online courses fall under the same tuition rates as face to face classes. A distance learning course fee will be charged per credit hour. UCF’s Current Tuition and Fee Schedule is always available online.

Is financial aid available for online courses?

Students taking online courses qualify for financial aid and scholarships the same as all UCF students. For more information on financial aid and scholarship options please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance website.

Do I need to know how to operate a computer to enroll in an online course?

You need to have basic computer knowledge and know how to navigate the Internet in order to be successful in an online course.

Do I need a specific program for an online course?

UCF online courses utilize a computer program that is stored on a UCF server. In order to access the program, you will need:

  1. Access to the Internet. Remember UCF provides free access to the Internet via the campus network. If you are in Orlando, Brevard or Daytona, you may utilize the campus network at no charge. If you are outside the campus network area or want faster access, you will need to contact an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and follow their instructions.
  2. A Web browser that is supported by Webcourses@UCF. You can test your browser compatibility by visiting https://webcourses.ucf.edu/ and clicking the “Check Your Browser” link at the bottom left of the page.
  3. Individual courses may require specific applications such as MS Word, Aplia, or any number of other tools. Always refer to the course syllabus for information or ask the instructor.

Do I need a specific kind of computer for an online course?

You do not need a specific type of computer. Webcourses@UCF will run on both Windows and Mac. However, there are specific hardware recommendations. Go to the following URL for these recommendations: http://www.cpostores.com/ucfstore/graphics/Computer%20Recommendations.pdf

What are the advantages of taking an online course?

Some of the advantages of taking online courses are:

  1. Less driving to campus.
  2. Online portion of class may be accessed at a time convenient for you.
  3. If you have a time conflict, you may be able to take an online version of the course.
  4. You may access an online course anywhere you have access to the Internet.

What are the disadvantages of taking an online course?

Some of the disadvantages of taking online courses are:

  1. If you do not have minimum technical and computer skills, you may have difficulty completing the course.
  2. Technical problems may occur.
  3. If you enjoy meeting people and talking to your classmates, you find interaction to be different online.
  4. If you need the structure of periodic class meetings to get your assignments done, you may fall behind in an online class.

Who may take an online course?

Any student that has been admitted to the University may take an online course at UCF. Fully online courses are just one of several delivery modes for courses offered by UCF. See the Types of Courses page for a description of the different modalities.

Do online courses cost more than face to face courses?

There is no tuition difference between an online course and a traditional face to face course. When taking a fully online course you are assessed a special distance learning course fee.

Who teaches online courses?

All UCF faculty are eligible to teach online. UCF requires that faculty members attend a course that prepares them to design and facilitate an online course. Once a faculty member completes the requirements of this course, he/she may develop and deliver an online course.

Do online students have access to UCF facilities such as labs?

Online students have the same privileges as students who attend face to face courses. Of course, you need to be close enough to a campus to take advantage of these privileges.

Are online courses accredited like traditional face to face courses?

Online courses and programs go through the same accreditation process as traditional courses. Accreditation agencies have incorporated new standards for online programs and UCF ensures that its programs meet these standards.